United States Visa RequirementsFor Romania passport holders
Romanian passport holders must obtain a B1/B2 nonimmigrant visa before traveling to the United States. Despite being an EU member, Romania is not part of the Visa Waiver Program. The application requires completing form DS-160, scheduling an interview at the US Embassy in Bucharest, and paying the $185 MRV fee.
Romania passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply through the US Embassy in Bucharest (Strada Tudor Arghezi 7-9, Bucharest). Complete form DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule your interview at ais.usvisa-info.com. Bring original supporting documents to the interview. Interview appointment wait times in Bucharest can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the season. Approved visas are typically issued as B1/B2, 10-year multiple-entry.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online nonimmigrant visa application at ceac.state.gov
Valid passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in the US
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable machine-readable visa fee, paid before interview
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo, white background, taken within 6 months
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via the US Embassy appointment system (ais.usvisa-info.com)
Proof of financial means
Bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property deeds, family ties, or other evidence of return
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates, purpose of visit, and accommodation details
Current Travel Situation
Romania to United States: What You Need to Know
Romania joined the European Union in 2007 but has not yet been admitted to the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which would allow its citizens to travel to the US without a visa for short stays. The US Congress and State Department evaluate VWP eligibility based on visa refusal rates and bilateral cooperation on security matters. Romania has been working toward meeting the threshold but as of 2026 still requires a nonimmigrant visa for travel to the US.
The B1 visa category covers business visits, conferences, and professional consultations. The B2 category covers tourism, visiting family or friends, and medical treatment. Most Romanian applicants are issued a combined B1/B2 visa valid for 10 years with multiple entries, though each stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry and is typically up to 6 months.
Romania has a large diaspora in the United States, particularly in cities like Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. Having family in the US does not disqualify an application, but consular officers closely examine an applicant's ties to Romania to assess the likelihood of return.
How to Get There
Fly from Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP) in Bucharest or Avram Iancu Airport (CLJ) in Cluj-Napoca. Direct or one-stop routes serve New York JFK, Chicago O'Hare, and Los Angeles LAX via carriers including TAROM, Lufthansa, Air France, and Turkish Airlines. Total travel time from Bucharest to New York is approximately 11 to 13 hours with one stop.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the only currency accepted in the United States. ATMs are widely available at airports, banks, and convenience stores. Notify your Romanian bank before travel to avoid card freezes on foreign transactions. Daily costs in major US cities range from approximately $120 to $250 USD. Tipping 18 to 20 percent is standard at restaurants and for ride-share drivers.
Practical Tips
Prepare a complete financial documentation package: bank statements for the past 3 to 6 months, proof of employment or business ownership, property ownership documents, and a letter from your employer. In the US, credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Tipping is expected at 18 to 20 percent in restaurants. Healthcare in the US is not publicly funded; travel insurance with at least $100,000 medical cover is strongly recommended. Emergency services: dial 911.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Romania need a US visa when other EU countries do not?
Romania is an EU member but is not yet part of the US Visa Waiver Program (VWP). The VWP requires countries to maintain a nonimmigrant visa refusal rate below 3 percent and meet additional security and cooperation requirements. Romania has been working toward this threshold. Until it is formally admitted to the VWP, Romanian citizens must apply for a B1/B2 visa.
Is Romania close to joining the US Visa Waiver Program?
Romania has been making progress toward VWP eligibility for several years. As of 2026, it has not yet been formally admitted. Entry into the VWP requires Congressional notification and State Department certification. Romanians should continue using the standard B1/B2 visa process and monitor official announcements from the US Embassy in Bucharest.
How long does a US B1/B2 visa last for Romanian citizens?
The B1/B2 visa for Romanian applicants is typically issued as a 10-year multiple-entry visa. Each entry into the United States allows a stay of up to 6 months, as determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. The visa validity and the authorized period of stay are separate; the visa allows you to seek entry, but the stay length is set at the border.
What documents does Romania require to show strong ties to the country?
The US consular officer wants to see evidence that you will return to Romania after your visit. Strong tie documents include: a letter from your employer confirming your position and approved leave, recent bank statements showing financial stability, proof of property ownership or a long-term lease, and evidence of family responsibilities such as dependent children or elderly parents.
How long is the wait for a US visa interview appointment in Bucharest?
Wait times at the US Embassy in Bucharest vary by season. During summer months (June through September) and around holidays, wait times can reach 2 to 4 months. During quieter periods, appointments may be available within a few weeks. Check the current wait times at ais.usvisa-info.com before planning your application timeline.
Can a Romanian citizen with a US visa visit US territories like Puerto Rico without a new application?
Yes. A valid US B1/B2 visa covers entry to all US states and territories, including Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and Guam. No additional visa or permit is needed for travel between the US mainland and these territories once you hold a valid visa and have been admitted by CBP.