Moldova may introduce a visa regime for citizens of a number of countries who require a visa to enter the European Union. Among them are Belarus and Russia. This was
stated
by Moldovan Prime Minister Vasile Tofan.
Павялічыць
Photo: vecteezy.com
According to the Moldovan Prime Minister, such a measure will be necessary as part of the obligations of EU candidate countries to gradually align their visa policy with that of Europe.
Tofan did not name specific deadlines for the introduction of new rules. He emphasized that Moldova intends to continue its European integration and must make decisions that will promote progress in this process, if required by EU norms.
According to the European Commission report, Moldova still needs to align its visa regime with respect to citizens of 11 states: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Vanuatu, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan. Currently, citizens of these countries can enter Moldova without visas.
Other EU candidate countries have already begun to align their visa rules with European ones. Montenegro introduced visas for citizens of Belarus, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey from November 1, 2026. The country’s authorities stated that they had thus aligned their visa policy with that of the European Union.
Albania has already abolished the permanent visa-free regime for citizens of Belarus, as well as temporary visa facilitation for citizens of Bahrain. However, other exceptions to the general rules still remain in the country. A special roadmap has been developed for their gradual abolition.
Bosnia and Herzegovina previously also abandoned the visa-free regime for citizens of Oman and Bahrain. At the same time, it still needs to introduce visas for citizens of Azerbaijan, Qatar, China, Kuwait, Russia, and Turkey, as well as abolish seasonal visa exemptions for citizens of Saudi Arabia.