Moldova entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can visit Moldova without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy has been in place for years and continues through 2026. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Moldova. No minimum validity beyond your departure date is required by Moldovan law, but airlines may enforce a 6-month rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked to show where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address is sufficient. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Border officers can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50 per day. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you arrive in Moldova, not the day you leave. Double-check before you fly.
Overstaying is not extendable
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. If you overstay, you risk fines and future entry bans. Plan your exit carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport
Most visitors fly into Chișinău (KIV). After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU/non-Moldovan citizens. There are usually separate queues for locals and foreigners.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Have them ready on your phone or printed. Answer any questions clearly — they're usually routine.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (90 days). Check the stamp before walking away. If anything looks off, ask politely.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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. $87 USD)
For those who need to stay longer or do not qualify for visa-free entry. Apply at Moldovan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple visits within a year. Suitable for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (Type D)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~€150 (approx. $163 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Work Permit (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $163 USD) + processing fee
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship and labor market test. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Student Visa (Type D)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€150 (approx. $163 USD)
For enrollment in a Moldovan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $217 USD) + investment
For those investing at least €100,000 in Moldova. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension feeVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not applicable |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are determined by border police; may include fines or entry ban. | ~€10–20 per day (estimated, no official fixed rate) |
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
South Korean passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Moldovan airports, provided they remain in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or passing through immigration, a visa may be required.
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; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter months; consider vaccination.
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 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents and copies.
Bălți
BMA Regional Office Bălți
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova.
Practical information for KR 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 = 17.15 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 Moldova before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
No, there is no arrival declaration or registration requirement for South Korean passport holders. Just keep your entry stamp safe.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, you can enter by land at any official border crossing. The same visa-free rules apply. Have your passport and return ticket ready for inspection.
No, it's not mandatory for entry. But it's strongly recommended because medical costs can be high if something happens.
The currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Chișinău, but cash is king in smaller towns. ATMs are widely available.
No, South Korean passport holders do not need a visa for transit. You can stay up to 90 days visa-free, so even a short layover is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.