Moldova entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Swiss 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 date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Moldova | Your Swiss passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Moldova. Moldova does not require 6 months of remaining validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof you will leave Moldova within 90 days | Immigration officers at Chișinău International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. A bus or train ticket out of Moldova also works. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 EUR (or equivalent in MDL) for your stay. Officers almost never check this for Swiss passport holders, but the law allows them to ask. | Recommended |
Transnistria — separate rules
If you plan to visit the breakaway region of Transnistria, you'll need to register with local authorities within 72 hours of arrival. Your Moldovan visa-free entry does not automatically cover Transnistria. Check current rules before crossing the border.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying your 90-day limit results in a fine of 400-600 MDL (€20-30) for the first 30 days, plus possible deportation. After 30 days, fines increase and you may be banned from re-entering Moldova for up to 5 years.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport
Most Swiss travellers fly into Chișinău (KIV). After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single hall, usually with 4-6 booths. Queues move fast, typically 10-20 minutes.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry stamp.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim (one carousel). Customs is green for nothing to declare — walk straight through unless you have goods over €10,000 or restricted items.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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 date
Cost~€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at Moldovan embassy in Bern.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple visits; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~€100 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Moldova Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) + work permit fee
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Moldovan company. Requires employer sponsorship and a valid work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Moldova Student Visa (Type D)
Duration of studies, up to 4 years
~€100 (approx. $108 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited Moldovan institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Moldova Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $216 USD) + investment minimum
For investors who contribute at least €100,000 to the Moldovan economy. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable; you must leave Moldova after 90 days. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~€10 per day (approx. $11 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
Swiss passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Moldovan airports, as long as they remain airside and do not enter the country.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially in spring and summer; consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food or water; practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter months; annual flu vaccine recommended.
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. Mihail Kogălniceanu 65, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa and residence matters; bring passport, photos, and application forms.
Bălți
BMA Regional Office Bălți
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles extensions and permits for northern Moldova; call ahead for appointments.
Practical information for CH 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 = 17.23 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
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The 90 days don't have to be consecutive — they're cumulative. If you've already spent 30 days in Moldova, you have 60 left until you hit the limit.
No. The visa-free period is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days expire. That requires a valid reason (work, study, family reunification) and costs around 600 MDL (about €30) for the application fee.
No. Swiss passport holders can transit through Moldova without a visa, even if you're staying overnight in the airport zone. Just make sure you have a confirmed onward ticket.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling — it takes about 2-3 weeks in Switzerland.
No. For stays under 90 days, there's no registration requirement. Just keep your entry stamp safe — you'll need it when leaving.
No. The visa-free regime is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. Any paid work requires a work permit and a long-stay visa. Working without one is illegal and can lead to deportation and a ban.
Moldovan leu (MDL). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at exchange offices in Chișinău, but you'll get better rates if you exchange at a bank or official exchange point. ATMs are common in cities. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in smaller towns.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.