Arrival in Moldova

Check Moldova's current visa regime for your nationality and travel purpose through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its eVisa system before travelling. People who need a visa can apply through a Moldovan embassy or consulate, or online for an eVisa. The online system covers transit visas and short-stay visas; airport-transit and long-stay visas require contact with a diplomatic mission. An eVisa costs EUR 40, and processing normally takes up to 10 calendar days, with a possible extension to 20 days. The eVisa is issued as a PDF, so keep a printed copy with your passport. A short-stay visa application may require a passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least three months after the planned departure, a photograph, evidence of the travel purpose and itinerary, accommodation evidence, proof of sufficient funds, travel medical insurance covering at least EUR 30,000 and, where required, an invitation from the Inspectoratul General pentru Migrație. The financial evidence for a short-stay visa is generally EUR 30 per day, with at least EUR 300 for stays shorter than 10 days. A visa or residence permit from the European Union, the Schengen area, the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada may support an exception to the invitation requirement, but it does not justify assuming that every nationality can enter Moldova without a visa. Entry takes place through an international border crossing point with a valid travel document recognized by Moldova and, where applicable, a visa, residence permit or other proof of lawful stay. Border Police may request evidence of the travel purpose, accommodation, funds for the stay and return or onward travel. For transit, the person may also need proof that the destination country will admit them. Entry can be refused because of an entry ban, an exclusion decision, a threat to national security, public order or public health. Keep passport, visa, insurance, accommodation and return-travel documents accessible during inspection. After controlled entry, the person is recorded in the Population State Register and must leave by the authorized deadline and respect the stated purpose of stay. The general temporary-stay limit is 90 days within six months from the first entry, unless the visa establishes another period. A planned stay beyond that period normally requires a provisional residence application to the IGM. Applications are submitted in person with originals and copies at IGM one-stop shops in Chisinau, Balti, Comrat or Cahul. Submit the application at least 30 days before the current stay expires; the period is at least 15 days for European Union citizens, foreign investors and work-immigration cases. Processing commonly takes about 15 to 30 days for specific routes, although the IGM's general information can allow up to 90 calendar days. Missing the applicable deadline can lead to an administrative penalty. The IGM also provides an application-status checking system. Residence or domicile registration requires proof of ownership or lawful use of the address, such as a rental contract, together with the passport and applicable fees. Registration records the address but does not create a right to live in the property. Report a change in the registered address or the loss or alteration of a relevant document or permit to the responsible authority or regional police within 15 days. Accommodation evidence may support a visa application, while housing-market, rental-advice and tenancy-law questions belong to the separate housing context. A person entering Moldova through a segment of the Moldova-Ukraine border not controlled by the Moldovan authorities must not assume that ordinary border registration covers the stay. Personal reporting and registration are required within 72 hours at the responsible IGM or Agenția Servicii Publice subdivision. The ASP service is free and is handled when the person appears in person. A person who fears persecution or faces a serious risk of harm may request asylum orally or in writing at a Border Police border crossing point, from the IGM Asylum and Integration Directorate or its territorial subdivisions, or from the police. The request must be made personally in Moldova; an application from abroad is not accepted. A late request is not by itself a reason for refusal. A person applying at a border crossing point can receive a provisional certificate valid for up to 48 hours, and people seeking protection should not be penalized solely for irregular entry or stay. Free legal aid is available through designated partner organizations. Emergency medical, police and fire assistance is available nationwide through 112 at any time. Urgent pre-hospital and primary care under the Unified Programme is available to people including those without insurance, and payment is not a condition for receiving that emergency assistance. Registration with a family doctor at a primary-care institution is possible regardless of insurance status. Further treatment, medicines and hospital care depend on eligibility and insurance; foreign nationals may need travel insurance or private payment. For first journeys from Chisinau Airport, check the official flight-status panel at airport.md. Chisinau buses, trolleybuses and minibuses generally operate from about 05:30 to 23:00; the listed fare is 6 MDL and tickets are paid in cash on board. Check current routes and schedules with Î.M. Parcul Urban de Autobuze. For intercity travel and rail services, use the CFM timetable and online ticket system. Keep some cash available for initial transport and other first-day services. The Border Police Green Line is 022-259-717 and operates 24/7; the IGM Green Line is 022-820-007 from Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00; and the ASP contact number is 14 909 during the same weekday hours.