United States entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 24, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Romanian citizens need a visa to enter the United States for any purpose, including tourism, business, or transit. There is no visa waiver or electronic travel authorization available for Romanian passport holders, so you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan ahead — the application process involves an online form, an interview, and a processing fee, and it can take several weeks to complete.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa (B1/B2 or other appropriate category)You must obtain a visa before traveling; there is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Romanian passport holders. Apply at a US embassy or consulate | Romanian citizens require a visa to enter the United States for any purpose. You must apply for a nonimmigrant visa (e.g., B1/B2 for tourism or business) at a US embassy or consulate. The eVisa program is not available for Romanian citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Romanian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of departure from the United States. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page must be available for the immigration officer to stamp upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the US entry stamp. | Required |
| Visa interview and supporting documentsThe visa officer will assess your eligibility; strong ties to your home country improve approval chances. Gather evidence for your visa application | Prepare documents such as a completed DS-160 confirmation, visa application fee receipt, passport photo, and evidence of ties to Romania (employment, property, family) to support your visa interview. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your departure plans to ensure you intend to leave. Proof of departure from the US | You must have a confirmed return or onward ticket to a country other than the United States, with a date within your authorized stay. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always requested, having proof of funds helps demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient financial means for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in the US, such as bank statements or a sponsor's letter. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou will complete a customs declaration form upon arrival, but no pre-arrival electronic declaration is needed. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Romanian citizens entering the United States. | Not required |
No ESTA or e-visa — apply early
Romanian citizens cannot use the U.S. Visa Waiver Program or any electronic travel authorization. You must go through the full visa application process, which includes an in-person interview. Start at least 3 months before your planned travel to avoid delays.
Visa validity vs. stay duration
Your B-1/B-2 visa may be valid for 10 years, but that doesn't mean you can stay for 10 years. Each entry is limited to the period stamped by the CBP officer — usually up to 6 months. Overstaying can lead to visa cancellation and future entry bans.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the DS-160 form
Go to the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center website. Fill out the form with your personal details, travel plans, and background. Upload a digital photo that meets U.S. visa requirements. After submitting, print the confirmation page with the barcode — you'll need it for your interview.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the $185 MRV fee online via the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Service website or at a designated bank in Romania. Keep the payment receipt — it's required to schedule your interview and to bring to the embassy.
3
Schedule your interview
Use the same appointment service to book a slot at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest (Bulevardul Constantin Prezan 10). Wait times can be a few weeks, so book as soon as you have your DS-160 confirmation and fee receipt. You'll get a confirmation email with your appointment date and time.
4
Attend the interview
Arrive at the embassy at least 15 minutes early. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipt, appointment letter, and any supporting documents. You'll go through security, have your fingerprints scanned, and then speak with a consular officer. The officer will ask about your trip and your ties to Romania. Answer honestly and concisely.
5
Receive your visa and travel
If approved, your passport with the visa will be returned to you — usually within a few days via courier or pickup. Check the visa details. When you arrive in the U.S., go to the CBP officer at the port of entry (e.g., JFK, O'Hare, or LAX). They'll check your passport and may ask about your stay. The officer will determine your allowed length of stay, typically up to 6 months for B-2 visitors.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 24, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~850 RON)
Allows tourism, business meetings, and medical treatment.
B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)
Max stayUp to 6 months per entry
Validity10 years from issue date
Cost$185 USD (~850 RON)
Same fee as single entry; allows multiple visits over 10 years.
F-1 Student Visa
Max stayDuration of study + 60 days grace period
ValidityValid for duration of academic program
Cost$185 USD (~850 RON) + SEVIS fee $350 USD
Requires acceptance by a US educational institution.
H-1B Work Visa
Max stayUp to 3 years, extendable to 6
ValidityValid for specific employer and position
Cost$190–$780 USD depending on filing
Requires employer sponsorship and lottery selection.
work visa
H-1B Specialty Occupation Visa
Up to 3 years, extendable to 6
$190–$780 USD filing fees
For professionals with a bachelor's degree or higher in a specialty field. Requires employer sponsorship and annual lottery. Allows dual intent (immigrant intent).
Apply student visa
F-1 Student Visa
Duration of study + 60 days grace period
$185 USD visa fee + $350 USD SEVIS fee
For full-time students enrolled in accredited US institutions. Allows on-campus employment and optional practical training (OPT) after graduation.
Apply investor visa
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Visa
Permanent residency (Green Card)
$1,050,000–$1,800,000 USD investment
For investors who invest at least $1,050,000 (or $800,000 in targeted employment areas) and create at least 10 full-time jobs. Leads to permanent residency.
Apply exchange visitor visa
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
Duration of program (varies)
$185 USD visa fee + program-specific fees
For participants in approved exchange programs (e.g., au pair, intern, researcher). Requires sponsorship by a designated organization.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (single entry)Non-refundable application fee for most nonimmigrant visas. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~850 RON) |
| B1/B2 Tourist Visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry; validity up to 10 years for Romanian citizens. | $185 USD (equivalent to ~850 RON) |
| Visa extension (Form I-539)For extending B1/B2 stay beyond initial admission period. | $370 USD (equivalent to ~1,700 RON) |
| Overstay fineOverstay may lead to visa revocation and future inadmissibility. | Varies; typically $0–$500 USD depending on duration |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient ties to home30%
Incomplete or incorrect application25%
Previous visa overstay or violation20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through United States
Transit visa required
Romanian citizens generally need a C-1 transit visa to change flights in the US, even if staying airside. However, if you have a valid US visa (e.g., B1/B2), you may transit without a separate transit visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa (any type) may transit without a C-1 visa.
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa may transit without a C-1 visa under certain conditions.
- Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries do not need a transit visa (Romania is not in VWP).
Transit hubsJohn F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) · Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) · Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
Health & vaccines for United States
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza, COVID-19)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne diseases (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever)Moderate risk
Risk in wooded/grassy areas, especially in Northeast and Upper Midwest.
Mosquito-borne diseases (West Nile virus, dengue)Low risk
West Nile virus occurs nationwide; dengue rare but present in southern states.
Foodborne illnesses (E. coli, Salmonella)Low risk
Risk from undercooked meat, unpasteurized dairy, and contaminated produce.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Washington, D.C.
USCIS Washington Field Office
2675 Prosperity Ave, Fairfax, VA 22031
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For extension applications (I-539) by mail; no walk-in service.
New York City
USCIS New York Field Office
26 Federal Plaza, New York, NY 10278
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Appointment required for in-person inquiries.
Practical information for RO travellers
Country basics
CapitalWashington D.C.
LanguageEnglish
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceForeign visitors may drive with a valid home-country licence for the duration of their stay. An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyUS Dollar (USD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1 USD
Time zone
Local timeAmerica/New_York
vs New York+0:00 (same timezone)
vs Los Angeles-3h from NY
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A (two flat parallel pins) and Type B (two flat parallel pins + grounding pin)
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country.
Emergency numbers
Getting to United States
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to United States — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
The entire process — from DS-160 submission to visa in hand — typically takes 3 to 6 weeks, depending on interview wait times. The interview itself is quick (about 15 minutes), but processing your visa after approval usually takes 2–5 business days. Check the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest's website for current wait times.
No. Romanian citizens are not eligible for the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (ESTA) or any e-visa. You must apply for a full B-1/B-2 visa at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest. There's no way around this requirement.
The application fee is $185 (about 850 lei, depending on exchange rate). This is non-refundable, even if your visa is denied. There may be additional costs for passport photos, courier delivery, or if you need to reschedule your interview (which is free, but you must do it before your appointment).
If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter explaining the reason (usually under section 214(b) — insufficient ties to Romania). You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again and show new evidence that addresses the officer's concerns. There's no appeal process, but you can schedule a new interview.
The visa itself is valid for multiple entries (usually 10 years for Romanian citizens), but the length of each stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry. Typically, you'll be admitted for up to 6 months. You can request a shorter stay if you prefer, but you must leave before the date stamped in your passport.
Yes. Even if you're only changing planes at a U.S. airport, you need a visa (usually a C-1 transit visa or a B-1/B-2). There's no transit exemption for Romanian citizens. You'll go through U.S. customs and immigration, so you must have a valid visa.
In most cases, no. The B-2 visa is not extendable, and the database shows that extensions are not permitted. If you need to stay longer for an emergency, you can apply for a change of status with USCIS, but it's rarely granted for visitors. It's best to plan your trip within the 6-month limit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.