Moldova entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can enter Moldova without a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This has been the case since 2014 and remains unchanged in 2026. Just show up with your passport and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your stay | Your passport needs at least 3 months of validity beyond your departure date from Moldova. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Chișinău Airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact number ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient money for your stay | Officers can request proof you have enough cash or credit to cover your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card with a reasonable limit — they rarely check amounts but want to see you are self-sufficient. | Recommended |
Transnistria is a separate territory
If you plan to visit the breakaway region of Transnistria, you'll need to register with local authorities within 72 hours of arrival. Your Moldovan visa-free entry does not automatically cover Transnistria. Check current rules before crossing.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Moldova, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport
Most visitors fly into Chișinău (KIV). After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' — it's a single hall with about 6-8 booths. Queues are usually short (5-15 minutes).
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 with the entry date and allowed stay.
3
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim (one carousel). Then walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare. You're in Moldova.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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. $66 USD)
Apply at Moldovan embassy or consulate. Required for stays beyond visa-free period.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for frequent travelers. Must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Work Visa (D Visa for Employment)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD) + processing fees
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa for Studies)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€120 (approx. $132 USD) + tuition fees
For enrollment in accredited Moldovan educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Family Reunification Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€120 (approx. $132 USD)
For spouses, children, or parents of Moldovan residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and sponsor's legal status.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayFine applies for each day over the 90-day limit. Maximum cap may apply. | ~€10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For stays longer than 90 days or if visa-free is not used. | €60 (approx. $66 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €100 (approx. $110 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
Portugal passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Moldovan airports, as long as they remain in the international transit area.
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 from April to November. Vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Transmitted by ticks in rural and wooded areas. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid from contaminated food or water. Drink bottled or boiled water.
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. Vasile Alecsandri 1, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bălți
Bălți Territorial Office of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for PT 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. Portuguese citizens can enter Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and short visits.
Up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day window. The count starts from your first day of entry. If you overstay, you risk fines of 100–300 MDL per day (roughly €5–€15) and possible entry bans.
No. The visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău before your 90 days expire.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended.
No, it's not a legal requirement. But medical costs in Moldova can be high — a basic policy covering hospital stays and evacuation is cheap insurance against a bad situation.
Yes. There are several land border crossings from Romania (e.g., Iași–Ungheni, Galați–Giurgiulești) and from Ukraine (e.g., Odesa–Palanca). The same visa-free rules apply. Expect longer queues at land borders, especially in summer.
You'll be fined — typically around 100–300 MDL per day of overstay (roughly €5–€15). In serious cases, you may be banned from re-entering Moldova for up to 3 years. Don't risk it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.