U.S. Visa Through Romania for Ukrainians: Application Process and Key Considerations

Obtaining a U.S. visa through Romania has become one of the most sought-after options for Ukrainians seeking entry to the United States. Due to Romania's geographical proximity, the availability of interview appointments, and a relatively straightforward application process, many Ukrainian citizens choose this route. However, to ensure a successful application, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the main steps, requirements, and nuances of the process in advance.

Why Romania?

Romania is a convenient option for applying for a U.S. visa for several reasons:

1. Geographical proximity – For residents of Ukraine, especially those in the western regions, Romania is a neighboring country, making travel logistics easier.
2. Embassy leniency – According to applicant reviews, the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest tends to be relatively accommodating when processing visa applications. However, thorough preparation of documents and a successful interview remain crucial.

Application Process

The process of applying for a U.S. visa through Romania for Ukrainians includes the following steps:

Completing the DS-160 Form

The first step is filling out the DS-160 online application on the official website. It is important to provide truthful information, as all data will be carefully reviewed.

Paying the Consular Fee

In Romania, the U.S. visa consular fee is paid through Banca Transilvania and follows these steps:

1. Generating a payment receipt – After completing the DS-160 form, a payment slip is generated in your online account.
2. Fee payment – The fee must be paid in cash at a Banca Transilvania branch. If you are not in Romania, you can use representatives or intermediaries who, for a fee (typically €25–35), will make the payment on your behalf.
3. Receiving confirmation – After payment, you will receive a receipt containing a transaction number, which must be entered into your online account to schedule an interview.

Scheduling the Interview

Once the payment is processed in the system (typically within one business day), the calendar for scheduling the visa interview becomes available. Interview dates appear irregularly, so it is recommended to monitor availability frequently.

Preparing for the Interview

The interview at the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest is conducted in Romanian or English. The embassy does not provide translators, but you may bring your own specialist if their details are registered in your online account beforehand.

Receiving Your Passport with a Visa

After successfully passing the interview, you can receive your passport with a visa through the following methods:

1. Self-pickup – The passport is available for pickup at the designated postal office within 1–2 days after the interview.
2. Delivery within Romania – The passport can be shipped to a specified address in Romania.
3. International delivery – The U.S. Embassy does not ship passports abroad. However, some intermediaries offer courier services (e.g., DHL) to send passports to other European countries for an additional fee (approximately €60 plus shipping costs).

Important Considerations When Applying for a U.S. Visa Through Romania

Applying for a U.S. visa through Romania has its specifics, including:

1. The consular fee must be paid exclusively at Banca Transilvania.
2. The interview is conducted only in Romanian or English.
3. Carefully completing the DS-160 form is crucial to avoid errors.
4. Visa appointment slots appear irregularly, requiring frequent checks for availability.

If you have any difficulties or questions regarding obtaining a U.S. visa through Romania, feel free to contact our visa agency. Our specialists will assist you with document preparation and provide valuable guidance to significantly increase your chances of successfully securing a visa.