United States entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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 passport holders need a visa to enter the United States. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, you must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before departure. This requirement is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| US visa application B-1/B-2 visitor visa | Romanian passport holders need a B-1/B-2 visa for any travel to the US. Apply online at the US Department of State website, pay the $185 fee, and schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Bucharest. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, sometimes longer during peak season.Apply for US visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in the US. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by US law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | US immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a return ticket or a ticket to your next destination ready — they check this at the primary inspection booth. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Immigration officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their US address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or credit card | Officers can ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. Carry recent bank statements or a credit card with a sufficient limit — $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
ESTA is not a visa — don't overstay
Overstaying your ESTA by even one day can result in a ban from the Visa Waiver Program for future travel. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
Apply for ESTA early
While most ESTA applications are approved instantly, some take up to 72 hours. Don't wait until the night before your flight. Apply as soon as you book your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for ESTA online
Go to https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ and fill out the application. Have your passport, flight details, and first night accommodation address ready. Pay the $21 fee with a credit card. Most approvals come within minutes, but apply at least 72 hours before departure.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your ESTA approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Keep them easily accessible on your phone or in a folder.
3
Arrive at the US border
At the airport, follow signs for 'Arrivals' and join the queue for non-US citizens. Have your passport and ESTA approval ready. The CBP officer will ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer honestly and briefly.
4
Receive entry stamp
If approved, the officer will stamp your passport with an admission date and usually a 90-day stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter. If there's an error, ask for correction immediately.
Download United States Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
No, you don't need a traditional visa for tourism or business stays under 90 days. You need an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which is an online application. Apply at https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/ at least 72 hours before your flight. The fee is about $21 USD.
Up to 90 days per visit. You cannot extend your stay beyond 90 days, and you must leave the US before the ESTA expires. Overstaying can result in a ban from future travel.
If denied, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You'll need to apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at the US embassy in Bucharest. This involves an interview, a fee of $160 USD, and processing time of several weeks to months.
No. ESTA is for tourism, business meetings, conferences, or short-term study. You cannot accept employment, perform paid work, or work remotely for a US company while on ESTA. For work, you need a work visa like H-1B or L-1.
Bring your passport (valid 6+ months beyond entry), printed or digital ESTA approval, return ticket, and first night accommodation address. Immigration officers may ask to see any of these. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
Yes, ESTA is valid for entry at any US airport, land border, or seaport. However, you must arrive on an approved carrier (most major airlines). Private jets or certain charter flights may not be eligible — check with your airline.
You cannot extend an ESTA stay. If you need more time, you must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa before traveling. That visa allows stays up to 6 months and can sometimes be extended. Apply at the US embassy in Bucharest well in advance.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.