Romania Joins the Visa Waiver Program

A Historic Milestone for Alianta and Romanian-American Relations

Alianta is thrilled to celebrate Romania’s official designation into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), announced today by Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. This monumental achievement signifies a new chapter in Romanian-American relations, further strengthening cultural, economic, and diplomatic ties between our two nations. The event was also celebrated in Bucharest where Ambassador Kathleen Kavalec offered remarks to a group of US and Romanian officials today.

A Collective Effort Toward a Shared Goal

Alianta has been a steadfast supporter of Romania’s journey toward joining the Visa Waiver Program. From raising awareness about the program’s requirements to facilitating dialogue between U.S. and Romanian officials, Alianta has played an active role in advocating for this critical step.

Alianta’s Chair, Ambassador (Ret.) Jim Rosapepe, as well as Alianta’s co-founder, Ambassador Mark Gitenstein also deserve special recognition.

“This is great news for US/Romanian relations!” Ambassador Jim Rosapepe declared. “It will particularly boost our economic and cultural ties. And make a lot of Romanian American parents happy, as more grandparents will be able to visit their grandchildren in the US.

Since I served in Romania in the 1990’s, I’ve heard the frustration of Romanians and their families and business partners in the US with visa requirements for short visits. And, in 2000, then-Foreign Minister Petre Roman raised first the issue with me a Romanian government priority.

For over a decade, Alianta has championed visa waiver for Romania, including last year when we worked closely with both governments and sponsored a robust social media campaign to help Romanians reduce the visa refusal rate. We’ll continue our commitment to help make it a success for people of both countries.”

Radu Florescu, President of Alianta’s Romanian chapter, led a concentrated effort in Romania to help the country meet the program’s stringent criteria. Through strategic outreach and collaboration with Romanian government representatives, as well as public awareness campaigns, Radu was instrumental in ensuring that Romania achieved the benchmarks necessary for inclusion. His leadership was vital in mobilizing support and disseminating accurate information about the VWP process.

“This accomplishment is the result of a true team effort,” said Radu Florescu. “It required the alignment of government, private organizations, and individual citizens, all working toward the shared goal of securing Romania’s place in the Visa Waiver Program. I’d like to thank our creative director, Mihai Gongu, who came up with a brilliant insight for the campaign. For me, this milestone is a testament to the strength of the U.S.-Romania partnership and the enduring values we share.”

This achievement would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of key individuals and partners. Ambassador Andrei Muraru, Romania’s ambassador to the United States, played a pivotal role in advancing Romania’s case with U.S. authorities. His diplomatic leadership was essential in ensuring that Romania met the rigorous security, law enforcement, and information-sharing requirements of the VWP. Alianta is honored to have worked alongside Ambassador Muraru on several initiatives supporting this goal, and we extend our deepest gratitude for his contributions.

The inclusion of Romania in the VWP means that Romanian citizens can now travel to the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days for business or tourism. This long-awaited milestone has been a top priority for the Romanian-American community and marks the culmination of years of hard work, advocacy, and collaboration between U.S. and Romanian leaders, as well as civil society organizations like Alianta.

The Broader Impact of Joining the VWP

Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program has far-reaching implications. For individuals, it means greater ease of travel, eliminating the need to navigate the time-consuming and often costly process of obtaining a U.S. visa. For families, it offers the opportunity to connect more easily with loved ones. For businesses, it opens doors to increased collaboration, trade, and investment opportunities.

The program’s impact extends beyond convenience. It is a powerful symbol of trust between Romania and the United States, reflecting Romania’s commitment to security, transparency, and international cooperation. This achievement also enhances Romania’s standing as a trusted partner within the European Union and the global community.

Looking Ahead

This historic milestone is not the end of the journey but the beginning of a new chapter in Romanian-American relations. Alianta remains committed to fostering initiatives that enhance this partnership. From promoting cultural exchange programs to facilitating business opportunities, we will continue to build on the strong foundation established by this achievement.

As we celebrate Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program, we also recognize the collective efforts that made it possible. This success belongs to every Romanian and Romanian-American who advocated, supported, and believed in this goal. It is a reminder of what can be accomplished when we work together toward a shared vision.

We invite you to join us in celebrating this historic achievement. Together, we look forward to a future of deeper connection, stronger partnerships, and mutual success between the United States and Romania.