Moldova entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Moldova in 2026. Apply online before you travel; approval usually takes a few business days. Once approved, you can stay up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | South African passport holders need an eVisa to enter Moldova. Apply at the official Moldova eVisa portal at least 10 working days before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and costs around €80 — pay online and receive the approved visa by email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure date from Moldova. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately in case of loss or theft. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your departure from Moldova within the eVisa validity period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officials may request proof of where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a notarized invitation letter from a Moldovan host ready to show at passport control. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient money for your stay | You may be asked to demonstrate you have enough cash or credit for your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card with a daily limit of at least €50 per person for each day in Moldova. | Recommended |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
South African passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Moldova. You must apply and receive approval before you travel. There are no exceptions.
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 applying for the eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to evisa.gov.md and fill out the application. You'll need a digital copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photo, and details of your accommodation and travel plans. Pay the fee online (around €40–€60 depending on processing speed).
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days for standard applications. You'll receive the eVisa by email as a PDF. Print it and save a copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport
At passport control, present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready. The process is usually quick — under 10 minutes.
4
Get your passport stamped
The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and allowed stay. Check the stamp before leaving the counter — if the dates look wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
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
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard option for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (~$130 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (~$217 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study, family).
work visa
Work Visa (Category D)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$217 USD)
For those with a job offer in Moldova. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows family reunification.
student visa
Student Visa
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD)
For enrolled students at accredited Moldovan institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€500 (~$543 USD)
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~€100,000). Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry)Standard fee for South African passport holders. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| eVisa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPayable at immigration office or border exit. | €20 (~$22 USD) per day, max €500 (~$543 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
South African passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Chișinău International Airport, provided they stay in the international transit area 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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Lyme diseaseLow risk
Transmitted by ticks in wooded areas. Use repellent and check for ticks.
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. Gheorghe Asachi 124
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency applications.
Bălți
Bălți Territorial Office
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles local immigration matters.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 17.31 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
Standard processing takes 3–5 business days. There's also an express option (1–2 business days) for a higher fee. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The standard eVisa fee is around €40. Express processing costs about €60. Payment is made online during the application.
No, the eVisa cannot be extended. You must leave Moldova before your allowed stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
It's not a formal requirement for the eVisa, but immigration officers may ask how you'll support yourself. Having a credit card or a few hundred euros in cash is a good idea.
Rejections are rare but can happen if your application is incomplete or your passport doesn't meet the validity requirement. You can reapply with corrected information. There's no appeal process.
Yes, but you still need the eVisa. The same rules apply at land border crossings. Have your printed eVisa and passport ready.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. Standard travel vaccines (hepatitis A, typhoid) are recommended but not checked.
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.