Tofan Says Moldova Could Introduce Visa Requirements for Russian and Belarusian Citizens if EU Rules Demand It

Moldova may introduce visa requirements for citizens of a number of countries whose nationals currently need visas to enter the European Union. This is a broad list of countries that includes the Russian Federation and Belarus. Such a measure could be introduced if necessary, as part of Moldova’s EU accession process, Prime Minister Vasile Tofan said on October 5 during the Cutia Neagră program, tv8.md reports. The prime minister did not specify when the visa requirements might take effect. He said that gradually aligning visa policy with European rules is a mandatory condition for countries seeking EU membership. “We want to continue along the European path. I am not prepared to give a date. If EU rules require it, I believe we should take the decisions that will allow us to make progress in the European integration process,” Tofan said. According to a European Commission report, Moldova must bring its visa regime into line with EU requirements for citizens of 11 countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Qatar, Russia, Tajikistan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Vanuatu. Citizens of these countries can currently enter Moldova without a visa. Some other EU candidate countries have already begun aligning their visa policies with European standards. As of November 1, 2026, Montenegro introduced visa requirements for citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye. Albania abolished its permanent visa-free regime for Belarusian citizens, as well as a temporary visa exemption for citizens of Bahrain. However, it continues to apply several exceptions and intends to phase them out gradually. Bosnia and Herzegovina previously abolished visa-free entry for citizens of Bahrain and Oman. The country still needs to introduce visa requirements for citizens of Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Qatar, Türkiye, Russia and China, and to end the seasonal visa exemption for Saudi Arabian citizens.