ETIAS Eligibility for Moldovan Citizens

  • In 2025, Moldovan citizens will be able to apply for ETIAS
  • The Republic of Moldova will become a launch member of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System)
  • The application process for Moldovan citizens will be made convenient through an online application system

Other ETIAS Requirements:

  • ETIAS will be valid for entry into Europe through air, sea, or overland travel
  • ETIAS application can be submitted online by Moldovan citizens
  • ETIAS is intended for short-term visits, including tourism, business, transit, and medical purposes
  • All travelers must possess an e-passport that is machine-readable
  • Applicants who are under the age of 18 or over the age of 70 will be able to obtain their ETIAS free of charge.

Starting from 2025, citizens of Moldova who wish to enter European countries that participate in the ETIAS program, for reasons such as general tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes, will be obligated to apply for an ETIAS authorization. The authorization will be necessary for stays of 90 days or less.

The creation of the ETIAS program was approved in 2016, in response to the rising global threat of terrorism. The aim of the program is to screen travelers arriving from overseas, in order to ensure the safety of the participating European countries. The development of the necessary systems for the program took four years, as it was important to seamlessly integrate the ETIAS screening tool with existing immigration databases and other security data.

By doing so, the ETIAS program can provide a comprehensive screening process that will enhance the security measures already in place. The program is designed to be efficient and user-friendly, making the application process as simple as possible for travelers, while still ensuring that the necessary security checks are conducted.

Come 2025, Republic of Moldova citizens who plan to travel to Europe must secure an ETIAS authorization before embarking on any form of transportation, be it by air, sea, or land. This rule applies to all travelers, including those who are merely making a stopover in Europe on their way to another destination.

Moldovan citizens who are planning to stay in Europe for over 90 days, or for purposes other than what is allowed under the ETIAS program, will need to apply for a Schengen visa instead. It is recommended that travelers visit https://etias.co.uk/ and use the homepage assessment for further details on the ETIAS and Schengen visa requirements.

To ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience, it is advised that Moldovan citizens complete their ETIAS application at least 96 hours prior to their departure date. This will help to avoid any delays and minimize the risk of an ETIAS being refused. Full details on the ETIAS requirements and process can be found by visiting the ETIAS requirements page or the ETIAS FAQ’s. Travelers are encouraged to review these pages thoroughly before starting their ETIAS application to ensure that they have all of the necessary information and documents.

Starting in 2025, a new requirement has been established for travelers seeking entry into the European Schengen Area. In order to be eligible to apply for an ETIAS authorization, travelers must hold full Moldovan citizenship. This change was made with the intention of ensuring that individuals entering the Schengen Area possess a valid and secure citizenship status.

However, for travelers who do not hold full Moldovan citizenship and possess a passport or travel document with a different status, they may not be eligible for an ETIAS authorization. In these cases, the travelers will be required to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead. This is because they do not meet the eligibility criteria for an ETIAS authorization and a traditional visa is necessary for their entry into the Schengen Area.

Moldova citizens who are eligible to apply for an ETIAS can expect a quick and efficient process. The application is usually processed and approved within minutes, and the authorization is sent to the traveler via email in the form of a PDF document. This document does not need to be printed or presented physically as it is stored electronically in the European Immigration system linked to the passport details of the traveler. This makes the process of traveling to the Schengen Area convenient and hassle-free for Moldova citizens.

The ETIAS authorization provides several benefits to travelers. These include:

  • The ETIAS is a valid travel authorization that will remain valid for three consecutive years from the date of issuance.
  • With the ETIAS, travelers are permitted to enter Europe multiple times within a 90-day period, making it a convenient option for those who are planning to travel regularly to Europe.
  • The process of obtaining an ETIAS is fast and convenient, with authorization granted electronically and in a timely manner.
  • The application for ETIAS can be completed through various digital devices such as desktop computers, tablets, and mobile phones.

In order to ensure a smooth and successful ETIAS application process, travelers are advised to follow a few guidelines. These include:

  • It is recommended that travelers submit their ETIAS application at least 96 hours prior to their scheduled departure date.
  • If for any reason, the traveler is denied an ETIAS, they still have the option to apply for a full visitor visa.
  • It is worth mentioning that obtaining an ETIAS does not assure a traveler’s admission into Europe as the authority to grant or deny entry rests with the border security officials of the European country being visited.