Immigration news updates for AMER and APAC regions
Americas
United States: Romania removed from Visa Waiver Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced that Romania will be removed from the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), effective June 1, 2025. As of that date, Romanian citizens will no longer be eligible to travel to the United States using VWP under the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
According to the DHS official announcement, Romania failed to meet key requirements of the VWP, specifically relating to reciprocity. The action was taken in response to Romania’s continued imposition of visa requirements on U.S. citizens, which violates the mutual travel privileges established under the VWP.
Key Implications
- Effective June 1, 2025, Romanian nationals must apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate to travel to the United States for business or tourism.
- Travelers with approved ESTA authorizations issued before June 1 will no longer be valid after that date.
- Romanian citizens planning travel to the U.S. this summer or beyond should prepare for visa interview wait times and application processing delays.
Next Steps for Romanian Travelers
- Do not rely on existing ESTA authorizations beyond May 31, 2025.
- Begin the visa application process as early as possible to accommodate consular processing times.
- Monitor the U.S. Embassy in Romania’s website for further updates on local processing availability.
This summary was prepared using the information from our Service Partner Maggio Kattar Nahajzer + Alexander P.C.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Asia-Pacific
Philippines: Digital Nomad Visa
The Philippines president issued an Executive Order No. 86, on April 24, 2025, which authorizes the issuance of Digital Nomad Visas (DNVs) in the Philippines. This visa allows foreign nationals to stay in the country temporarily while working remotely for employers or clients based outside the Philippines. The goal is to boost tourism and the economy by attracting remote workers.
Key conditions for obtaining the DNV include:
- Being at least 18 years old.
- Proof of remote work and sufficient income from outside the Philippines.
- No criminal record.
- Valid health insurance.
- Being from a country that offers similar visas to Filipinos and has a Philippine Foreign Service Post.
- Not posing a security threat or being employed within the Philippines.
The Digital Nomad Visa will be valid for one year and may be renewed with multiple entry privileges.
This summary was prepared using the information from the Official Gazette
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Debra Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC) and Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
We track policy changes in over 120 countries. Find out how we can help you in this short video.
