Moldova entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can enter Moldova without a visa for tourism or business stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. As of 2026, you just need a valid passport to get a stamp at the border. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Romanian passport only needs to be valid for the time you plan to stay in Moldova. Airlines rarely check beyond that, but carry a copy of your passport data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. A bus or train booking to Romania or Ukraine also works. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from a friend in Moldova is enough. Airbnb bookings are accepted. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You don't need a specific amount, but carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have at least €50–100 per day. Cash in euros or US dollars is also accepted. | Recommended |
ID card works at land borders
Romanian citizens can enter Moldova using just their national ID card (carte de identitate) when crossing by land or flying from Romania. For flights from other countries, bring your passport to avoid issues.
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Border officers check this carefully. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will be denied boarding or entry. Renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Chișinău International Airport or cross by land from Romania (e.g., at the Sculeni or Leușeni border crossings), you'll join the queue for non-Moldovan passports. At the airport, follow signs for 'Foreign Passports'.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your Romanian passport. The officer will check the validity and may ask about your trip purpose, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly.
3
Show supporting documents if asked
If requested, show your return ticket, accommodation booking, and proof of funds. Have them ready in a folder or on your phone. Most Romanian passport holders are waved through without extra questions.
4
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the entry date and the maximum allowed stay (90 days). Check the stamp before walking away — make sure the dates are correct.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags (if any) and proceed through customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. You're now free to enter Moldova.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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, extendable up to 90 more days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in MDL)
Apply at Moldovan embassy in Bucharest or online via e-Visa system. Requires valid passport, photo, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$120 USD (equivalent in MDL)
Ideal for frequent visitors. Same requirements as single entry but allows multiple stays.
Long-stay visa (temporary residence)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (equivalent in MDL)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents (e.g., work contract, enrollment letter).
work visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Employment
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (state fee) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires a work contract, company registration, and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term stay and family reunification.
student visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Studies
Duration of studies (1–5 years), renewable
~$200 USD (state fee) + tuition fees
For enrollment in a Moldovan university or language school. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Business/Investment
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (state fee) + minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD
For entrepreneurs investing in Moldova. Requires business registration, investment proof, and job creation. Pathway to permanent residence.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90-day limit incurs a daily fine with a cap. Pay at the border or immigration office before leaving. | ~200 MDL (~$11 USD) per day, max 5,000 MDL (~$280 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)If you need to stay beyond 90 days, apply for a single-entry tourist visa at a Moldovan embassy before travel. | ~$80 USD (equivalent in MDL) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period, useful for frequent travelers. | ~$120 USD (equivalent in MDL) |
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
Romanian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Chișinău International Airport (KIV). You can stay in the airside transit area for up to 24 hours without passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November. Use insect repellent and check for ticks.
RabiesLow risk
Present in stray animals, especially dogs. Avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions recommended; tap water is generally safe but bottled water is advised in rural areas.
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. M. Kogălniceanu 65, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions, residence permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bălți
BMA Territorial Office Bălți
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova. Limited services; call ahead for appointments.
Practical information for RO 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 = 17.27 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. If you want to stay longer, you need to apply for a temporary residence permit at the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban.
No, not for stays under 90 days. The registration requirement was abolished for short-term visitors. Your entry stamp is sufficient.
Yes, Romanian citizens can enter Moldova with a valid Romanian ID card (carte de identitate) — not just a passport. This applies to land borders and flights from Romania. For flights from other countries, a passport is safer.
You will likely be denied entry. Border officers strictly enforce the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No, you don't need any visa — it's visa-free. There's no visa on arrival because you don't need a visa at all.
No, the visa-free regime is for tourism, business meetings, and short visits only. If you plan to work, you need a work permit and a long-stay visa. Contact the Moldovan embassy in Bucharest for details.
You'll be fined — typically around 500–1000 MDL (roughly €25–50) for the first offense, and you may be banned from re-entering for up to 1 year. Avoid overstaying by tracking your days carefully.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.