Moldova permits non-resident adults (18+) to import duty-free: up to 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22% ABV); 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco (choose one category); and personal goods up to €300 (approx. 5,700 MDL). Cash over €10,000 (approx. 190,000 MDL) must be declared. Prohibited items include narcotics, unlicensed firearms, and unprocessed meat from non-EU countries.
Duty-free allowances
Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer (under 22% ABV). Traveller must be 18+.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Cash and monetary instruments exceeding €10,000 (approx. USD 10,500 or 190,000 MDL) must be declared in writing on the customs declaration form.
Goods duty-free
$300
Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of €300 (approx. USD 330 or 5,700 MDL) are duty-free. For goods valued between €300 and €1,000, a flat 20% duty applies; above €1,000, standard customs duties and VAT (20%) are charged.
Prohibited — banned from import
Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with a medical prescription and permit)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with a special permit from the Ministry of Internal Affairs)
Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Products containing endangered species (CITES) without a permit
Unprocessed meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (due to animal health restrictions)
Pornographic materials and items promoting violence or racial hatred
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
Medicines containing narcotic or psychotropic substances (require a prescription and a customs permit)
Plants, seeds, and live animals (require phytosanitary or veterinary certificates)
Cultural property and antiques (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require registration and a flight permit from the Civil Aviation Authority)
Satellite phones and encryption devices (require a license from the National Regulatory Agency for Electronic Communications)
Rules worth knowing
Transnistria entry/exit
If you enter Moldova from Ukraine via the Transnistrian region, you must register with Moldovan authorities within 72 hours or risk fines. Customs checks at the internal border are rare but possible.
Currency declaration for MDL
Export of Moldovan lei (MDL) is limited to the equivalent of €10,000. Import of MDL is unrestricted but amounts over €10,000 must be declared.
Temporary import of vehicles
Non-residents may bring a vehicle for up to 90 days without customs duties. A carnet de passage or a deposit may be required for high-value vehicles.
Duty-free shops at land borders
Duty-free allowances apply only to goods purchased outside Moldova. Goods bought at Moldovan duty-free shops at land borders are subject to standard allowances and may be checked upon re-entry.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, for personal use up to a 90-day supply. If the medicine contains narcotic or psychotropic substances (e.g., codeine, diazepam), you need a doctor's prescription translated into Romanian or Russian and a prior permit from the Moldovan Ministry of Health. Carry the prescription and a copy of your medical record.
You must declare the excess on the customs form and pay duty: for alcohol, a flat rate of €10 per liter of spirits or €5 per liter of wine/beer; for tobacco, €20 per 200 cigarettes or equivalent. Duty is payable in MDL at the official exchange rate.
No, personal electronics for your own use (laptop, camera, smartphone) do not need to be declared unless they are new and valued over €300. If you have multiple high-value items, customs may ask for proof of ownership (receipt or warranty card) to ensure they are not for resale.
Yes, but only if they are commercially packaged and from EU countries. Unprocessed meat, dairy, and honey from non-EU countries are prohibited. For personal use, up to 5 kg of processed food (e.g., chocolate, biscuits) is allowed duty-free.
Undeclared cash can be confiscated, and you may face a fine of 25-50% of the amount. In serious cases, criminal charges for money laundering can apply. Always declare amounts over €10,000 on the customs form.
No special restrictions beyond the standard duty-free allowance. However, if you bring more than 5 liters total, customs may treat it as commercial import and require a license. Stick to personal-use quantities.
For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Customs Service of the Republic of Moldova before travelling.