Moldova entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
New Zealand passport holders can enter Moldova without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since 2014 and remains in effect in 2025. Just show up at the border with your passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must 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 ask for at least 3 months remaining. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed flight out of Moldova. A bus or train ticket to a neighboring country also works. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | You may be asked where you're staying. A hotel confirmation, Airbnb receipt, or a letter from a host with their address and phone number covers this. Keep a copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Border officers can ask for evidence of sufficient money for your stay. A bank statement, credit card, or cash equivalent to roughly €50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Overstaying is expensive
Overstaying your 90-day visa-free period by even one day can result in a fine of 200–400 MDL per day overstayed, and you may be banned from re-entering Moldova for up to 3 years. Set a calendar reminder to leave before day 90.
Land border crossings can be slow
If entering from Romania or Ukraine, expect queues of 30 minutes to 2 hours, especially on weekends and public holidays. Bring water and snacks.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Chișinău International Airport or cross by land from Romania or Ukraine, you'll join the queue for non-Moldovan passport holders. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your passport validity, verify your return ticket (if asked), and stamp your passport. No visa is needed.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After the stamp, proceed to baggage claim (if flying) and then to customs. You're free to enter Moldova. The whole process usually takes 5–15 minutes.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 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)
For those who need to stay longer than 90 days or prefer a visa. Apply at Moldovan embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers. Conditions apply.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus fees
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the National Employment Agency. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) plus tuition
For enrolled students at accredited Moldovan institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment
For those investing a minimum amount (e.g., €100,000) in the Moldovan economy. Provides residence and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border; maximum cap may apply. Avoid overstaying. | ~€10–20 per day (approx. $11–22 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry) – if needed for longer stayFor stays exceeding 90 days or if visa-free is not used. Apply at Moldovan embassy. | ~€80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry) – if neededAllows multiple entries within validity period. Conditions apply. | ~€120 (approx. $132 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
New Zealand passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Chișinău International Airport, 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
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of bacterial diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter; 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 (BMA)
Str. Sfânta Vineri 27, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bălți
BMA Bălți Office
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:00
Regional office for northern Moldova. Services similar to Chișinău.
Practical information for NZ 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. Overstaying can result in fines (around 200–400 MDL per day overstayed) and a ban from re-entering Moldova. Extensions are not available for visa-free visitors.
No. If you're transiting through Chișinău Airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. If you leave the airport, the visa-free rules apply.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at all border points.
Yes. The same visa-free rules apply at all land border crossings. You'll need your passport and a return ticket. Border queues can be longer at land crossings, especially during summer weekends.
No. For stays under 90 days, there is no registration requirement. Just keep your entry stamp safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Moldovan lei (MDL) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available in Chișinău but less so in rural areas. Euros and US dollars can be exchanged at banks and exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in the capital.
No. There is no departure tax when leaving Moldova by air or land.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.