Moldova
Eastern Europe • MDA
Last updated: September 15, 2026
Moldova is a hidden gem in Eastern Europe, celebrated for its sprawling wine cellars, rich cultural heritage, and charming rural landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient monasteries and Soviet-era history while experiencing the warm hospitality of the local people in a destination that remains largely off the typical tourist trail.
Visa Requirements
Citizens of the EU, USA, UK, Canada, and many other nations can enter Moldova for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
Typically Required Documents
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of departure
- Proof of travel insurance
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
- Proof of accommodation booking
- Return or onward flight ticket
Popular Attractions
Mileștii Mici is the world's largest underground wine cellar, boasting a collection of over two million bottles in its extensive limestone tunnels.
Orheiul Vechi is a stunning historical and archaeological complex featuring ancient cave monasteries carved into cliffs overlooking the Răut River.
Cricova Winery is a renowned underground wine city featuring a vast network of tunnels and tasting rooms that host international dignitaries.
The National Museum of Ethnography and Natural History in Chișinău offers a deep dive into Moldovan culture, traditional crafts, and local wildlife.
The Soroca Fortress, located on the banks of the Dniester River, is a well-preserved 15th-century stronghold that highlights the region's medieval defensive architecture.
Local Customs & Etiquette
It is customary to remove your shoes when entering someone's private home as a sign of respect for your hosts.
When visiting monasteries, both men and women should dress modestly; women are often expected to cover their heads with a scarf.
Bringing a small gift like flowers or chocolates is highly appreciated if you are invited to a Moldovan home for dinner.
Tipping is common in restaurants and cafes; rounding up the bill or leaving 10 percent is standard practice.
Moldovans take pride in their wine culture; it is polite to accept a glass if offered and toast to the health of your hosts.
Public displays of anger or raising your voice are considered impolite; maintaining a calm and friendly demeanor is preferred.
Safety Tips
Carry a photocopy of your passport and keep the original in a secure place like a hotel safe.
Avoid drinking tap water in rural areas; stick to bottled or filtered water to prevent stomach issues.
Be cautious when using public transport at night and opt for official radio taxis or ride-hailing apps.
Stay aware of your surroundings in crowded places like the Central Market in Chișinău to avoid pickpockets.
It is advisable to avoid traveling to the breakaway region of Transnistria without thorough research or an organized tour.
Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and potential evacuation.
AI-generated content. Visa requirements vary by nationality — verify with the official embassy before travel.
Yellow Fever
Source: CDC
No yellow fever vaccination requirements for travelers entering Moldova.
View sourcePolio
Source: Canada_Travel
Verify that your polio vaccination is current prior to visiting Moldova.
View sourceMeasles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Source: Canada_Travel
Ensure your routine vaccinations, including MMR, are up-to-date before traveling to Moldova.
View sourceTick-borne encephalitis
Source: UK_FCDO
Recommended for travelers to Moldova due to the risk of tick-borne encephalitis.
View sourceYellow fever
Source: WHO
Proof of vaccination may be required for entry into the Republic of Moldova.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Moldova.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Moldova. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.
View sourceMeasles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the MMR vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel.
View sourceCore Vaccines
Routine Vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Tdap, Polio, Varicella, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel to provide protection against common communicable diseases.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, Varicella, Polio, Influenza)
Source: CDC
Ensure all routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceMeasles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR)
Source: CDC
Ensure MMR vaccination is up to date, especially before international travel.
View sourceTetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)
Source: CDC
Recommended for adults who have not received a booster in the last 10 years.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Essential to prevent mosquito-borne diseases; use insect repellent and nets.
View sourceInfluenza
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers during influenza season to prevent illness.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers due to potential risk through contaminated food or water.
View sourceTdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
Source: CDC
Recommended for adults who have not had a booster in the past 10 years.
View sourceMMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure immunity against these diseases.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
Source: CDC
A routine vaccination; proof of immunity required for some travelers.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Ensure that routines vaccination for Tdap is current, especially for adults.
View sourceRoutine vaccines (MMR, Tdap, etc.)
Source: CDC
Make sure you are up to date on routine vaccines before every trip.
View sourcePolio
Source: Canada_Travel
Before travel
Verify that your polio vaccination is current prior to visiting Moldova.
View sourceMeasles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR)
Source: Canada_Travel
Before travel
Ensure your routine vaccinations, including MMR, are up-to-date before traveling to Moldova.
View sourceHIV precautions
Source: UK_FCDO
Throughout your stay
Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS, as the prevalence is higher than in the UK.
View sourceWater quality precautions
Source: UK_FCDO
Throughout your stay
Only drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
View sourceVaccinations
Source: UK_FCDO
At least 8 weeks before your trip
Check the latest vaccine recommendations for Moldova and consult the NHS travel vaccinations page for information on where to get vaccines and any associated costs.
View sourceRoutine vaccinations
Source: WHO
Before travel
Review and update routine vaccinations, including diphtheria, hepatitis B, influenza, polio, and tetanus, to ensure protection against common infectious diseases.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccination
Source: WHO
Before travel
Ensure you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to your trip to reduce the risk of severe illness and transmission.
View sourceRabies pre-exposure vaccination
Source: CDC
Rabies is present in some terrestrial wildlife species in Moldova. Pre-exposure vaccination may be considered for travelers who will be performing occupational or recreational activities that increase risk for exposure to potentially rabid animals and might have difficulty getting prompt access to safe post-exposure prophylaxis.
Consult with a healthcare provider to determine whether you should receive pre-exposure vaccination before travel.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines.
Please see Your COVID-19 Vaccination for more information.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Recommended for adults who have not had a booster in the last 10 years.
View sourceMMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
Source: CDC
Recommended for all travelers to ensure immunity against measles, mumps, and rubella.
View sourceFor Most Travelers
Insect Bite Prevention
Source: CDC
Prevent diseases spread by insects.
Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use permethrin-treated gear.
View sourceFood and Water Safety
Source: CDC
Essential to prevent diarrheal diseases and foodborne illnesses.
Eat and drink safely by consuming only properly prepared, hot, or bottled foods and beverages.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Use insect repellent and wear protective clothing to prevent vector-borne diseases.
View sourceRoutine vaccines
Source: CDC
Ensure routine vaccinations are up to date before travel.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Practice safe food and water habits to prevent diarrheal diseases.
Drink only bottled or boiled water; eat well-cooked food served hot.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
To reduce risk of insect-borne diseases.
View sourceTdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis)
Source: CDC
Boosters are recommended every 10 years.
View sourceMalaria prevention measures
Source: CDC
If venturing into rural areas, measures like mosquito nets and repellents are crucial.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Rabies vaccination is recommended for travelers engaging in outdoor activities that may involve animals, especially in rural areas.
View sourceHepatitis B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have medical procedures.
View sourceCOVID-19 vaccine
Source: CDC
Vaccination is recommended for protection against COVID-19, depending on current variants.
View sourceTyphoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Risk exists through contaminated food and water.
View sourceHepatitis A
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers due to risk of food or water contamination.
View sourceItinerary-Specific
Typhoid
Source: CDC
Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Relevant due to potential food and water safety concerns.
View sourceTick-borne Encephalitis
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who will be involved in outdoor activities in forested areas where ticks are common.
View sourceMeningococcal vaccine
Source: CDC
Recommended for individuals traveling to areas with a higher risk of meningococcal disease.
View sourceHEPATITIS B
Source: CDC
Recommended for travelers who may have sexual contact with the local population, or who may need medical treatment.
View sourceInsect bite prevention measures
Source: CDC
Wear insect repellent and protective clothing to prevent insect bites and protect against diseases.
View sourceInsect bite prevention
Source: CDC
Prevent insect bites to avoid diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease.
View sourceFood and water safety precautions
Source: CDC
Use safe food and water practices to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
View sourceInsect repellent measures
Source: CDC
To prevent disease transmission through insect bites, especially during warmer seasons.
View sourceRabies
Source: CDC
Considered for travelers involved in outdoor or other activities in remote areas that might put them at risk for animal bites.
View source