Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Extended Visa-Free Access
Moldova has expanded visa-free entry for citizens of over 100 countries, allowing stays up to 90 days in a 180-day period without any prior application. This policy simplifies travel for short visits, focusing on tourism and business, but always verify your eligibility based on your nationality.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from Moldova, and it should have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Biometric passports are preferred for smoother processing at borders.
Ensure your passport is not damaged, as this could lead to entry denial; renew early if needed to avoid last-minute issues.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, ideal for exploring Chisinau and wine regions.
This includes most Commonwealth of Independent States countries; however, always check for updates as policies can change post-2026 EU association agreements.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply at a Moldovan embassy or consulate with documents like a valid passport, invitation letter, proof of accommodation, financial means (at least €30/day), and travel insurance covering €30,000 in medical expenses; the fee is around €20-60.
Processing typically takes 10-30 days, but expedited options are available for an extra fee; online e-visa pilots may expand in 2026 for certain categories.
Border Crossings
Moldova shares borders with Romania and Ukraine; crossings like the Leuseni-Albița bridge with Romania are efficient for EU travelers, often with minimal checks due to improving relations.
Avoid unofficial routes and expect customs declarations for valuables over €10,000; airports in Chisinau handle most international arrivals with straightforward immigration.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory for visa-free entry, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip delays, and activities like wine tours or hiking in the Codru hills.
Policies from €3-5 per day are sufficient, ensuring coverage for evacuation if needed in remote areas like Transnistria.
Extensions Possible
Short-term stays can be extended up to 90 additional days for valid reasons like medical treatment or business, by applying at the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chisinau before your initial period expires.
Fees range from €10-50, requiring proof of funds and no criminal record; overstay fines start at €100, so plan accordingly.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Moldova uses the Moldovan Leu (MDL). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Chisinau by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially from European hubs like Bucharest or Istanbul.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for street food and canteens serving placinte or sarmale for under €5 per meal, avoiding upscale restaurants to cut food expenses by up to 60%.
Visit farmers' markets in Chisinau for fresh fruits, cheeses, and homemade wine at bargain prices, supporting local producers.
Public Transport Passes
Use marshrutkas (minibuses) for intercity travel at €2-10 per trip, or get a Chisinau trolleybus pass for €5/day to navigate the capital affordably.
Train tickets to places like Bender are cheap at €3-7; book in advance for longer routes to secure seats.
Free Attractions
Explore Chisinau's Stefan cel Mare Park, the National Museum's outdoor exhibits, and rural monasteries like Capriana without entry fees, immersing in authentic culture.
Many wine cellars in Cricova offer free self-guided walks; join local festivals for no-cost entertainment and traditions.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in cities and hotels, but rural areas and markets prefer cash in MDL; exchange at banks for the best rates.
ATMs are widespread in Chisinau but scarce elsewhere—withdraw larger amounts to minimize fees, and notify your bank of travel plans.
Museum Passes
Purchase a Chisinau City Card for €10-20, granting discounted or free entry to museums, transport, and attractions like the National History Museum.
It covers multiple sites and pays off quickly for cultural explorers visiting 3-4 venues in a day.
Smart Packing for Moldova
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack versatile layers for Moldova's continental climate, including long-sleeve shirts, jeans, and a light fleece for cool evenings in Chisinau or the countryside.
Include modest clothing for visiting Orthodox monasteries and breathable cotton for summer wine tours; a scarf adds versatility for both warmth and cultural respect.
Electronics
Bring a Type C/F adapter for 230V outlets, a portable charger for long day trips to Orheiul Vechi, and apps like Google Translate for Romanian and Russian.
Download offline maps since Wi-Fi can be spotty outside cities, and pack a universal power strip for shared accommodations.
Health & Safety
Carry proof of travel insurance, a basic first-aid kit with bandages and pain relievers, prescription medications, and high-SPF sunscreen for sunny vineyards.
Include hand sanitizer, water purification tablets for rural areas, and insect repellent for summer hikes in the forests around Tiraspol.
Travel Gear
Opt for a lightweight backpack for daily excursions to markets or cave monasteries, a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during tastings, and a quick-dry towel for unexpected swims in the Dniester River.
Pack photocopies of your passport, a small wallet with MDL notes, and a neck pouch for securing valuables in crowded bazaars.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets in Chisinau and sturdy hiking boots for trails in the Codru Reserve or Transnistria explorations.
Waterproof options are essential for spring rains or muddy rural paths; pack sandals for warm summer days at outdoor festivals.
Personal Care
Bring travel-sized toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste, moisturizer for dry winter air, and a compact umbrella or rain poncho for frequent showers.
Include wet wipes and lip balm, especially for long bus rides where facilities are limited; eco-friendly products respect Moldova's natural sites.
When to Visit Moldova
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures rising from 10-20°C brings blooming orchards and fewer tourists, perfect for cycling through vineyards near Purcari.
Easter celebrations in Chisinau offer vibrant traditions; it's shoulder season with lower hotel rates and easy access to countryside hikes.
Summer (June-August)
Warm days at 25-30°C are ideal for wine festivals like the National Wine Day in October (but summer prep), outdoor concerts, and river picnics along the Prut.
Peak season means lively markets and events, though book accommodations early for popular spots like Cricova cellars amid the heat.
Autumn (September-November)
Harvest season with 15-20°C days showcases golden vineyards and the Wine Festival, offering tastings and folk music in a picturesque setting.
Colors peak in October for photography in Orheiul Vechi; cooler evenings make it comfortable for multi-day tours with fewer crowds than summer.
Winter (December-February)
Cold snaps at -5 to 5°C bring snowy landscapes for cross-country skiing in the north and cozy New Year's markets in Chisinau with mulled wine.
Budget-friendly off-season for indoor wine cellars and cultural sites; short days suit relaxed itineraries avoiding harsh frosts.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Moldovan Leu (MDL). ATMs are common in cities; exchange euros or USD at banks for best rates. Cards accepted in urban areas but cash rules in rural spots.
- Language: Romanian (official, often called Moldovan) and Russian are widely spoken. English is common among younger people and in tourist hubs like Chisinau.
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2 (UTC+3 during daylight saving from late March to late October)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type C and F plugs (European two-pin round)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance; additional lines include 903 for police and 903 for ambulance
- Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated; add 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares
- Water: Tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled is recommended in rural areas to avoid stomach issues
- Pharmacies: Easily found in Chisinau and towns; look for "Farmacie" signs. Basic medicines are affordable and available over-the-counter