Do Moldovans Need a Visa for Russia? No: Entry Rules
Short answer: Moldovans can enter Russia without a visa with a passport and stay up to 90 days per calendar year. There are no direct flights, and Moldova’s Foreign Ministry warns of lengthy border checks.
Source: the Russian Foreign Ministry’s official conditions of entry by country. Entry rules can change at short notice, so check that page again just before you travel.
Which document to travel with
The official list says “no visa with any type of passport”. The Embassy of Moldova in Moscow lists the ordinary, diplomatic and service passports, the seaman’s documents and the certificate for return. The Moldovan ID card is not among them.
How long you can stay
The Russian Foreign Ministry list sets no specific limit for Moldovan citizens, so the general rule of Article 5 of the Federal Law on the legal status of foreign citizens applies: a visa-free foreigner can stay up to 90 days in total per calendar year, and no more than 90 days in a row. This rule replaced the old “90 days in any 180” on 5 February 2025.
Staying longer, working or studying requires the corresponding permit (work patent, work or study permit, or residence permit). Overstaying, even by a day, puts a foreigner on the Russian register of persons under control, which restricts access to services and can lead to an entry ban.
Migration card and registration
Except for Belarusians, visitors fill in a migration card at passport control and keep it until they leave Russia.
Registration at your address is required within 7 working days, as for most foreigners. Not registering can lead to a fine and an entry ban. Hotels register their guests automatically; if you stay with friends or family, they have to do it.
Fingerprinting and a photo at the migration office are only required for those who come to work or stay longer than 90 days, not for a short visit.
The RuID app
Filling in the arrival notice in the RuID app at least 72 hours before entering Russia is recommended. It is still part of an official experiment (running until the end of 2027) and, so far, not having it has not been a reason to refuse entry to a visitor. More details: RuID app and arrival notice.
Getting there
There have been no direct flights between Moldova and Russia since 2022. The usual connections go through third countries, such as Turkey or Armenia. More on flights: flying to Russia.
Border checks
In July 2026, Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned its citizens of more thorough checks at Russian and Belarusian border points, lasting from 3 to 12 hours in some cases and sometimes including access to phones. According to the ministry, the people most often checked are men aged 18 to 60, holders of recently issued passports, people who have been to Ukraine, solo travellers and dual nationals. It advises weighing carefully whether the trip is necessary.
Russian embassy and consulates in Moldova
Moldovans don’t need them for a visit, but they are the official source for questions about entry, documents or longer stays.
Official websites as listed by the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Before you travel from Moldova
RuID arrival notice. Recommended at least 72 hours before entering Russia (still an official experiment). How RuID works
Medical insurance. Not checked at the border for a visit, but private healthcare in Russia is expensive. Policies valid in Russia
Money. Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia don’t work there: bring cash, or see how foreigners get a MIR card.
After you arrive
At the border you show your document and receive the migration card. Step by step: arriving at a Russian airport.
Registration details: registration of foreigners in Russia.
FAQ
Do Moldovans need a visa for Russia?
No. Moldovan citizens can enter Russia without a visa with a passport and stay up to 90 days per calendar year.
How long can Moldovans stay in Russia?
Up to 90 days in total per calendar year, and no more than 90 days in a row, under the general rule for visa-free foreigners in force since 5 February 2025.
Can Moldovans enter Russia with an ID card?
No. The accepted documents are passports, seaman’s documents and the certificate for return. Travel with your passport.
When do Moldovans have to register in Russia?
Within 7 working days of arrival. Hotels register their guests automatically.
Are there direct flights from Moldova to Russia?
No. There have been no direct flights since 2022; connections go through third countries such as Turkey or Armenia.
Different passport? Check visa requirements for every nationality.