Moldova entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Australian passport holders can enter Moldova without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since 2014, and there are no signs of it changing in 2026. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Moldova. Moldova does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may still enforce this — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Moldova | Immigration officers at Chișinău Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact details. Border officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Moldova does not publish a fixed minimum amount, but officers may ask how you plan to cover your expenses. | Recommended |
6-month passport validity is strictly enforced
Moldovan border officials count from the date you enter, not your departure date. If your passport expires within 6 months of arrival, you will be refused entry. No exceptions.
Transnistria is a separate de facto state
If you plan to visit the breakaway region of Transnistria, you'll need to register with the local authorities if staying more than 24 hours. Entry is from the Moldovan side only. Your Australian passport is fine, but travel insurance may not cover you there — check your policy.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport (or land border)
Most Australians fly into Chișinău International Airport (KIV). If arriving by land from Romania or Ukraine, the process is similar. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
2
Join the passport control queue
There are separate queues for Moldovan citizens and foreigners. Join the 'Foreign Passports' line. Wait times vary from 5 to 30 minutes depending on flight arrivals.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: purpose of visit, length of stay, where you're staying. Answer briefly and honestly. They rarely ask for supporting documents, but have your return ticket and accommodation confirmation accessible.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the allowed stay (usually 90 days). Check the stamp before walking away. If it's wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim (if you checked bags), then through customs. Green channel for nothing to declare, red channel if you have goods over €10,000 or restricted items.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
Cost~$80 USD (equivalent in MDL)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Moldovan embassy abroad.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$120 USD
Allows multiple visits; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit / Employment Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (state fee + processing)
For those with a job offer from a Moldovan employer. Requires company sponsorship and approval from the National Employment Agency.
student visa
Student Visa (Long-stay D visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$150 USD
For enrolled students at accredited Moldovan institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor / Business Visa
1–3 years, renewable
~$500 USD (minimum investment varies)
For those investing at least ~$100,000 USD in a Moldovan business or real estate. Provides residence permit pathway.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at the border or immigration office; maximum cap may apply. | ~200 MDL (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Chișinău International Airport (KIV) as long as they remain airside.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas, especially from April to November; vaccination recommended for rural travel.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray animals; avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Common in rural areas; drink bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 (BMA)
Str. M. Kogălniceanu 65, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions, residence permits, and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bălți
BMA Territorial Office
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova; limited services compared to Chișinău.
Practical information for AU 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 = 17.23 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, the visa-free stay is strictly 90 days within any 180-day period. There is no extension available for tourist stays. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a temporary residence permit from the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău before your 90 days expire — but that's for work, study, or family reunification, not tourism.
No, Australian passport holders do not need to register with the police or migration authorities for stays under 90 days. Your entry stamp is sufficient.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can enter Moldova by land from Romania (e.g., Iași to Chișinău) or Ukraine (e.g., Odesa to Chișinău). The same visa-free rules apply. Border crossings can be slower than the airport, especially at busy times. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No, there is no visa on arrival for Australians. If you need to stay beyond 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days expire. Overstaying can result in fines and a ban from re-entering Moldova.
The local currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted for exchange at banks and exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in Chișinău, but cash is king in rural areas. ATMs are common in cities.
No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry. Routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, polio) are recommended. Hepatitis A and typhoid are advised for most travellers, especially if eating street food or staying in rural areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.