To Moldova by car
To import a car into Moldova, you must have the following documents:
- Vehicle registration certificate. This is the main document confirming ownership of the car and its technical characteristics.
- Foreign passport valid for 3 months after departure.
- Driver's license. Ukrainian drivers can use their Ukrainian driver's licenses.
- Insurance. A Green Card is required to cover possible damages in case of an accident in Moldova.
- Vehicle documents. A copy of the technical passport or vehicle registration certificate.
- Valid technical inspection certificate.
- Proof of ownership. If the car does not belong to the driver, you must provide documents confirming the right to import the car (for example, a power of attorney from the owner).
What if you are not the owner of the car?
If you are not the owner of the car, you must have permission from the owner to import the car into Moldova. This can be a power of attorney confirming that you have the right to use the car to cross the border. Without this document, customs may refuse to allow the car to enter the country.
What else will you need for your trip?
Medical insurance
For a trip to Moldova, be sure to take out medical insurance that covers the cost of medical care abroad. It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in the country. Insurance can be obtained through Visit Ukraine or other insurance companies that provide international medical insurance.
Vignette for cars in Moldova
In order to drive on Moldovan roads, foreign-registered cars must have a vignette (road tax). This fee is required for all vehicles traveling on national roads and highways.
When traveling in Moldova by car, keep in mind the mandatory road tax for foreign vehicles. Since 2012, an electronic vignette system has been in operation, which greatly facilitates payment and control of road use.
Vignette prices for passenger cars (up to 3.5 tons):
- 4 € — valid for 7 days;
- 8 € — valid for 15 days;
- 16 € — valid for 30 days;
- 45 € — valid for 90 days;
- €85 — valid for 180 days;
- €180 — valid for 1 year.
Driving without a vignette is punishable by a large fine: from 5,000 MDL (~€231).
You can purchase an electronic vignette online at the Visit Ukraine portal — it takes just a few minutes, and the permit is automatically registered in the system by your car's license plate number. We recommend purchasing a vignette in advance to avoid fines.
Traveling with children
When traveling abroad with one parent, children under the age of 16 usually need a power of attorney from the other parent. However, this requirement does not apply during martial law.
Children may be accompanied by:
- One parent. This requires the child's birth certificate and foreign passport.
- Relatives. You must provide a birth certificate, foreign passport, and a document confirming family ties.
- Third parties. In this case, a written statement from one of the parents, certified by the guardianship authority, as well as the child's birth certificate and foreign passport are required.
For more information, please follow the link.
Transporting animals by car
To transport an animal across the border, you must have an international veterinary passport containing the following information:
- Vaccination against viral diseases;
- Microchipping with date of procedure;
- Rabies vaccination;
- Treatment for ecto- and endoparasites;
- Photo of the animal before reaching 1 year of age;
- Certificate confirming that the animal is not of breeding value.
For more information, please follow the link.
Do I need to change my driver's license?
Ukrainian citizens can drive a car in Moldova with a Ukrainian driver's license. Moldova recognizes Ukrainian driver's licenses, so you do not need to change them. However, if you plan to stay in the country for more than 12 months, you may need to obtain a Moldovan driver's license.
Don't forget to get a Green Card!
A Green Card is compulsory insurance for drivers traveling abroad. Ukrainian drivers must obtain a Green Card to travel to Moldova. You can get it online at Visit Ukraine online.
The Green Card can be obtained for a period of 15 days to one year. Insurance covers material damage in the event of an accident in Moldova.
What are the requirements for renting a car in Moldova?
To rent a car, you need:
- minimum age — 21–23 years (depending on the company);
- driving experience — at least 1–3 years
What documents are required?
- passport
- driver's license (international or Ukrainian)
- credit card for deposit
- insurance
What are the terms for renting a car?
- Rental period.
You can rent a car in Moldova for various periods. Usually, the minimum rental period is 24 hours. Some companies offer the option of renting a car for a few hours (especially for city trips) or for a longer period, from several days to several weeks.
- Returning the car.
Many car rental companies allow you to pick up and return the car not only at the main office, but also at airports or train stations. This makes it easy to organize your trip.
- Insurance.
Basic insurance is usually included in the rental price. However, you can also take out collision damage waiver (CDW) insurance, which covers the risks in the event of an accident or damage to the car, as well as theft insurance.
What are the rental prices?
Rental prices depend on the type of car, season, and rental period. For example, an economy class rental can cost between €25 and €50 per day, while a mid-range or SUV rental can cost between €60 and €100 per day.
Traffic rules in Moldova
You must have a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, emergency stop sign, and reflective vests in your car. The driver and all passengers must wear seat belts, and children under 150 cm must be in a child seat.
The windshield and front side windows must allow at least 70% of light to pass through. Drivers are required to give way to pedestrians.
Headlights must be on at all times, especially outside cities. Using a phone without a hands-free device while driving is prohibited.
Speed limits
- In cities: maximum speed is 50 km/h.
- On motorways: the speed limit is 90 km/h.
- On roads outside built-up areas: maximum speed is 110 km/h.
Parking
- Parking on pavements or in prohibited areas is punishable by fines or vehicle removal.
- There are special parking areas in cities, which are usually paid.
Fines for violations
- Speeding fines can range from 200 to 500 lei.
- Improper parking can cost from 200 to 500 lei.
- Driving while intoxicated is punishable by fines ranging from 500 lei and possible revocation of driving privileges.
If you are involved in an accident
- Call the police at 902.
- Exchange documents with other parties involved in the accident.
- Record the damage and take photos if necessary.
- In case of injuries or serious damage to vehicles, call an ambulance at 903.
Crossing into Transnistria
- The vast majority of agencies allow travel to Tiraspol only with prior agreement and additional insurance (up to €20–50).
- There may be obstacles at the checkpoint: you will need permission from the company and PMR insurance.
- Bank cards often do not work in the PMR — you will need cash (€ or $).
Documents for the car
To cross the border with Transnistria by car, you must have a vehicle registration certificate and insurance. You may also need a vehicle import permit if the car is not registered to the driver. When crossing the border with Transnistria by car, you must go through passport control at the Moldovan and Transnistrian checkpoints. Since Transnistria is not an internationally recognized territory, additional checks of documents and vehicles may be carried out.