U.S. Revokes Romania's Visa Waiver Over Security Concerns

The Trump administration has revoked Romania's admission to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program, citing unresolved security concerns and reversing a decision by the outgoing Biden administration. The Department of Homeland Security insisted the move was needed to uphold the program's security standards, while Romania argued it had met all criteria, including low visa refusal rates and enhanced security cooperation. The decision was made just days before Romania's rescheduled presidential election, prompting speculation about political motivations and recent controversies involving alleged Russian interference, although U.S. officials did not directly connect the reversal to these events. Romanian officials expressed regret and reaffirmed their commitment to U.S. partnership. The U.S. indicated Romania could be reconsidered for the program in the future if it meets all statutory requirements. Romania now remains, alongside Bulgaria and Cyprus, among the only EU countries excluded from the visa waiver program, despite having recently joined the EU's Schengen area.