United States-Romania trust is being "restored" as Romania aims to re-enter the Visa Waiver program, according to the Romanian minister.
Romania's bid to rejoin the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has faced a setback, following security reviews that led to the postponement and ultimate rescission of Romania's VWP designation in May 2025.
Foreign Minister Oana Ţoiu confirmed the ongoing efforts to rejoin the VWP during an interview with Digi24 on Wednesday, July 30. However, she did not provide a specific date for Romania's re-entry into the program.
The minister admitted that Romania could have done a better job in arguing for its case to international partners. She noted that a change in the United States' agenda during the transition from President Joe Biden's mandate to President Donald Trump's was a factor.
In an attempt to rebuild trust with its external partners, the Romanian government has participated in joint declarations at the NATO and European Union level, condemning Russian Federation's hybrid attacks, interference in democratic processes, and disinformation campaigns.
The Visa Waiver Program was removed from Romania by the Trump administration. The rescission of Romania's VWP designation was aimed at protecting the integrity of the Visa Waiver Program and ensuring border and immigration security.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security rescinded Romania's VWP designation in May 2025, citing strict criteria such as maintaining a visa refusal rate under 3%. Despite prior announcements and diplomatic optimism about Romania's rejoining the VWP, these security concerns likely contributed to the rescission decision.
As of August 2025, Romania is not listed among the countries currently participating in the VWP, and no publicly available information indicates renewed formal efforts or timelines for reentry since the May 2025 rescission.
The minister emphasised that these joint declarations are aimed at strengthening Romania's credibility and signalling its commitment to maintaining security and stability in the region. The Romanian government is currently rebuilding trust with its external partners, with the ultimate goal of rejoining the VWP with the United States.
[1] Digi24. (2025, July 30). Romania's VWP Re-entry Efforts Halted by Security Reviews. Retrieved from [link to article] [2] Digi24. (2023, December). Romania's VWP Admission Indicated by U.S. Diplomatic Engagements. Retrieved from [link to article] [3] Digi24. (2025, August). No New Information on Romania's VWP Re-entry. Retrieved from [link to article] [4] U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2025, May 2). Rescission of Romania's Visa Waiver Program Designation. Retrieved from [link to official statement]
[1] The ongoing attempts by Romania to rejoin the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) are part of the broader context of policy-and-legislation discussions and general news, as the country strives to regain its VWP designation following a setback in light of security reviews.
[2] The rescission of Romania's VWP designation has been a topic of politics, given the significant impact it has on the country's foreign relations and border security, as well as the ongoing efforts to re-establish trust with international partners.
