Moldova

🇲🇩

Phone Code

+373

Capital

Chisinau

Population

2.6 Million

Native Name

Moldova

Region

Europe

Eastern Europe

Timezone

Eastern European Time

UTC+02:00

Moldova is a landlocked Eastern European country between Romania and Ukraine, one of Europe's smallest and least-visited nations. A former Soviet republic (independent 1991), Moldova is one of Europe's poorest countries but has rich wine-making tradition dating back 5,000 years. Chișinău, the capital, has Soviet-era architecture, parks, and emerging café culture. Moldova is linguistically and culturally Romanian but politically separate - complex history includes Romanian rule (1918-1940), Soviet occupation (1940-1991), and current identity debates. IMPORTANT: Transnistria, a narrow strip along eastern border with Ukraine, is a breakaway region not controlled by Moldova (de facto independent since 1992, unrecognized by UN). Visitors are drawn to underground wine cities Cricova and Milestii Mici (world's largest wine cellars, 1.5-2 million bottles, UNESCO candidate), Orheiul Vechi cave monastery, Chișinău's Soviet architecture and parks, traditional villages, very affordable travel (cheapest country in Europe), wine tourism, and Transnistria 'Soviet time capsule' experience. Moldova offers authentic Eastern European experience, excellent wine, and extreme affordability with limited tourism infrastructure.

Visa Requirements for Moldova

Moldova has liberal visa policies for tourism. Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, EU member states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. E-visas are available online for nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond departure. No registration required for stays under 90 days. Moldova's visa policies are relatively open to encourage tourism to one of Europe's least-visited countries. IMPORTANT: Transnistria (breakaway region) has separate entry procedures - technically requires 'registration' within 24 hours for stays beyond day trips, though enforcement varies. You can visit Transnistria from Moldova as a day trip without complications. Moldova is a candidate for EU membership (status granted 2022) which may eventually lead to Schengen integration.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; passport valid 3 months beyond stay required; no registration needed; cannot work; straightforward entry process; can visit Transnistria as day trip from Moldova.

For tourism or business for US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and 100+ other countries.

E-Visa

30-90 days depending on type; apply through Moldova e-visa portal; processing 5-10 days; requires passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, accommodation proof; costs $60-120 USD depending on type; print e-visa approval.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, applied online before travel.

Embassy Visa

30-90 days; requires application form, passport, photos, invitation letter (for business), hotel booking; Moldova has limited diplomatic representation; processing varies; relatively few applicants due to liberal visa-free policies.

Traditional visa obtained through Moldovan embassy for those not eligible for e-visa or visa-free entry.

Transnistria Registration

Registration paper issued at Transnistria checkpoints; day trips (under 10 hours) no registration needed; overnight stays require registration within 24 hours at OVIR office; keep registration slip; return when exiting; technically separate 'country' with own visa rules.

Separate entry procedure for visiting Transnistria breakaway region.

Important Travel Information

Transnistria is complex: Breakaway region (1992 war, frozen conflict) controls eastern border along Ukraine. Has own government, currency (Transnistrian ruble), military, border guards but zero international recognition. Can visit as day trip from Chișinău (1.5 hours). Overnight stays require registration at OVIR office. Soviet nostalgia destination - Lenin statues, hammer and sickle symbols, Soviet aesthetics. Fascinating but politically sensitive.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure. Moldova immigration straightforward. Blank pages for stamps.

Cheapest country in Europe: Moldova has Europe's lowest prices. Accommodation $10-30/night. Meals $3-7. Wine tours $20-40. Transport very cheap. Excellent value for budget travelers. Cash economy - bring Euros or USD to exchange for Moldovan Leu (MDL).