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HOME > FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS > Moldova
Foreign Entry Requirements and Travel Tips:
Foreign Entry Requirements and Country Information
International Travel Information for US Citizens
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Click here to obtain an Moldova Visa
Legend:  =Required  =Not Required
| Entry/Exit Requirements |
As of January 1, 2007, citizens of the United States, EU member states, Canada, Switzerland and Japan do not require visas to enter Moldova. See our Foreign Entry Requirements brochure for more information on Moldova and other countries. For more information on entry requirements, please contact the Moldovan Embassy, 2101 S Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 667-1130, (202) 667-1131, or (202) 667-1137, fax: (202) 667-1204, e-mail: moldova@dgs.dgsys.com. Travelers may also wish to consult the Moldovan Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for general information on Moldovan visas and for application forms: http://www.mfa.md/En/ConsularInf/VisasInfo.htm.
See Entry and Exit Requirements for more information pertaining to dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction. Please refer to our Customs Information to learn more about customs regulations.
Important Reminder: All foreign citizens staying in Moldova for three days or longer are required to register with local authorities at the Office of Visas and Registration within the first three working days of their stay in Moldova. The place of registration (usually, a district police station) depends on where a visitor is staying in Moldova. Most hotels will register guests automatically. The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to ask about registration when checking into a hotel. U.S. citizens not staying in a hotel are responsible for registering with authorities. To find out exactly where to register, a U.S. citizen may call the central Office for Visas and Registration at (373) (22) 21-30-78, and should be prepared to give the address of the residence in Moldova. Under Moldovan law, those who fail to register with authorities may be required to appear in court and pay a fine, possibly delaying their departure from Moldova. For more information on registering with Moldovan authorities, U.S. citizens are encouraged to call the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau at (373) (22) 40-83-00.
In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated special procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship to the person traveling with the child and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. Please refer to Traveling with Children for detailed information. |
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| Population |
| 4,446,455 (July 2004 est.) |
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| Nationality |
noun: Moldovan(s)
adjective: Moldovan |
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| Country Name |
conventional long form: Republic of Moldova
conventional short form: Moldova
local long form: Republica Moldova
local short form: none
former: Soviet Socialist Republic of Moldova; Moldavia |
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| Capital |
| Chisinau |
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| Climate |
| moderate winters, warm summers |
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| Currency |
| Moldovan leu (MDL) |
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| Government Type |
| republic |
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| U.S. Embassy Location |
chief of mission: Ambassador Heather M. HODGES
embassy: 103 Alexei Mateevici Street, Chisinau MD-2009
mailing address: use embassy street address
telephone: [373] (22) 23-37-72
FAX: [373] (22) 23-30-44 |
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| Legal System |
| based on civil law system; Constitutional Court reviews legality of legislative acts and governmental decisions of resolution; it is unclear if Moldova accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction but accepts many UN and Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) documents |
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| Religions |
| Eastern Orthodox 98%, Jewish 1.5%, Baptist and other 0.5% (2000) |
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| Country Background |
| Formerly ruled by Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although independent from the USSR since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Dniester River supporting the Slavic majority population, mostly Ukrainians and Russians, who have proclaimed a "Transnistria" republic. The poorest nation in Europe, Moldova became the first former Soviet state to elect a Communist as its president in 2001. |
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| Safety and Security |
A separatist regime controls a narrow strip of land in the Transnistria region of eastern Moldova. The United States and other countries do not recognize this regime. Since no formal diplomatic relations exist between the United States and local authorities there, the provision of consular assistance to American citizens cannot be ensured. Travelers should exercise caution in visiting or transiting the area. Travelers should be aware that there are numerous road checkpoints in the Transnistria region.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings, including the Travel Warning for Libya, and Public Announcements can be found.
Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). |
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| Crime |
Moldova's recent economic difficulties, as well as increased organized criminal activity combined with more frequent travel by foreigners to Moldova, contribute to the risk visitors face with street crime, some potentially violent. While this risk is no greater than in most cities in the United States, many Americans have reported theft of money and small valuables from hotel rooms and local apartments. Cases of breaking and entering into homes and offices are not uncommon. Travelers are wise to exercise the same precautions with regard to personal safety and protection of valuables in Chisinau that they would in any major U.S. city.
Train and bus services are below Western European standards and some U.S. citizens have been victims of crimes involving thefts while traveling on international trains to and from Moldova.
Internet Fraud Warning: The Embassy is also aware of various confidence schemes that have taken advantage of American Citizens, frequently via the Internet. In some cases these involve the purchase or sale of items on the Internet in which the payment or shipment of goods was not completed by a Moldovan counterpart. Losses have included merchandise valued above $1,000. In other cases, American Citizens, particularly males, have meet potential Moldovan fiancé(e)s on the Internet who have convinced them to send hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but with no intention of a serious relationship. Once the American Citizen starts to question the reason for sending the money, the Moldovan fiancé(e) suddenly ends their contact. Recently, American citizens who come to Moldova to visit someone they have first met over the Internet have reported becoming subject to crimes such as extortion and involuntary detention. American Citizens should be aware that any such activity committed by individuals in Moldova would be subject to the Moldovan legal system and could prove difficult to prosecute. In the vast majority of cases, there is nothing that the U.S. Embassy in Moldova can do to assist American Citizens who are defrauded by Moldovans via the Internet.
The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds can be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed. |
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| Medical Facilities |
| Medical care in Moldova is limited and there are often severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy maintains lists of medical facilities and English-speaking doctors. |
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Passports |
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8-14 Days |
$65.00 |
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5-7 Days |
$135.00 |
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3-4 Days |
$185.00 |
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24-48 Hours |
$245.00 |
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Visas |
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Non-Rush |
$55.00 |
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Rush |
$125.00 |
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Same Day |
$175.00 |
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* When Applicable |
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