Moldova entry requirements for Malta 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
Malta passport holders can enter Moldova without a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This has been in place since 2014 and applies to tourism, business, and short visits. Your passport must be 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 Maltese passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to be in Moldova. Moldova does not enforce a 6-month validity rule for EU passport holders, but airlines may still check for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. | 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 or bus ticket out of Moldova ready. | 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 number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You may be asked to show you have enough money for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card — around €50 per day is a safe benchmark if questioned. | Recommended |
Transnistria entry rules
If you plan to visit Transnistria, you must register with the local migration office if staying longer than 24 hours. Your Moldovan entry stamp is valid for the whole country, but Transnistrian authorities may ask for a separate registration form. Check current rules before crossing.
Overstaying = fines and bans
Overstaying even by a day can result in a fine of 600–1200 MDL and a re-entry ban of up to 3 years. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport (or land border)
Most travellers fly into Chișinău International Airport (KIV). After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' — there are separate queues for EU/EEA and other nationals. Malta passport holders use the EU/EEA line.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Have your return ticket and accommodation confirmation ready — they might ask to see them.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away — if it says fewer days, ask for clarification.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta 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~€60 (approx. $65 USD)
For stays beyond 90 days or if visa-free is not suitable. Apply at Moldovan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~€120 (approx. $130 USD)
Allows multiple visits within validity. Useful 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.
work visa
Work Visa (D Visa for Employment)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) + processing fee
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa for Studies)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $108 USD) + processing fee
For enrolled students at accredited Moldovan institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (D Visa for Business)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $216 USD) + investment minimum
For investors establishing a business or making significant investment in Moldova. Minimum investment varies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies if you overstay 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
Malta passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Moldovan airports, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Practice good hygiene and drink bottled water.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter months. Annual vaccination 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
Str. M. Kogălniceanu 65, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring all original documents.
Bălți
Bureau for Migration and Asylum – Bălți Office
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Regional office for northern Moldova. Services similar to Chișinău.
Practical information for MT 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, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days are up — contact the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No, there's no registration requirement for short stays under 90 days. Just keep your passport and entry stamp safe.
If you're staying airside and not passing through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to switch airports or stay overnight), the same visa-free rules apply.
The visa-free regime is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits — not for remote work. If you're planning to work for a foreign employer while in Moldova, it's technically a grey area. For long-term digital nomad stays, consider Moldova's e-Visa or a temporary residence permit.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll likely face a fine (around 600–1200 MDL, roughly €30–60) and could be banned from re-entering Moldova for up to 3 years. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
Yes, at Chișinău International Airport there's a dedicated queue for EU/EEA citizens. Malta passport holders can use that line, which is usually faster than the 'All Passports' queue.
Transnistria is a breakaway region within Moldova's internationally recognised borders. You can enter Transnistria from Moldova without a separate visa, but you'll need to register with the Transnistrian authorities if staying more than 24 hours. Note that your travel insurance may not cover you there.
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.