Unraveling the Visa Waiver Program: Your Ultimate Q&A Guide

Q: What is the Visa Waiver Program?
A: The VWP is primarily a security collaboration initiative between the United States and partner nations, allowing citizens and nationals of designated countries to visit the United States for tourism or business (B1/B2 visa) for durations of up to 90 days without the need for a U.S. visa.

Q: Which visas are exempt?
A: Visas for tourism and business purposes (B-1/B-2) for stays lasting up to 90 days are no longer necessary for qualifying individuals. The program is reciprocal; participating countries must allow similar visa-free entry for U.S. citizens and nationals. Romanian citizens wishing to travel to the United States must request online authorization to enter through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Q: What is an ESTA?
A. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP, a Division of DHS) established ESTA as an online and mobile application process and evaluation tool for direct access by VWP travelers. The biographical data gathered through ESTA applications is checked against relevant law enforcement databases, and ESTA determines the eligibility of travelers for entry under the VWP. ESTA approval allows travel to the United States but does not guarantee admission. CBP officers assess admissibility upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry.

Q: What is the cost of an ESTA?
A. The fee for an ESTA application is $21 (U.S. currency).

Q: How long is an ESTA authorization valid?
A: Generally, ESTA approval for VWP entry is valid for two years and typically permits multiple entries to the United States for stays of up to 90 days each visit. A new ESTA request is needed if:

• the traveler receives a new passport;
• the traveler modifies their name;
• the traveler alters their gender;
• or there is a change in the traveler’s nationality.

The appropriate fee will be applied for each new application made.

Q: When will Romanians be able to use ESTA instead of obtaining a B1/B2 visa?
A. DHS is updating the ESTA application process and anticipates that Romanian citizens and nationals will be able to apply for entry into the United States using ESTA by no later than March 31, 2025.

• A public notification will be made when ESTA entry becomes available.
• The VWP will permit Romanian citizens and nationals to visit the United States visa-free for up to 90 days. Other Romanian residents and travelers passing through Romania will only qualify for VWP travel if they hold a valid passport from one of the 42 other VWP member nations.
• Similar to other VWP participants, Romanian VWP travelers will undergo thorough screening as part of their travel to the United States.

Q. How far in advance should one apply for ESTA authorization? Can this be done at the airport?
A: ESTA applications can be submitted at any time before travel. Nonetheless, the Department of Homeland Security recommends that travelers apply for their travel authorizations at least 72 hours prior to departure. VWP travelers are not obligated to have specific travel plans to the United States before applying for an ESTA. For further details, please visit www.cbp.gov.

Q: Is ESTA granted to everyone?
A: Most individuals traveling to the United States for tourism or business purposes for stays of up to 90 days will qualify for an ESTA. If the ESTA is denied for any reason, applicants still have the option to apply for a visa. Citizens and nationals of VWP countries may utilize the program if:

• They have received approval to travel under ESTA;
• The purpose of their visit to the United States is for tourism or specific business-related reasons acceptable under a B-1 or B-2 visa, and their stay lasts up to 90 days;
• They present a valid e-passport (i.e., passports with an embedded chip containing the data from the data page e-passport);
• They have adhered to the terms of previous admissions to the United States and have not been deemed ineligible for a U.S. visa; and
• If arriving by air or sea, they arrive on an authorized carrier and possess onward transportation tickets to any international destination. For additional information regarding proof of return travel under the VWP, please visit www.cbp.gov.

Q: I have a valid U.S. B1/B2 visa. Do I also need to obtain an ESTA to travel to the U.S. under VWP?
A. No. Individuals having a valid U.S. visitor (B1/B2) visa may continue to utilize that visa until it expires.

Q: I have a visitor visa interview scheduled for later this year. May I cancel it and receive a refund of the application fee, then travel using ESTA instead?
A. No. Visa application fees are non-refundable. If an applicant has an upcoming visa interview, we highly advise them to attend it. Holding a visitor visa offers more flexibility than VWP travel, including the potential for admission for a duration exceeding 90 days and the capacity to apply for changes or extensions of status while in the United States.

Q: I desire to embark on a cross-country six-month adventure in the U.S. Is ESTA suitable for that?
A. The VWP allows visa-free entry for business or tourism purposes into the United States for a maximum of 90 days only.
Please consult our website for further details on Romania and the Visa Waiver Program.

By U.S. Mission Romania | 10 January, 2025 | Topics: Fact Sheets, Press Releases | Tags: U.S. – Romania, Visa Waiver Program