Moldova prepares to introduce visas for Russians and Belarusians

Why Moldova is changing its visa regime

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said the country has to bring its entry rules into line with European Union requirements. He mentioned this on TV8. No exact launch date for the new visas has been set yet, but the debate is already in full swing.

Current entry rules

At the moment, Russian and Belarusian citizens can enter Moldova with a foreign passport and stay up to 90 days within a six‑month period. The rule has been in place for several years, but lately the Russian embassy warns that the risk of a border denial is climbing.

Visitor statistics

Official figures show that in 2018 about 322 000 Russians and roughly 20 000 Belarusians visited Moldova. Most of them were heading to relatives or handling business matters.

Possible timing and impact

State Duma deputy Viktor Vodolatsky guessed that the new visas could appear as early as after the New Year. He says the sharpest impact will be felt by residents of Transnistria – the autonomous region where many hold Russian documents.

How this fits the country's overall policy

Moldova officially announced its exit from the CIS, with the final deadline set for 8 April 2027. The country became an EU candidate in June 2022 and is now trying to meet the bloc’s requirements, migration policy included.

Comparison with other candidate countries

Other aspiring EU members have already taken similar steps:

• Montenegro introduced visas for Russian, Belarusian, Chinese, Saudi Arabian and Turkish citizens on 1 November.
• Albania scrapped the visa‑free regime for Belarusians, making it visa‑required.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina plans to require visas for Russians, Chinese, Turks and a handful of other nationals.

Russia’s response to Montenegro’s move was to announce that visas would be needed for Montenegrin citizens starting 30 December.

What travelers should know

• Until the new rules take effect, Russians and Belarusians can still use the existing visa‑free regime, but they should be prepared for possible border refusals.
• When planning a trip, it’s wise to check the latest requirements at the consulate or on official websites.
• If you’re traveling to see family or for business, bring supporting documents to smooth the checkpoint process.
• Should visas become mandatory, the application will look like that of other candidate countries: an online form, biometric data, and then waiting for a decision.

In short, Moldova stands on the brink of a migration‑policy shift, trying to balance EU expectations with the needs of its visitors. Travelers should keep an eye on updates and get ready for any changes so their journey goes smoothly.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.