Moldova entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can visit Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days within a 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 be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the full period you plan to stay in Moldova. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Moldovan law, but airlines may enforce a 3-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | 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 — they check it before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and phone number covers this. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Border officials can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your visit. | Recommended |
Border crossing from Transnistria
If you enter Moldova from the breakaway region of Transnistria, you must cross at an official Moldovan border checkpoint. Unauthorised crossings can result in fines or deportation. Always use the official crossing points.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Moldovan border officers are known to check passport validity carefully. If your passport has less than 6 months remaining from your entry date, you will be refused entry — no exceptions. Double-check before you fly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport (KIV)
Most British travellers fly into Chișinău. The airport is small — you'll walk from the plane to the arrivals hall. Join the queue for 'All Passports' or 'Non-Moldovan Citizens'.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation confirmation. Have them ready on your phone or printed. They'll stamp your passport and wave you through.
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. You're in Moldova.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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~€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For those who need a visa in advance; apply at Moldovan embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple visits within a year; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Moldova Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) + work permit fee
For UK nationals with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Moldova Student Visa (Type D)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€80 (approx. $88 USD)
For UK nationals enrolled in a Moldovan educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Moldova Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) + investment minimum
For UK nationals investing at least €100,000 in Moldova. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at departure; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | ~€10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €500 (approx. $550 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
UK passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Moldovan airports, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn; consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter; vaccination recommended for vulnerable individuals.
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 immigration inquiries. Bring all original documents and copies.
Bălți
BMA Regional Office Bălți
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova. Limited English; consider bringing a translator.
Practical information for GB 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 — the visa-free stay is strictly 90 days within any 180-day period. It is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit from the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău before your 90 days are up.
No, you don't need a visa for transit. The same visa-free rules apply — you can enter and leave within the 90-day window. Just make sure you have a confirmed onward ticket.
You will be refused entry at the border. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yes, you can enter by land from either country. Border crossings are straightforward — same passport and ticket requirements as at the airport. Popular crossings include Leușeni (from Romania) and Otaci (from Ukraine).
No, not for stays under 90 days. Registration is only required for longer stays or if you're working/studying. For a standard tourist visit, just keep your passport with the entry stamp.
It's not mandatory for entry, but it's strongly recommended. Moldova's public healthcare is limited, and a private hospital visit can cost €50–100 just for a consultation. A basic travel insurance policy costs about £10–20 and covers that.
Technically, the visa-free regime is for tourism and business visits only. Remote work for a foreign employer is a grey area — it's not explicitly prohibited, but you cannot take up employment with a Moldovan company. If you plan to work remotely, keep it low-key and don't mention it at the border.
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.