Today marks 12 years since the liberalization of the visa regime for citizens of the Republic of Moldova, allowing them to travel to the Schengen Area for short stays. Between April 28, 2014 and April 20, 2026, more than 2.7 million Moldovans have used this regime and made nearly 21 million trips to the European Union.
According to data presented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, the number of beneficiaries increased steadily in the first years after liberalization, rising from about 158,000 in 2014 to approximately 891,000 in 2019. During this period, authorities recorded low rates of entry refusals and illegal stays. Data from Frontex shows that only 0.3–0.4% of travelers were denied entry, while 0.5–0.7% were associated with illegal stays.
The COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced mobility. In 2020, the number of beneficiaries dropped by more than half compared to 2019, and the number of trips decreased nearly threefold. In 2021, travel began to recover but remained below pre-pandemic levels, while refusal and overstay rates temporarily increased.
Between 2022 and 2025, travel returned to normal levels. The number of beneficiaries stabilized at around one million per year, and Moldovans made an average of about 2.5 million trips annually. Compliance indicators also returned to pre-pandemic levels. Entry refusals rose slightly to 0.44% in 2025, while illegal stay cases dropped to 0.74%.
Authorities remind citizens that visa-free travel requires compliance with entry and stay conditions in the Schengen Area, as established by European legislation. Respecting these rules helps avoid issues at the border and ensures the continuation of the visa-free regime.
Starting April 10, 2026, the European Union introduced the Entry/Exit System (EES). Although it does not change travel rules, it may increase waiting times at border checks. Authorities advise citizens to plan their trips in advance and avoid very short layovers.
Officials say that the high number of beneficiaries relative to the country’s population highlights the importance of the visa-free regime, which strengthens ties with the diaspora and supports tourism and business opportunities. Authorities in Chisinau continue to implement required conditions and follow recommendations from the European Commission to maintain the regime.