Moldova: do South Africans need a visa?

South Africans need to apply online for an e-visa before travel to Moldova. You can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Visa required. South Africa is on the Moldovan MFA's list of foreigners who need a visa to enter, leave or transit Moldova. The visa can be applied for online (e-visa at evisa.gov.md) or at a Moldovan mission. Exception: South Africans holding a valid visa (not a transit visa) or residence permit issued by an EU or Schengen state, the UK, the US or Canada can travel to Moldova without a Moldovan visa during that document's validity.1 2

Before you travel

Purpose of visit

Short-stay C visa categories: tourism (C/T), business (C/A), visits (C/V), transport (C/TS), sports (C/S), cultural activities (C/AD). Work needs a residence visa and permit.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Passport validity

Issued within the last 10 years and valid at least 3 months beyond departure.2

Confirmed on an official government source

How to apply

Apply online at the official portal evisa.gov.md, or at a Moldovan embassy or consulate. Consular fee EUR 40 for a short-stay visa (extra fees may apply). Wikipedia says e-visa processing can take up to 20 days.2 3

Confirmed on an official government source

Where South Africans apply

Online at evisa.gov.md. No Moldovan embassy in South Africa was found in this check.3

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Travel insurance

Mandatory for visa applicants: medical insurance of at least EUR 30,000, valid for the whole stay, covering emergency care and repatriation.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Return or onward ticket

Not published for visa holders. UK FCDO says British visitors must show a return or onward ticket.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Proof of funds

Bank statement issued within 10 days showing at least EUR 30 per day, and at least EUR 300 for stays under 10 days. Or a signed maintenance and accommodation undertaking from a Moldovan resident.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Accommodation or invitation

Depends on the visa category: tourism needs accommodation bookings; private visits need an invitation.2

Confirmed on an official government source

Vaccinations, including yellow fever on return to South Africa

Moldova publishes no yellow fever rule for South Africans in the sources checked. It is not a yellow fever risk country, so no certificate is needed to return to South Africa from Moldova, unless you transited a risk country.

Confirmed by other governments' official advice

Arrival forms

Declare cash of EUR 10,000 or more (UK FCDO). A migration card is required at Transnistrian checkpoints.4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Extending your stay and overstaying

Overstays are strictly penalised with fines and expulsion (UK FCDO).4

Not yet confirmed by an official source

Transit

A visa is also required for transit (MFA list title covers entry, exit and transit), unless the visa-holder exemption applies.1

Confirmed on an official government source

Travelling with children

Not published by official sources

What changed

16 December 2024Moldova declared an energy emergency after gas supply cuts from 1 January 2025; managed blackouts possible (UK FCDO, updated 10 December 2025).

Sources

Official

The destination's own government

1Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova mfa.gov.md
2Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova mfa.gov.md

Other government

Official advice from other governments

4UK FCDO gov.uk

Reference

Used to find official sources, never the final word

3Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org

Last researched 5 October 2026. Rules change; confirm with the embassy before you book.