Moldova - Rejseforsikringer og information

Oversigt

Capital: Chisinau (pop. 488,000)
Population: 2,996,106 (2025 est.)
Religions: Orthodox, other Christian, other, agnostic, atheist, unspecified
Languages: Moldovan/Romanian, Russian, Gagauz, Ukrainian, Bulgarian
Time Zone: UTC+2; daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +373
Electrical plug(s): Type C and Type F

Penge

The local currency in Moldova is Moldovan lei (MDL). As of 6 October 2026 100 MDL is equal to 5.61 USD.

Currency exchange can be done at banks, exchange offices and hotels.

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Trans-Dniester has introduced its own currency for the region, the Transdniester rouble. This is not usable anywhere outside of the region. Banks are open 0900-1800 Monday to Friday. Some banks and bureau de change can also be found open on Saturdays.

A service charge is often included in restaurant bills, but a further 5-10% is expected. Tips are not customary for taxis, but are appreciated.

Elektricitet

The power supply in Moldova is reliable. Electricity operates on 220V at 50Hz using plug type(s) C and F.

Pas

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Moldova. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure and have one blank page.

Nationals of the European Union (EU) can enter the Schengen area with a valid ID.

Nationals of Türkiye can enter Moldova with a valid ID.

Visaer

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Moldova: Foreign nationals from select countries can enter Moldova visa-free for up to 90 days. The same condition applies to transit and exit from the country.

Lokal rejse

Overview

Due to reckless driving habits, road travel can be dangerous, particularly at night. Road conditions outside of Chisinau often fall below European standards. Public transport services and air travel are safe and reliable, although there's a risk of petty crime.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

The main air entry point to Moldova is Chisinau International Airport (RMO/LUKK), which is located on the outskirts of Chisinau. The airport at Chisinau is small, and the waiting time at customs and passport control is generally minimal. Security at the airport does not yet meet full European Union (EU) standards, but measures are being put in place to remedy this. Although rare, Western foreign nationals may be victims of petty crime outside the airport.

There are a number of ways to reach central Chisinau from the airport. The express bus 30 leaves from outside the terminal building. Minibuses will stop anywhere along a fixed route. Taxis are available from outside the terminal building. Check https://airport.md/en for details. Unlicensed taxis operate regularly at Chisinau, and you can expect to be approached by several drivers in the arrivals hall. You should not use their services under any circumstances, as they are very likely to overcharge and have not been regulated by the local authorities. Licensed cabs will have illuminated TAXI signs on their roofs and/or a four-digit company telephone number on their doors. Most are yellow.

Moldova's second international airport is Bălţi-Leadoveni, located 15km (9 miles) north of Bălţi. Many bus services leave from the airport and go to destinations around northern Moldova. Taxis are available from outside the terminal building. You should try to negotiate a price before getting in, as drivers may overcharge otherwise. Car hire services are also available and, if driving, the E583 road goes to Bălţi.

Airspace

Moldova initially closed all the airspace after the Russian invasion of Ukraine on 24 February 2022 but later reopened a section on the western border for flights to Chisinau Airport (RMO/LUKK).

Borders and Entry

Border measures: There is no official border between Moldova and Transnistria. However, there are border control points established by the de facto Transnistria leadership between Moldova and Transnistria. Passports will be controlled but will not be stamped. Border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Moldova. The passport must be valid for at least three months after the date of departure and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" may be denied entry. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate to confirm if entry is allowed with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral". The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Moldova might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

Roads in Moldova vary from good to very poor. Most roads are narrow, poorly lit and poorly surfaced. The best roads are in and around Chisinau, although bad lighting can still be a problem at night. Traffic signage is lacking or unclear in both urban and rural areas. It is advised to avoid driving after dark due to road conditions. Agricultural vehicles and livestock pose a significant hazard. Keep to speed limits on rural roads and remain alert. Moldova has a high rate of traffic accidents and fatalities resulting from traffic accidents. Bad roads combine with erratic local driving to create dangerous driving conditions.

Drunk driving is also a major problem. The maximum blood-alcohol limit is 0.3 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. Penalties if caught for this offence range from large fines to imprisonment. The speed limit is 60kph (37mph) in urban areas and 90kph (56mph) on rural roads. Traffic police use radar guns to detect speeders, and heavy fines are possible.

Exercise caution in Transnistria, where restricted zones may be indicated simply by 'Stop' signs. Always ensure the route you intend to take does not cross restricted areas. There is no official Moldova-Transnistria border, but border control points are established by the de facto Transnistria leadership between Moldova and Transnistria. Approach all checkpoints and roadblocks cautiously and always stop when told to.

Rail Travel

International overnight trains run from Chisinau to Moscow, St Petersburg, Bucharest and Lviv daily. Train services between Chisinau and Odessa, in Ukraine, were suspended until further notice amid the Russian offensive in Ukraine. All are reliable services, and no major rail accidents have occurred in recent years. Petty theft can be a problem, and if possible, you should try to get a sleeper cabin with two beds, rather than four or six. When leaving your cabin, always take valuables with you and use any available locks. Remember to take food and drink with you for overnight trips, as catering carriages are usually very basic.

While the trains that travel across the border tend to be clean and safe, local trains are older and unreliable. Much of the rolling stock is Soviet-era and may be dangerous for passengers if there is an accident. Foreign nationals are also clear targets for petty crime. Buses are often a much better way to get around Moldova. However, certain lines have received investment in recent years. Most notably, the Revaca-Căinari. This line is now fast and efficient. If you do have to take the train, keep your bags close to you at all times and ensure your valuables are secured in a money belt. Tickets can be purchased online from the official railway website.

Public Transport

Buses: International bus services link Chisinau with Bucharest in Romania and Kyiv in Ukraine. Other services go to European cities further afield but are much less frequent. Most international services terminate at Chisinau, either at the Gara De Nord bus station or at the central bus station. Petty crime may occur when bags are left unlocked on overhead storage shelves.

Domestic buses are not always reliable, with frequent breakdowns and long delays. However, the network is extensive, and most areas of the country can be reached by bus. The services generally leave from central stations in each town. The vehicles used for long-distance services tend to be minibuses. There are often only limited seats, which impacts safety if passengers have to stay standing. Injuries have occurred in recent years when these buses were involved in accidents. Pick-pocketing has also been reported, so ensure you keep valuables in secure pockets; ideally in a money belt.

Minibuses: Maxitaxis or rutiera are mini-buses that operate along fixed routes in most towns and can be hailed down at almost any point. Travellers pay the driver when they get on board. The majority are extremely crowded and it is not unusual to have no space to move at all while on board.

Taxis: Taxis are widely available in urban areas in Moldova and can be called in rural areas. Tourists are frequently overcharged. Most taxis have meters, but drivers will either avoid using them at all costs or take a very long route to the destination. Ensure you only use legitimate taxi firms. Unlicensed operators will not have a 4-digit telephone number printed on the side of their car and will not have a rooftop 'Taxi' light. Calling in advance from a reputable company is advised whenever possible. The most popular taxi apps are Hip, Letz, Bolt and TaxiClub 14444.

Vehicle Hire: International car rental businesses operate in Chisinau, and smaller local firms are present across the country. Some smaller firms are known for renting out poorly maintained cars. If you need to hire a car, try to stick with international companies, or get a recommendation from a trusted local. Always check around any vehicle you hire before driving it to ensure that there is no damage.