Moldova entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can visit Moldova for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. This visa-free arrangement is in effect for 2026 and covers most short-term visits. Just make sure your passport meets the validity requirements and you have a return ticket handy.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Moldova. Airlines at departure may ask for at least 3 months validity beyond your travel dates — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host with their address and phone number ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officials can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your visit. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Moldovan border control checks that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it's even one day short, you'll be refused entry. No exceptions.
Transnistria is a separate concern
If you plan to visit the breakaway region of Transnistria, you'll need to register with local authorities if staying overnight. Entry is possible from Moldova, but leaving via Ukraine is currently not possible due to the war. Check current travel advisories before crossing.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents before travel
Check your passport validity (6+ months from entry date). Print or save to your phone: return ticket, first night hotel booking, and travel insurance. No visa application needed.
2
Arrive at Moldovan border control
At Chișinău International Airport or any land border crossing, join the 'Foreign Passports' queue. Hand over your passport and any documents if asked. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1-2 minutes.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The stamp shows the date of entry and the maximum stay (90 days). Count your days from that stamp. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost~$20 USD (equivalent)
Available at Moldovan embassies; allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$40 USD (equivalent)
For frequent travellers; requires justification.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent)
Requires invitation from employer or educational institution.
work visa
Work Visa (Permis de ședere pentru muncă)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (state fee) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires work permit from the National Employment Agency. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Permis de ședere pentru studii)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD (state fee) + tuition
For enrolled students at accredited Moldovan institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Permis de ședere pentru investiții)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (state fee) + minimum investment ~$100,000 USD
For investors making a significant contribution to the Moldovan economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at border exit; avoid overstaying. | ~$10 USD per day (no official cap) |
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
Russian citizens transiting through Moldova by air do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of bacterial diarrhea; drink bottled or boiled water.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from animal bites, especially in rural areas. Seek immediate medical care if bitten.
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. Sfânta Vineri 17, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
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.
Practical information for RU 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 = 17.37 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 after 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines (around 200–400 MDL per day) and a possible entry ban. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, but border officers may question frequent back-to-back visits.
No, there is no registration requirement for Russian citizens staying up to 90 days. Just keep your passport with the entry stamp as proof of legal stay.
You will be denied entry. Moldovan border control strictly enforces the 6-month validity rule. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. You need a valid international passport (foreign passport). Internal Russian passports are not accepted for international travel.
As of 2026, there are no COVID-19 entry restrictions for Moldova. No proof of vaccination or testing is required.
The local currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). You can exchange US dollars or euros at banks and exchange offices in Chișinău. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, but cash is king in smaller towns and markets.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or family visits only. For work or study, you need a separate visa or permit. Working without authorization can lead to deportation and a ban.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.