Traveling to Moldova
Thousands of travelers visit Moldova, with numbers growing each year for this undiscovered European destination.
Foreign nationals from more than 50+ countries can travel to Moldova visa-free. Depending on the purpose of travel to Moldova, all other foreign travelers should apply for the appropriate Moldova visa prior to their trip to Moldova. For tourism, business, personal visits, missions, cultural activities, or other short-term purposes, foreign travelers can apply online for the Moldova e-visa. All other types of Moldova visas should be applied for at the nearest Moldova embassy, consulate, or representation office abroad. Foreign nationals requiring an invitation before applying for a Moldova visa should get one issued by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum.
The Moldova visa is issued as single or multiple entry and normally allows for a 90-day stay within any 180-day period from date of first entry into Moldova, except transit visas, which allow a 5-day maximum stay in Moldova.
Moldova Visa Types
If you are a foreign national required to apply for a Moldova visa, you should apply for the appropriate Moldova visa based on the purpose of your trip to Moldova. The Moldova visa types are:
- Moldova visa A – airport transit:
- The Moldova transit visa type A is for foreign nationals passing through Moldova on their way to another destination, allowing entry into the transit zone of the Moldova point of entry until boarding time.
- Please note that foreign nationals required to apply for a Moldova visa must also apply for a Moldova airport transit visa type A, even if they only intend to stay in the transit area of the Moldova port of entry.
- Certain foreign nationals are exempt from applying for a Moldova airport transit visa, including holders of valid visas or residence permits from the US or EU member states.
- Moldova visa B – transit:
- The Moldova transit visa type B is for foreign nationals stopping in Moldova on their way to another destination. The Moldova transit visa is multiple entry, valid for one year, and allows a maximum 5-day stay in Moldova.
- Moldova visa C – short stay:
- The Moldova short stay visa is for foreign nationals visiting Moldova for tourism, business, personal visits, cultural activities, and other short-term purposes. The Moldova short stay visa allows for a 90-day stay within any 180-day period from date of first entry into Moldova.
- Moldova visa D – long stay:
- The Moldova long stay visa is for foreign nationals visiting Moldova for work, study, family reunion, and other long-term purposes. The Moldova long stay visa is multiple entry, valid for one year, and allows a 90-day stay within any 180-day period from date of first entry into Moldova.
- Foreign nationals wishing to stay in Moldova long-term should apply for a Moldova residence permit during the validity period of their Moldova visa.
Moldova Visa Requirements
The following are required when applying for a Moldova visa:
Passport
Applicant should have a passport or travel document that has been issued within the last 10 years, valid for at least 3 months after the departure date from Moldova
Personal photo
The applicant is required to submit one recent, mat, color photo, size 3.5cm x 4.5cm
Airline ticket (Except Moldova long stay visa D)
Applicant should provide an airline ticket, exiting Moldova for another destination
Application form
Applicant should fill out a Moldova visa application form.
Consular fee
Applicant should pay a consular fee of 20 euros for a Moldova airport transit visa A, or 40 euros for other Moldova visas. Please note the consular fee is waived for official or diplomatic missions.
Moldova transit visas
In addition to the basic requirements listed above, the following are required when applying for Moldova airport transit visa type A and Moldova transit visa type B:
Approval visa
Applicant should provide a visa for their following destination, unless they are eligible to travel visa-free to the destination country.
Medical insurance
Applicant should have valid travel health insurance that is recognized in Moldova and has a minimum coverage of 30 thousand euros.
Financial proof
Applicant should have proof of financial means during their stay in Moldova, in the form of bank statements or salary slips.
Invitation
Applicant should have an invitation to Moldova issued by the Bureau for Migration and Asylum, or a valid visa (except transit) or resident permit from an EU or Schengen state. Please note that invitations should be printed out to present at the Moldova port of entry.
Clean record
Applicants over 16 years of age should provide their criminal record in English or Romanian.
Depending on the specific purpose for traveling to Moldova and staying long-term, you may be asked to provide additional requirements, such as scholastic degrees, proof of accomplishment, medical records, birth or marriage certificates, or other forms of documentation.
Moldova Visa Application Steps
Moldova e-visa
Foreign nationals applying online for a Moldova e-visa should follow these steps:
- Apply online for Moldova e-visa
• Fill out application and other requested information at Moldova e-visa portal
• Upload required documents - Pay Moldova e-visa fee
• Pay the Moldova e-visa application fee securely online with a valid credit or debit card.
- Wait for Moldova e-visa decision
• If approved, receive your Moldova visa in PDF format to the email you provided and print the PDF document for use during travel.
• Verify the visa information is correct and matches your passport or travel document.
Please note that only the Moldova short-stay visa (type C) can be applied for online. Moldova visas A, B, and D must be applied for as sticker visas at your nearest Moldova embassy or foreign office abroad.
Moldova sticker visa
Foreign nationals applying for a Moldova sticker visa should follow these steps:
- Complete visa application form
Fill out a Moldova application form with your personal details and other requested information.
- Submit visa application form
• Contact your nearest Moldova embassy, consulate or representation office to set an appointment.
• Attend your appointment and submit the Moldova visa application form and all required documents at your nearest Moldova embassy, consulate, or foreign mission abroad.
• Pay the Moldova visa application fees. - Await visa decision
• Collect approved Moldova visas from the Moldova embassy, consulate, or representation office where you applied.
• Make sure all information on the visa is correct and matches your passport or travel document.
Where to Apply for Moldova Visa
All foreign nationals, who are not eligible for visa-free travel to Moldova, are required to apply for the Moldova visa at their nearest Moldova embassy or representation office. For Moldova the short stay visa C, all foreign nationals can apply online at the Moldova e-visa portal.
Moldova Visa Processing Time
Moldova e-visas usually take 10 calendar days to be fully processed and issued, but can take up to 20 days, if required. Processing times for Moldova sticker visas may vary depending on the foreign mission where the application submitted. You are advised to apply well ahead of your intended trip to Moldova.
