November 3, 2008

Romania Signs U.S. Visa Waiver Program Interim Declaration

On November 3, 2008, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff signed a Visa Waiver Program declaration with Romanian Ambassador Adrian Vierita. This interim declaration will put Romania on the path toward joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. The security enhancements outlined in the declaration continues Romania’s movement toward visa-free travel to the United States. Some of the security enhancements outlined in the interim declaration include, better information sharing regarding international travel and border screening, improvements in information exchange on known and suspected terrorists, timely and comprehensive reporting of lost or stolen passports, and expanding operations for U.S. Federal Air Marshalls.

The Visa Waiver Program was established in 1986 with the objective of eradicating unnecessary barriers to travel, stimulating tourism and permitting the Department of State to focus consular resources in other areas. The Visa Waiver Program currently allows citizens from 27 European and Asian countries to travel visa-free into the United States.

In August 2007, Congress authorized the Department of Homeland Security to reform the Visa Waiver Program to strengthen the current security regulations of the program through the introduction of a new electronic system of travel authorization while expanding the conditions of the program for future members.