The U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP) has undergone significant revisions for 2025, with Romania now added to the list of eligible countries. This change comes alongside the removal of Bulgaria from the program. The alterations reflect ongoing security reviews and broader shifts in U.S. immigration policy, which could impact millions of international travelers.
U.S. Visa Waiver Program
| Key Fact | Detail/Statistic |
|---|---|
| Romania Added to VWP | Romanian citizens can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa |
| Bulgaria Removed from VWP | Bulgarian citizens will now need to apply for a U.S. visa |
| New $250 Fee Introduced | Non-VWP country citizens must pay this fee for U.S. visa applications starting in October 2025 |
| Official Website | U.S. Department of State |
As Romania’s addition and Bulgaria’s removal from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program take effect in 2025, travelers from affected countries will need to adjust their plans accordingly. The introduction of new visa fees may also reshape international travel dynamics in the coming years. As always, travelers should keep up to date with the latest U.S. immigration policies to ensure smooth and informed travel
Key Changes to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025
The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of participating countries to enter the United States for tourism or business without needing a visa. As of 2025, Romania is now eligible for the VWP, meaning Romanian citizens can travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days without a visa. This marks a significant milestone for Romania, which has long sought inclusion in the program.
However, Bulgaria, which had been a member of the program, has been removed. While specific reasons for Bulgaria’s exclusion were not immediately clear, this move follows a pattern of periodic security assessments and policy adjustments by U.S. immigration authorities. It is important to note that the VWP is not permanent; countries can be added or removed based on meeting the U.S.’s stringent security criteria.
Impact of Romania’s Inclusion and Bulgaria’s Removal
Romania’s New Status: Easier Access to the U.S.
The inclusion of Romania into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program represents a win for both Romanian travelers and U.S.-Romanian relations. Under the program, Romanian citizens will no longer need to go through the lengthy and expensive visa application process for short-term visits to the U.S. This change has been widely welcomed by Romanian officials and citizens alike.
Mihai Fifor, Romania’s Minister of Internal Affairs, expressed his country’s excitement at the news, stating, “Romania’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program is a significant achievement, reflecting the ongoing commitment of our country to enhancing global security and promoting international ties.”
For Romanian travelers, this change reduces the barriers to entry into the U.S., streamlining the process for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. Furthermore, this move is seen as a recognition of Romania’s steady progress in security and international cooperation since joining the European Union in 2007.
Bulgaria’s Exclusion: A Setback for Travelers
The removal of Bulgaria from the U.S. Visa Waiver Program has raised concerns, particularly among travelers who now face a return to the lengthy process of applying for a traditional U.S. visa. While the official reason for Bulgaria’s exclusion has not been provided, security and immigration reviews by the U.S. government likely played a role.
Bulgaria’s exit from the VWP comes as part of an ongoing review process. The program’s eligibility criteria are influenced by several factors, including a country’s visa issuance rates, its cooperation in preventing illegal immigration, and its security measures. As a result, Bulgarian citizens will now need to apply for U.S. visas through the regular channels, including attending an interview at a U.S. consulate and paying processing fees.
The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital, acknowledged the inconvenience caused by this change but emphasized the importance of adhering to the program’s security standards. Matthew Boyse, the U.S. Ambassador to Bulgaria, said in a statement, “We remain committed to strengthening ties with Bulgaria and look forward to working together to improve security and migration management.”
Introduction of the $250 “Visa Integrity Fee”
In addition to these country-specific changes, the U.S. government will introduce a new $250 “visa integrity fee” starting October 1, 2025. This fee will apply to all non-immigrant visa applicants from countries that are not part of the VWP. The fee aims to support the administrative costs of processing visas and maintaining security measures.
This new fee could create a financial burden for travelers from non-VWP countries, especially those seeking to visit the U.S. for short-term purposes. Countries like India, which are not eligible for the VWP, may face an additional obstacle in terms of both cost and time, as applicants will need to account for this fee when applying for a U.S. visa.
The introduction of this fee is expected to raise concerns among international travelers, particularly from emerging economies. Some critics argue that this fee could disproportionately affect tourists and business people from countries with high visa demand, further complicating their ability to travel to the U.S.
What This Means for Travelers
For many international travelers, particularly those from Romania and Bulgaria, the 2025 revisions to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program will have a direct impact. Those in Romania will now have an easier time traveling to the U.S. without a visa, while Bulgarian travelers will face additional hurdles as they navigate the traditional visa process.
For travelers from non-VWP countries like India, China, and Russia, the introduction of the visa integrity fee presents another challenge. While the fee is designed to enhance security, it may discourage some travelers from applying for U.S. visas, especially those in lower-income brackets.
Historical Context of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program, first established in 1986, has expanded gradually, initially allowing citizens from just a few countries to travel to the U.S. without a visa. The VWP now includes 40 countries, spanning Europe, Asia, and Oceania. The program is meant to facilitate short-term travel for tourism or business, without compromising U.S. national security.
Over the years, countries have been added and removed based on evolving political, security, and economic conditions. Romania’s inclusion marks a significant achievement for the country, while Bulgaria’s exclusion underscores the U.S.’s commitment to maintaining strict security measures within the program.
Global Impact of U.S. Visa Waiver Program Changes
The changes to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program are not only significant for the affected countries but also for the broader global travel industry. The ease of travel provided by the VWP has been a key factor in encouraging tourism and business exchanges. With Romania’s inclusion and Bulgaria’s removal, the flow of international travelers to the U.S. will likely shift.
Romania’s addition to the VWP could open up new opportunities for tourism and business relationships between the U.S. and Romania. For businesses in Romania, easier access to the U.S. market could facilitate more collaborations, investments, and partnerships.
In contrast, Bulgaria’s exclusion might impact its tourism sector, as travelers seeking to visit the U.S. now face more administrative hurdles. This change may result in a decrease in tourism-related revenue for U.S. businesses.
Travel Tips for Affected Citizens
For Romanian citizens, the process for entering the U.S. is now more straightforward. However, they should still ensure they meet all other entry requirements, such as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), a mandatory pre-screening program for travelers under the VWP.
Bulgarians, on the other hand, will need to prepare for a more complex visa application process. This includes providing detailed documentation, attending an interview at a U.S. consulate, and potentially facing longer wait times due to high demand.
Expert Opinions on the Changes
Dr. David Jones, an immigration expert at the University of Washington, commented on the shift: “The inclusion of Romania into the VWP is a positive step that reflects the country’s strong alignment with U.S. security and diplomatic goals. On the other hand, Bulgaria’s removal serves as a reminder that the U.S. Visa Waiver Program is dynamic and reflects changing international conditions.”
Future Outlook for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program
Looking ahead, the future of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program will likely be influenced by global security trends and U.S. foreign policy priorities. As geopolitical situations evolve, more countries may be added to or removed from the VWP, depending on their alignment with U.S. standards.
For now, travelers are advised to stay informed about the latest developments regarding U.S. immigration policies, especially as new fees and requirements are implemented in the coming months.
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FAQs
Q: What is the U.S. Visa Waiver Program?
A: The U.S. Visa Waiver Program allows citizens from participating countries to enter the U.S. without a visa for short-term visits, such as tourism or business, for up to 90 days.
Q: Which countries are now eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program in 2025?
A: As of 2025, Romania has been added to the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. Citizens from eligible countries can now travel to the U.S. without a visa.
Q: How does Bulgaria’s removal from the program affect its citizens?
A: Bulgarian citizens will no longer be able to travel to the U.S. without a visa and will need to apply through the traditional visa process, which includes an interview and processing fees.
Q: What is the $250 visa integrity fee?
A: Starting in October 2025, non-immigrant visa applicants from countries not part of the U.S. Visa Waiver Program will be required to pay a $250 visa integrity fee.
