In a significant development, US authorities have put the brakes on Romania’s long-anticipated entry into the Visa Waiver Program, following an announcement from the US Department of Homeland Security. This pause comes as officials conduct further reviews of the proposal, delaying the implementation of the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) for Romanian travelers.

Originally set to take effect by the end of this month, the change would have allowed Romanians to travel to the US visa-free. However, the Trump administration has launched a broader review of global travel, with security concerns influencing their decisions. The Visa Waiver Program typically permits citizens of participating countries to enter the US for up to 90 days without needing a visa, although travelers still must complete an ESTA application.

Romania’s delay joins Bulgaria and Cyprus, which are also in the process of joining the program. At the same time, the US is considering new travel restrictions for nationals from certain nations, particularly as part of an evolving national security strategy. The introduction of a color-coded system — with red zones marking countries where travel is outright prohibited — has already flagged nations like Sudan, Venezuela, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, Iran, Libya, Cuba, and North Korea. Pakistan and Afghanistan are likely to be added to this restricted list soon.

Countries falling into the orange zone face limited restrictions on migration and international student access, adding a layer of complexity for would-be travelers. With national security at the forefront, the US is reexamining the accessibility of its borders.

This shift in policy reflects a broader trend of tightening immigration and border control measures, aimed at addressing security concerns while balancing diplomatic relationships with international allies. As these reviews continue, travelers from affected countries may face delays and additional scrutiny when seeking entry to the US, and the future of the Visa Waiver Program could see more changes in the months to come.

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