Moldova entry requirements for United States 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
US citizens can visit Moldova for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. This policy applies in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Moldova. Airlines at US departure gates will check this before you board. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Recommended | Immigration officers in Chișinău may ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next destination ticket ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking or host invitation letter can speed things up at the border. Officers rarely demand it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your stay. No fixed amount is published, but around $50 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Moldova. If it's close to expiring, renew before you go. No exceptions.
Keep a digital copy of your documents
Save photos of your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking on your phone. If you lose your passport, these copies make replacement at the US Embassy much faster.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Chișinău International Airport
Most US travelers fly into Chișinău (KIV). After landing, follow signs to 'Passport Control' for non-EU/non-Moldovan citizens.
2
Present your passport and supporting documents
Hand over your passport with at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page. The officer may ask to see your return ticket and accommodation booking. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with the date of entry and the maximum stay (90 days). Check the stamp before walking away. If anything looks off, ask the officer to correct it.
4
Collect luggage and exit customs
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually nothing to declare for personal items. Green channel if you have nothing to declare, red channel if you do.
Download Moldova Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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 want a formal visa; apply at Moldovan embassy abroad.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost~$120 USD (equivalent in MDL)
Allows multiple visits; useful for frequent travelers.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$100 USD (equivalent in MDL)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Moldova Work Visa (Type D)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (state fee) + employer sponsorship
For US citizens with a job offer in Moldova. Requires work permit from the National Employment Agency. Allows residence and work.
student visa
Moldova Student Visa (Type D)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
~$80 USD (state fee) + proof of enrollment
For US citizens enrolled in a Moldovan educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
investor visa
Moldova Investor Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (state fee) + minimum investment of ~$100,000 USD
For US citizens investing in Moldova's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Leads to permanent residence after 3 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (not available)Visa-free stay is not extendable; must leave after 90 days. | Varies |
| Overstay fineOverstay fines are assessed at the border upon departure; pay in local currency. | ~$10 USD per day (no official cap) |
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
US 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
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for US citizens transiting through Moldova for up to 24 hours airside.
Transit hubsChișinău International Airport (KIV)
Health & vaccines for Moldova
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialRabiesConsiderTick-borne encephalitisConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Risk in forested areas, especially from April to November; vaccination recommended for hikers.
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; 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. Mihail Kogălniceanu 65, Chișinău
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Bălți
BMA Territorial Office Bălți
Str. Ștefan cel Mare 1, Bălți
Mon–Fri 09:00–17:00
Handles immigration matters for northern Moldova.
Practical information for US 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 90-day stay is not extendable. You must leave Moldova before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're staying airside and not passing through passport control, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to catch a connecting flight the next day), the same visa-free rules apply for US citizens.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry.
Yes, US citizens can enter by land at any official border crossing. The same visa-free rules apply. Have your passport and supporting documents ready for inspection.
No, US citizens do not need to register with local authorities for stays under 90 days. Just keep your entry stamp safe.
Moldova uses the Moldovan leu (MDL). US dollars and euros are easily exchanged at banks and exchange offices in Chișinău. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants in the capital, but cash is king in rural areas.
No mandatory vaccinations for US citizens. But it's wise to be up-to-date on routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, flu). No COVID-19 restrictions as of 2026.
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.