Moldova entry requirements for Ireland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Irish passport holders can enter Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since 2014, and there are no plans to change it. 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 stay | Your Irish passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Moldova. No minimum validity period beyond your stay is required, but airlines may check for 6 months validity — confirm with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officials may ask where you're staying. Keep a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their contact details accessible. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Carry evidence of enough funds for your trip — a bank statement or credit card showing available credit works. No set minimum amount is published, but having around €50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Moldova. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied travel — no exceptions.
Overstaying is costly
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period results in fines of 200–400 MDL per day (about €10–20). If you overstay by more than 30 days, you may be banned from re-entering Moldova for up to 3 years.
What happens at the border
1
Arrival at Chișinău International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Border Control' (Passport Control). There are separate queues for EU/EEA/Swiss and other nationals. Irish passport holders use the EU/EEA line. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the number of days allowed (usually 90). The process takes 2–5 minutes.
2
Land border crossings (by bus or car)
At land borders like Leușeni or Otaci, you'll get out of the vehicle and walk to the passport control booth. Same rules apply — passport, return ticket, and possibly proof of accommodation. Expect slightly longer queues, especially on weekends. Keep your passport handy.
3
Departure from Moldova
When leaving, go through passport control again. The officer will stamp your exit. No additional forms or fees. If you overstayed your 90 days, you may be fined (around 200–400 MDL per day) and could face a re-entry ban.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Apply at Moldovan embassy/consulate before travel. Allows a single entry for up to 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For frequent travellers. Requires proof of multiple trips or business ties. Apply in advance.
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
Work Visa (D visa for employment)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) + processing fee
For Irish citizens with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship, work permit, and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries and family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (D visa for studies)
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $165 USD) + tuition fees
For enrolled students at Moldovan universities. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Visa (D visa for business)
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) + investment minimum
For Irish investors starting a business or investing at least €100,000 in Moldova. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs a daily fine, capped at €300. Pay at the border or immigration office before leaving. | ~€10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €300 (approx. $330 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
Irish passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Chișinău International Airport (KIV) as long as they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa-free entry (up to 90 days) applies instead.
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November. Consider vaccination if hiking or camping.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled water and avoid street food with poor hygiene.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Common 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. Sfânta Vineri 24, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions, residence permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bălți
BMA Regional Office Bălți
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for IE 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
No. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. If you want to work, you need a work visa or permit arranged before you arrive.
No, the visa-free period cannot be extended. You must leave Moldova before the 90 days are up. Overstaying results in fines (200–400 MDL per day) and possible re-entry bans.
No, not for stays under 90 days. The registration is handled automatically by your hotel or host. If you're staying in a private home, the host should register you within 3 days. For short visits, you don't need to do anything.
You would need to apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days expire. This requires a valid reason (work, study, family reunion) and supporting documents. Apply at the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău. The process takes several weeks.
No, but Transnistria is a breakaway region. If you plan to visit, you'll need to register with the Transnistrian authorities if staying more than 24 hours. Most tourists just do a day trip from Chișinău and don't need extra paperwork.
Moldovan leu (MDL). Euros and US dollars are widely exchanged at banks and exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted in Chișinău hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is king in smaller towns and markets. ATMs are common in cities.
No mandatory vaccinations for Irish citizens. Routine vaccines (MMR, tetanus, etc.) are recommended. No yellow fever vaccine required unless you're arriving from an endemic country.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.