Moldova entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders can enter Moldova without a visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This policy has been in place for years and remains unchanged in 2026. Simply arrive at the airport or land border with your passport and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay in Moldova | Your Japanese passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Moldova. Moldova does not enforce a 6-month validity rule beyond your departure date, but airlines may still ask for at least 3 months remaining. | 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 of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers may ask where you're staying. Have a hotel confirmation, Airbnb booking, or a letter from your host ready. A simple printout or phone screen works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can ask for proof of sufficient funds for your stay. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least €50 per day of your visit. Most travellers never get asked, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
No visa needed — just show up
Japanese passport holders can enter Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, no fee, no embassy visit. Just a valid passport and a return ticket.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you enter Moldova. Airlines check this before boarding. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before your trip.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport or land border
Most Japanese travelers fly into Chișinău International Airport (KIV). At the airport, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU/non-Moldovan citizens. Land borders (e.g., from Romania or Ukraine) have similar procedures.
2
Queue at the foreign passport line
Join the line marked for foreign passports. Have your passport and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation) ready. The queue usually moves quickly, but can be slow during peak hours.
3
Present your passport and answer questions
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask: 'How long are you staying?', 'Where are you staying?', 'What's the purpose of your visit?' Answer briefly and honestly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day entry stamp.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 date
Cost~$80 USD (estimated)
Apply at Moldovan embassy in Tokyo or online if available. Allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$120 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stay1 year, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
Requires employer or university sponsorship. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Moldova Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Moldovan company. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Moldova Student Visa
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a Moldovan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Moldova Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For investors making a significant economic contribution (e.g., $100,000+). Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayExact amount may vary; pay at border or immigration office before departure. | ~$10 USD per day (estimated) |
| Overstay fine maximum capMaximum fine for overstay; may be subject to additional penalties or ban. | ~$200 USD (estimated) |
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
Japan passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Chișinău International Airport, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially spring to autumn. Use insect repellent and consider vaccination.
RabiesLow risk
Risk from stray animals. Avoid contact and seek immediate medical care if bitten.
Food and waterborne diseasesModerate risk
Risk of traveler's diarrhea from contaminated food/water. Drink bottled 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. Mihail Kogălniceanu 16, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Chișinău
Border Police Headquarters
Str. Petricani 19, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
For overstay fines and exit permits. Pay fines before departure.
Practical information for JP 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 not extendable. You must leave Moldova before 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need 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.
No. Moldova does not require foreign visitors to register with local authorities for stays under 90 days. Just keep your passport with the entry stamp as proof of legal stay.
No. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. If it expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
You cannot extend the visa-free period. For longer stays, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at the Bureau for Migration and Asylum in Chișinău before your 90 days end. This requires a valid reason (work, study, family reunion) and supporting documents. Processing takes several weeks.
No. Japanese citizens don't need any visa — it's visa-free entry. Just show your passport at the border. No application, no fee, no paperwork beforehand.
No. The 90-day visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits only. You cannot work (paid or unpaid) without a work permit and appropriate visa. If you plan to work, apply for a long-stay visa and work permit before traveling.
Your valid passport is the main requirement. It's smart to also have: a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, your first night's accommodation booking, and proof of travel insurance. These aren't always checked, but having them ready avoids delays.
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.