SchengenClock
Verified June 2026

Do Moldovans need ETIAS?

Yes

Yes. Moldovan citizens with a biometric passport are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches Moldovans will need an ETIAS authorisation for the Schengen area.

Needs ETIAS?
Yes
Cost
€20
Validity
3 yrs
From
Q4 2026

Moldova was the first Eastern Partnership country to gain visa-free Schengen access, in April 2014, for holders of biometric passports. That status is exactly what brings Moldovans within ETIAS once it launches.

Moldova is an EU candidate but is not in Schengen, so the 90/180 limit applies only inside the Schengen area. ETIAS is a fast online authorisation rather than a visa.

Biometric passports and dual nationality

Visa-free access requires a biometric Moldovan passport. Many Moldovans also hold Romanian (and therefore EU) citizenship; if you enter Europe on a Romanian passport you are an EU citizen and do not need ETIAS at all. Travelling on your Moldovan passport, it should be valid for at least three months beyond your departure and ETIAS will apply.

How Moldovans will apply

When ETIAS launches, Moldovans will apply online on the official EU portal, pay €20 (free under 18 or over 70), and receive an authorisation linked to their passport for up to 3 years. It is not a visa - see what ETIAS is and how it differs from a visa.

ETIAS gets Moldovans to the border; it does not extend the stay. Check how many days are left with the free 90/180 calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Do Moldovans need ETIAS?

Yes. Moldovan citizens with a biometric passport are visa-exempt for short stays, so once ETIAS launches Moldovans will need an ETIAS authorisation for the Schengen area.

How much will ETIAS cost Moldovans?

€20 per application, free for travellers under 18 or over 70. One authorisation lasts up to 3 years. See ETIAS cost.

When will Moldovans need ETIAS from?

From the launch of ETIAS, expected in the last quarter of 2026. No exact date is set yet - track it on the ETIAS start date page.

Does ETIAS change the 90-day limit for Moldovans?

No. ETIAS lets you travel, but the 90/180-day rule still caps short stays at 90 days in any 180. Plan it with the 90/180 calculator.

Sources