Bulgaria and Cyprus Remain the Last EU Nations Requiring U.S. Visas
Bulgaria and the Republic of Cyprus are now the only European Union (EU) member states whose citizens still need a visa to travel to the United States.
Visa Denial Trends for Bulgaria
Since 2006, the percentage of denied B-type visas for Bulgarians has fallen below 10% only twice, with the lowest rate of 6.02% recorded in 2024. According to a report from BTA based on U.S. State Department data, this is the most favorable rate to date. However, to qualify for inclusion in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), a prerequisite is that visa denial rates must not exceed 3%.
A historical breakdown shows the fluctuation in denial percentages over the years:
– 2024: 6.02%
– 2023: 11.61%
– 2022: 10.00%
– 2021: 18.40%
– 2020: 12.52%
– 2019: 9.75%
– 2013: 19.9% (highest refusal rate on record)
Efforts to meet the visa criteria have intensified. At the end of November 2023, Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) launched a campaign called the “Visa Academy,” aimed at raising awareness among citizens and furthering the nation’s inclusion in the U.S. VWP.
Romania Joins the Visa Waiver Program
While Bulgaria and Cyprus continue to seek inclusion, Romania is on the cusp of a significant milestone. On January 10, U.S. visas for Romanian citizens will officially be canceled, following an announcement to be made during a meeting in Washington between Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas and Romanian Ambassador to the U.S., Andrei Muraru. Romania will become the 43rd country to join the Visa Waiver Program, granting its citizens visa-free travel to the U.S. for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes.
Romania’s success stems from meeting critical criteria, including reducing its visa denial rate to 2.61% for fiscal year 2024 (October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024). Additional requirements for participating in the VWP include the security of travel documents, mechanisms for information exchange, and robust anti-terrorism and anti-illegal migration measures.
Bulgaria’s Progress Towards Inclusion
Bulgaria’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ivan Kondov, highlighted the country’s strides in meeting the VWP criteria during a November 18 meeting with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources, Richard Verma. The U.S. side acknowledged Bulgaria’s progress and expressed optimism that the positive trend will continue.
EU Nations Currently in the Visa Waiver Program
With Romania’s inclusion, Bulgaria and Cyprus will be the only EU member states whose citizens still require U.S. visas. Croatia, for example, successfully joined the program in October 2021.
As Bulgaria steps up its efforts, the hope remains that the country will soon meet the necessary requirements to join the ranks of VWP countries, ensuring easier travel for its citizens to the United States.
Photo Credit: Sharefaith/Pexels (https://www.pexels.com/photo/flag-of-america-1202723/)
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