Moldova entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders can visit Moldova for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date and have a return ticket ready. This policy has been in effect since 2024 and remains unchanged.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Moldova | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay. Moldova does not require 6 months of remaining validity for French passport holders — just enough to cover your trip. Airlines may still enforce 6 months, so check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. Overstaying the 90-day visa-free period results in fines and potential entry bans. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Not always checked, but saves time if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during the stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — bank statements, credit card, or cash. Moldova does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but having around €50 per day in accessible funds covers most scenarios. Officers rarely ask, but it is a legal requirement. | Recommended |
Visa-free for 90 days
French passport holders can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies to tourism, business, and family visits. No visa application needed.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Moldova. If it expires sooner, you will be refused entry. Renew your passport before you go.
No arrival registration needed
Unlike some neighboring countries, Moldova does not require you to register with police or fill out an arrival declaration. Just show your passport and return ticket at the border.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport (or land border)
Most French travelers fly into Chișinău (KIV). At passport control, join the 'All Passports' queue. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will check your passport validity, stamp you in, and you're done — usually under 5 minutes.
2
Present documents if asked
You may be asked for proof of accommodation or travel insurance. Just show the booking confirmation on your phone. No forms to fill out, no visa fee.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from the carousel and walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare. That's it — you're in Moldova.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free is not suitable.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $217 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Moldova Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $217 USD) + processing
For foreign employees with a job offer from a Moldovan company. Requires work permit and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Moldova Student Visa (Type D)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€200 (approx. $217 USD) + processing
For enrolled students at accredited Moldovan institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Moldova Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (approx. $543 USD) + investment
For investors making a minimum investment of €100,000 in the Moldovan economy. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFines apply for overstaying the 90-day limit; 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
France passport holders transiting through Moldova do not need a transit visa for stays up to 24 hours in the international transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites; avoid contact with stray animals.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions advised; 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
Str. Vasile Alecsandri 1, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Bălți
Bălți Territorial Office of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters in northern Moldova.
Practical information for FR 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 = 17.14 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, you don't need a visa. French citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. The count starts from your first entry. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău before your 90 days expire.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at the border.
No, there is no official requirement to show bank statements or cash. But if an officer suspects you cannot support yourself, they may ask. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is wise.
No, there is no arrival declaration or registration form to fill out. Just walk through passport control with your passport and return ticket.
Yes, you can cross by land at any official border checkpoint. The same visa-free rules apply. Have your passport and return ticket ready. Border queues can be longer than at the airport, especially on weekends.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.