Entry Procedures

Moldova is not an EU member and is outside the Schengen Area. Many nationalities, including Japanese and EU citizens, can visit visa-free for short tourist stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, while others need a Moldovan visa. Rules depend on your nationality and can change, so check the official Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and your embassy before you travel.

Your passport should generally be valid for at least the duration of your intended stay in Moldova, and many travellers keep at least 3-6 months of validity beyond departure to be safe. Border officers may ask about your onward or return travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so confirm the exact passport validity rule for your case before you travel.

At the Moldovan border you may be asked to show supporting documents besides your passport. These can include a return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or an invitation), evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, and travel or health insurance. Have these ready to help your entry go smoothly.

If you enter or leave Moldova carrying cash of EUR 10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies or bearer instruments), you must declare it in writing to customs. Complete a cash declaration at the border when required. Failure to declare can lead to fines or seizure, so keep records of the funds you are carrying.

Arriving in Moldova you have duty-free allowances for goods for personal use, including limited amounts of alcohol and tobacco, within set limits. Goods above the allowances or intended for commercial use must be declared and may be taxed. As Moldova is outside the EU, EU internal-market rules do not apply, so check current Moldovan Customs allowances before you travel.

Bring enough of your prescription medicines for your trip, ideally in their original packaging with the prescription or a copy, preferably in English or with a translation. Some controlled medicines may require a doctor's note explaining your need. Since Moldova is outside the Schengen Area, an EU Schengen medicine certificate does not apply here; check the rules with Moldovan authorities before you travel.

No special vaccinations are required to enter Moldova for most travellers. It is recommended that your routine vaccinations are up to date, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-polio and hepatitis A and B, per your home country schedule. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic well before departure for personalised advice.

Most travellers arrive at Chișinău International Airport (KIV), the country's main gateway. At passport control, officers check your travel documents and may ask about the purpose and length of your stay, your accommodation and onward travel. Passports are stamped on entry and exit. Have your documents ready and follow the signage on arrival.

Romanian is the state language and Russian is widely spoken, while English is less common outside tourist spots and younger people, so a translation app helps. Moldova is one of Europe's most affordable destinations and is known for its wine. Note that the breakaway Transnistria region has its own controls; check current travel advice before visiting the east bank of the Dniester.