Moldova entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Moldova without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since 2014, and there are no signs of it changing. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Moldova. Moldova does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still check for it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău Airport regularly ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within the 90-day visa-free period. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel reservation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officials can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or cash equivalent to at least €50 per day of your visit. | Recommended |
Transnistria entry rules
If you plan to visit Transnistria, note that it's a separate de facto state. You'll need to register with their migration office within 3 days if staying longer than a few hours. Many tourists skip this, but it's technically required and could cause issues if you're stopped.
Passport validity is critical
Airlines and border guards are strict about the 6-month validity rule. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Check your passport's expiry date before booking flights.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport (or land border)
Most travellers fly into Chișinău (RMO). The immigration queue is usually short — 10–20 minutes. Hand over your passport, and the officer will stamp it with your entry date. They may ask about your return ticket or accommodation, so have those ready on your phone.
2
Present your passport at the booth
The officer will check your passport validity and stamp it. No visa fee, no forms to fill. If you're driving in from Romania or Ukraine, the process is similar at land crossings — just slower.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. There's usually nothing to declare unless you're carrying large sums of cash or restricted goods.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Moldovan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost~€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~€150 (approx. $163 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $163 USD) + processing
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa for Studies)
Duration of studies (up to 4 years)
~€150 (approx. $163 USD) + processing
For enrollment in accredited Moldovan educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (D Visa for Business)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $217 USD) + investment
For those investing in Moldova (minimum investment varies). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines vary; maximum cap may apply. Pay at border or immigration office before departure. | ~€5–10 per day (approx. $5–11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – if needed for longer stayFor stays beyond 90 days; apply at Moldovan embassy. | ~€80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) – if neededValid for multiple entries within validity period. | ~€120 (approx. $130 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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 Moldova
No transit visa needed
Bulgaria passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Moldova, as they can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Use insect repellent and consider vaccination.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural areas. Check for ticks after outdoor activities.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water may not be safe in rural areas.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Chișinău
Bureau for Migration and Asylum (BMA)
Str. M. Kogălniceanu 65, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions, residence permits, and overstay issues.
Bălți
BMA Regional Office Bălți
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalChișinău
LanguageRomanian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 90 days; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMoldovan leu (MDL)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 17.27 MDL
Time zone
Local timeUTC+2
vs New York+7h
vs Los Angeles+10h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. You must leave after 90 days. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a temporary residence permit at the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău before your 90 days expire.
No, there's no registration requirement for Bulgarian citizens on short stays. Just keep your passport stamp as proof of entry.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, there are several land border crossings. The busiest is at Leușeni-Albița (from Romania). The process is the same as at the airport — just show your passport. Expect longer queues during summer weekends.
No, but Transnistria is a breakaway region not controlled by Moldovan authorities. You can enter with your Bulgarian passport for up to 45 days, but you must register with the Transnistrian migration office within 3 days. Most tourists skip this and have no issues, but technically it's required.
No, there is no departure tax when leaving Moldova by air or land.
The local currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted for exchange at banks and exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted in Chișinău but less so in rural areas. Bring some cash for smaller towns.
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.