Chisinau

Passport validity requirements

Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Moldova, and at least one blank page.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Moldova for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days in a 6-month period. You must be able to show proof of return or onward travel to another country, such as an onward flight ticket.

You need a work permit or residence permit to work or for stays of more than 90 days. See more information on work and residence permits. 

The Moldovan authorities will automatically register your arrival date. They strictly enforce penalties, including fines and expulsion, against foreign visitors who stay in Moldova longer than allowed. Contact the Moldovan authorities with any additional questions.

Land border crossings

Entering and leaving Transnistria

FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.

There is no internationally recognised boundary between Transnistria and the rest of Moldova. However, Transnistria’s de facto authorities operate checkpoints controlling access to the region, including near the Tighina (Bender) fortress. These checkpoints can be manned by both Transnistrian and Russian guards. Passports will be controlled but will not be stamped.

When you enter Transnistria, you need to fill in 2 copies of a migration card for the de facto authorities – keep one copy to show them when you leave. The de facto authorities may ask the purpose and length of your visit, and where you will stay. They may also deny you entry. 

All border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed. FCDO does not know when they will reopen.     

Entering Moldova from Romania

Check for updates on border crossings from Romania with the Moldovan Border Police.

Entering Moldova from Ukraine

There have been incidents associated with Russia’s war against Ukraine near Moldova–Ukraine border crossings, including temporary suspensions of border operations following nearby drone and missile strikes and falling debris.

Check for updates on border crossings from Ukraine with the Moldovan Border Police.

If you enter Moldova overland from Ukraine, go to an internationally recognised border crossing point. These are in the north and south of Moldova, excluding the Transnistria region.

If you have travelled to Moldova from Ukraine and need assistance, call (+373) 22 225 902 or contact FCDO online.

If you’re near a Ukraine-Moldova border crossing point and need assistance, call +44 1908 516666 and select option 2: consular services for British nationals.       

Entering Ukraine from Moldova 

Check for updates on border crossings with Ukraine with the Moldovan Border Police. This is particularly important around Transnistria, which is outside the control of the Moldovan authorities. Read FCDO’s Ukraine travel advice.

Vaccine requirements  

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Moldova guide.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Moldova. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Moldova 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Customs rules 

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Moldova. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. 

Taking money into Moldova 

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Emergency services in Moldova

Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Moldova
• dealing with a death in Moldova
• being arrested or imprisoned in Moldova
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO 

Help abroad  

See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency. 

Help in the UK  

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.  

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)  

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates  

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.  

Follow FCDO: 

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Moldova on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Transnistria

FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders. Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government.  

FCDO’s ability to offer support is extremely limited and will be more limited if there is military action on or near the Moldova-Ukraine border.   

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Get travel advice updates

Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. 

Follow FCDO:   

• travel advice on X

• travel advice on Facebook

• Travel Aware on Instagram

Laws and cultural differences

Police checks and personal ID

There are frequent police checks and police officers have the right to ask for ID on the street. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you.

Buying and exporting art and antiques

You must get permission from the Moldovan Department of Monuments to take any artwork or antiques out of the country. If you do not, customs officials could seize the goods and you could face criminal charges.

Using cameras

Avoid taking photos of military and government facilities, including airports and power stations. If caught, authorities are likely to question you and ask you to delete the photos in their presence.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Moldova, but the Moldovan government does not formally recognise same-sex partners. There is an active social and lobbying group on gay and lesbian issues in Chisinau. Public attitudes are less tolerant and showing affection in public can receive unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Surrogacy

Child surrogacy is strictly prohibited throughout Moldova. The British Embassy will not be able to provide support if you get involved in any way.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, even small quantities of drugs (class A, B or C) including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Moldova have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Money

Paying by card is now generally widespread, however you may not always be able to pay this way, particularly outside the capital, Chisinau.

Carry some local currency, euros or US dollars in cash.   

Notes should be in perfect condition, or they may be refused. You can exchange pound sterling and other major currencies for Moldovan lei at banks and currency exchange offices.

ATMs in Transnistrian banks will not accept cards issued outside the region, and foreign cards cannot be used for payments. The currency used in Transnistria is the Transnistrian ruble. Moldovan lei, euros, or US dollars can be exchanged for Transnistrian ruble when in the region. Attempting to pay in currencies other than the Transnistrian ruble is considered illegal by the self-declared authorities. Transnistrian rubles cannot be bought or exchanged outside of Transnistria.