Moldova entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
Zambian passport holders need a visa to enter Moldova in 2026. You must apply online before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option. Plan ahead: the e-visa process takes a few working days and requires a valid passport, return ticket, and confirmed accommodation.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | You need a visa to enter Moldova. Apply through the official Moldova eVisa portal at least 10 working days before your trip. The eVisa costs €80 for a single entry and is valid for up to 90 days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Zambian passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Moldova. Moldova does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Chișinău Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Border officials may ask where you are staying. Have a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a notarized invitation from your host in Moldova ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | You may be asked to demonstrate you have enough money for your trip. Carry bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least €50 per day of your intended stay. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Moldova does not offer visa on arrival for Zambian passport holders. You must get an approved e-Visa before you fly. Processing takes 3–5 working days, so apply at least a week ahead.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the day you land in Moldova, not from your departure date. If it expires sooner, renew it first.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa
Go to evisa.gov.md, create an account, fill in the application form, upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee (around €80 for most nationalities) with a credit card. Processing takes 3–5 working days — don't book flights until you have the approval.
2
Prepare your documents
Print or save digital copies of your visa approval, passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking. Keep them in a folder on your phone and a physical printout in your carry-on.
3
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Border Control' (Poliția de Frontieră). Join the queue for non-EU/non-Moldovan passports. Hand over your passport and visa approval. The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details — have them ready. Expect a stamp in your passport and a short interview (where are you staying, how long, purpose of visit).
4
Exit the airport
Once stamped, collect your luggage from the carousel and walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no goods to declare. Taxis and buses are outside the arrivals hall.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $88 USD)
Requires invitation or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€120 (approx. $132 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification.
work visa
Work Visa (D Visa)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For employment in Moldova. Requires a job offer and work permit from the employer.
student visa
Student Visa (D Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For full-time study at a Moldovan institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For investors making a significant economic contribution. Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visa. | €80 (approx. $88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity. | €120 (approx. $132 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa validity. | ~€10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
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
Transit visa required
Zambia passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Moldova, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, or Canada visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Seasonal influenzaLow risk
Circulates in winter; consider vaccination.
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 24, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits.
Bălți
Bălți Territorial Office
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–16:30
Handles immigration matters in northern Moldova.
Practical information for ZM 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
No. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Zambian citizens. You must apply for an e-Visa at evisa.gov.md before you travel.
Processing usually takes 3–5 working days. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to avoid delays. The fee is around €80, payable by credit card.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Moldova. If it expires sooner, renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes — you need proof of onward travel, whether it's a return flight to Zambia or a ticket to another country. A bus or train ticket also works if it shows you leaving Moldova.
The standard e-Visa is single-entry and non-extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and reapply for a new visa. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Have your passport (with the visa approval), return/onward ticket, and accommodation booking confirmation ready. Printouts are safest, but digital copies on your phone are usually accepted.
It is not officially required for visa application or entry, but it is strongly recommended. Medical costs in Moldova can be high, and insurance covers emergencies and repatriation.
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.