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Travel to the United States for Moldova citizenship

Visa Visa required

Language English

Car traffic Right-hand

Phone code +1

Currency US Dollar

Covid There are no COVID restrictions

Health Online passenger form

Insurance policy Insurance policy recommended

Rules of entry and stay

Transit rules

Entry with pets

Customs regulations

Contacts

Information for motorists

Do Moldovan citizens need a visa for a trip to the United States?

Yes. Moldovans normally need a B-2 tourist visa or a combined B-1/B-2 visitor visa to travel to the United States for tourism.

The B-2 visa is used for temporary visits such as holidays, sightseeing, visiting family or friends, medical treatment, and other permitted short-term purposes.

A B-1/B-2 visa does not give the holder permission to work in the U.S., study in a full academic program, or remain in the country permanently.

More details are available on the official U.S. Department of State Visitor Visa page.

What documents are needed for a U.S. visa for Moldovans?

When applying for a B-1/B-2 visa, Moldovan citizens should normally prepare:

a valid passport;
the DS-160 confirmation page;
proof that the visa application fee has been paid, if requested by the relevant consulate;
a visa photo if the image could not be uploaded successfully with the DS-160;
any additional documents required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Applicants can check the official U.S. visa photo requirements.

In most cases, the passport should remain valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned stay in the United States, unless the applicant’s nationality is exempt from this rule.

The consular officer may also ask for supporting evidence showing:

the purpose of the visit;
the travel itinerary and accommodation;
sufficient funds for the trip;
plans to leave the United States after the visit;
work, study, business, family, or other ties to the country of residence.

An invitation letter from someone in the U.S. and an Affidavit of Support are not normally required for a tourist visa. Neither document guarantees that the visa will be approved.

U.S. tourist visa application for Moldovan citizens

Moldovans applying for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa normally go through the following process.

1. Complete the online application. Applicants must submit Form DS-160 through the official CEAC system.

The form is completed online and in English. It usually asks for personal information, passport details, contact information, employment and education history, previous travel to the United States, and information about the planned trip.

Applicants should make sure that all details are accurate and consistent with their passport and other documents.

After submitting the form, applicants should save and print the DS-160 barcode confirmation page. The full application normally does not need to be printed.

The Department of State DS-160 instructions can be reviewed beforehand.

2. Check the local application rules. The next step is to follow the instructions of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling the application.

This is important because procedures may vary between diplomatic missions. Depending on the location, applicants may need to:

create an online applicant profile;
register the DS-160 confirmation number;
select the correct visa category;
choose a passport delivery or collection method;
pay the visa fee;
book an interview.

Applicants should always follow the instructions published by the specific embassy or consulate where the application will be processed.

3. Pay the B-1/B-2 fee. The standard application fee for a B-1/B-2 visa is currently USD 185.

The latest official fee can be confirmed on the U.S. visa fees page.

The payment method depends on the procedures of the relevant diplomatic mission. Applicants should keep the receipt or payment confirmation if required.

The payment is non-refundable if the visa is denied and does not guarantee approval.

Depending on the applicant’s nationality, a separate visa issuance or reciprocity fee may also apply after the visa is approved.

4. Select an interview date. After completing the payment stage, applicants can book an interview according to the rules of the relevant embassy or consulate.

Current estimates for appointment availability are published on the Global Visa Wait Times page.

Actual waiting times may depend on the embassy or consulate, visa category, season, and current demand.

An interview is generally required for most applicants, although limited exceptions may apply to qualifying B-1/B-2 renewal applicants.

Applicants can check the latest conditions on the official Interview Waiver Update page.

Even if an applicant appears to qualify for an interview waiver, a consular officer may still request an in-person appointment.

5. Prepare for the appointment. Before the interview, applicants should gather all required documents and any additional evidence requested or relevant to the application.

The basic document package normally includes:

a valid passport;
the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode;
proof of visa fee payment, where required;
a visa photo if the online upload was unsuccessful;
any additional documents requested by the Embassy or Consulate.

Applicants should also be prepared to provide supporting evidence concerning the purpose of the trip, accommodation, financial resources, employment or studies, family circumstances, and ties to their country of residence.

Not every supporting document is always requested, but applicants should be ready to provide additional information if the consular officer considers it necessary.

6. Speak with the consular officer. During the interview, the consular officer reviews the application and determines whether the applicant qualifies for a B-1/B-2 visa.

Applicants may need to explain:

the purpose of their trip;
the planned route and duration;
travel dates;
accommodation arrangements;
previous travel to the United States;
their current work, business, or studies;
how they will pay for the visit;
their financial situation;
their ties to their country of residence;
why they intend to leave the U.S. after the trip.

The officer may compare the applicant’s answers with the information provided in the DS-160 and may request clarification or additional documents.

Applicants should answer all questions clearly, accurately, and consistently.

7. Wait for the application outcome. After the interview, the visa application may be:

approved;
refused;
placed under additional administrative processing.

If the visa is approved, the passport is usually kept temporarily so that the visa can be placed inside it. The applicant then receives the passport according to the delivery or collection procedure used by the diplomatic mission.

If the case requires administrative processing, additional checks may be carried out and the applicant may be asked to provide further information or documents.

If the application is refused, the applicant is normally informed of the legal basis for the refusal.

Receiving a visa does not create an automatic right to enter the United States. The visa allows the traveller to arrive at a U.S. port of entry and request admission.

The final admission decision, including how long the traveller may remain in the country, belongs to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Is medical insurance mandatory for Moldovan citizens travelling to the USA?

In most cases, no. Travel health insurance is not a standard requirement for receiving a B-1/B-2 visa or entering the United States.

Even so, having insurance is advisable because healthcare expenses in the U.S. can be significant.

A travel policy may provide coverage for:

emergency care;
treatment after illness or injury;
hospital admission;
emergency medical transfers;
medical evacuation or repatriation.

How much do Moldovans pay for a U.S. tourist visa?

The basic fee for submitting a B-1/B-2 visa application is currently USD 185.

The latest official rates can be found on the U.S. Department of State website.

Some Moldovan citizens may also need to pay a separate reciprocity fee after visa approval. The applicant’s nationality may determine whether this fee applies, how many entries the visa permits, and how long it is normally valid.

For how long is a U.S. visitor visa valid for Moldovans?

The validity of a B-1/B-2 visa is nationality-specific. For Moldovan citizens, it is based on the reciprocity rules between the United States and the relevant country.

Depending on those rules, the visa may have a shorter or longer validity period and may permit one or multiple entries.

Keep in mind that the visa’s validity does not equal the amount of time allowed in the U.S. on each trip.

The actual authorised stay is set when the traveller is admitted to the country and appears in the I-94 record.

Is it possible for Moldovan citizens to extend B-1/B-2 status?

Yes, in some circumstances. A Moldovan citizen who wants to stay beyond the period authorised in the I-94 may be able to apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for extra time.

The request is generally made before the current stay expires by filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status.

Applicants should keep in mind that there is a difference between a status extension and a visa extension.

USCIS may extend the authorised stay in the United States, but it does not extend the B-1/B-2 visa stamp itself.

If that visa expires, a new visa normally has to be requested outside the United States before the next visit.

Staying after the authorised period ends may lead to loss of status, cancellation of the visa, and future immigration difficulties.

For travel through the United States to another country.

Transit Visa C

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

Transit (C) visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons traveling in immediate and continuous transit through the United States en route to another country, with few exceptions. Immediate and continuous transit is defined as a reasonably expeditious departure of the traveler in the normal course of travel as the elements permit and assumes a prearranged itinerary without any unreasonable layover privileges. If the traveler seeks layover privileges for purposes other than for transit through the United States, such as to visit friends or engage in sightseeing, the traveler will have to qualify for the type of visa required for that purpose.

If you already have a valid visitor (B) visa, you may be able to use it to transit the United States. If you are a citizen of a participating country, you may be able to transit the United States on the Visa Waiver Program.

Travel purposes which require a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:

1) A foreign citizen traveling to another country who will have a brief layover in the United States when the only reason for entering the United States is to transit.

2) A passenger embarking from a foreign port on a cruise ship or other vessel which is proceeding to another country, other than the United States, but during the course of the journey, the vessel makes port in the United States with no intention of landing in the United States.

3) A crewmember traveling to the United States as a passenger to join a ship or aircraft you will work on, providing services for operation. You will also need a crewmember D visa, most often issued as a combination C-1/D visa.

4) A foreign citizen proceeding in immediate and continuous transit through the United States to or from the United Nations Headquarters District, under provisions of the Headquarters agreement with the United Nations, requires a diplomatic transit (C-2) visa. Travel within the United States will be limited to the immediate New York City vicinity.

Travel purposes not permitted on a Transit (C) Visa - Examples:

1) A foreign citizen whose layover in the United States is for a primary purpose other than to transit, for example to visit friends or sightsee, requires a visitor (B) visa.

2)A coasting officer seeking to enter the United States generally requires a visitor (B) visa. Coasting officers are employed temporarily when an officer of a foreign ship is granted home leave while the vessel is in U.S. ports, provided the vessel does not remain in U.S. waters for more than 29 days. The coasting officer may then repeat the process with another vessel of the same foreign line.

3)A crewmember on a private yacht sailing out of a foreign port which will be cruising in U.S. waters for more than 29 days is generally required to have a visitor (B) visa.

4) An officer or employee of a designated international organization assigned to the United States may pass in immediate and continuous transit through the United States on an International Organization (G-4) visa.

How to apply

You must take several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply. Please consult the instructions available on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

1) Complete the Online Visa Application

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 - Learn more about completing the DS-160.

You must:

- complete the online visa application and

- print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.

2) Photo - You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

3) Schedule an Interview

While interviews are generally not required for applicants of certain ages, consular officers have the discretion to require an interview of any applicant, regardless of age.You must schedule an appointment for your visa interview, generally, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at any U.S. Embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa outside of your place of permanent residence.

Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. Review the interview wait time for the location where you will apply:

4) Appointment Wait Time

Check the estimated wait time for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

5) Prepare for Your Interview

6) Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.

Fee information is provided below:

Application Fee: 160$

7) Gather Required Documentation

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:

- Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.

- Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page

- Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview

- Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply.

Additional documents may be requested to establish if you are qualified.

For example, additional requested documents may include evidence that shows:

1. Your purpose of entry into the United States is to transit while traveling onward to another country and that you intend to depart the United States;

2. Your ability to pay all costs while in the United States; and/or

3. Residence in your home country and your intent to return there.

4. Proof of your onward travel arrangements and/or permission to enter another country after departing the United States may be sufficient evidence that your purpose for entering the United States is transit.

5. Evidence of your employment and/or your family ties may also be sufficient to show the purpose of your entry to the United States is transit only and your intent to return to your home country. If you cannot cover all costs while in the United States, you may show evidence that another person will cover some or all costs of your trip.

8) Attend Your Visa Interview

During your visa interview, a consular officer will determine whether you are qualified to receive a visa, and if so, which visa category is appropriate based on your purpose of travel. You will need to establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. They are usually taken during your interview, but this varies based on location.

After your visa interview, your application may require further administrative processing. You will be informed by the consular officer if further processing is necessary for your application.

When the visa is approved, you may pay a visa issuance fee if applicable to your nationality, and will be informed how your passport with visa will be returned to you. Review the visa processing time, to learn how soon your passport with visa will generally be ready for pick-up or delivery by the courier.

Additional Information

We cannot guarantee that you will be issued a visa. Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa.

Unless canceled or revoked, a visa is valid until its expiration date. Therefore, a valid U.S. visa in an expired passport is still valid. If you have a valid visa in your expired passport, do not remove it from your expired passport. You may use your valid visa in your expired passport along with a new valid passport for travel and admission to the United States.

Travel with dogs

The rules for bringing your dog into the United States depend on where the dog has been in the past 6 months.

All dogs must appear healthy upon arrival. Dogs that arrive sick or injured will be required to undergo veterinary examination and testing at the importer’s expense to rule out diseases that can spread to people.

Documents Required in English

1) Written statements and any documents must be in English or have a certified English translation.

2) A certified translation is a signed statement on professional letterhead issued by a licensed translator declaring that the translation is an accurate and true representation of the original document. The translation must include the name, address, and contact information of the translator and have a signatory stamp or elevated seal with the translator’s license number included. A certified translation service provider can be found online.

Dog from Countries Without High Risk of Dog Rabies

Dogs that have NOT been in a high-risk country in the past 6 months may enter the United States through any port of entry, and importers are NOT required by CDC to present rabies vaccination documentation. However, when your dog enters the United States, you must provide a written or verbal statement your dog has only been in a country NOT at high risk for at least 6 months or since birth if under 6 months of age. There is no limit to the number of dogs.

Dogs from High-Risk Countries for Dog Rabies

Starting on June 10, 2022, options for bringing dogs from a high-risk country for rabies in the past 6 months will depend on where the dogs’ rabies vaccinations were administered, and the number of dogs being imported.

All dogs from high-risk countries must:

- Be at least 6 months old.

- Have a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Rules vary depending on whether the dog was vaccinated in the United States or in a foreign country (see below).

- Have an ISO-compatible microchip for identification listed on their rabies vaccination certificate.

- Meet the requirements of either Option A, B, or C below.

Option A:

1) A valid US-Issued rabies vaccination certificate (RVC). There is no limit to the number of dogs with valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificates. Your dog must:

a) Appear healthy on arrival

b) Be at least 6 months old

c) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate

d) Be accompanied by a valid US-issued rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival

e) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a US-licensed veterinarian in the United States on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.

f) Booster rabies vaccines administered in the United States after 15 months of age are valid immediately.

g) Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:

Anchorage (ANC), Atlanta (ATL), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Honolulu (HNL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Minneapolis (MSP), New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Philadelphia (PHL), San Francisco (SFO), San Juan (SJU), Seattle (SEA), and Washington DC (IAD).

Important Note: Expired US rabies vaccination certificates will NOT be accepted. If the US-issued rabies vaccination certificate has expired, you must enter using Option B or C (see below).

Option B: Apply for and obtain a valid CDC Dog Import Permit before arrival. CDC will only issue permits for 2 dogs per person during the suspension.

You must apply online for a CDC Dog Import Permit. It is recommended to apply at least 6 weeks before intended travel.

Before beginning the process, your dog must:

- Be at least 6 months old

- Have a microchip

- Have a valid foreign rabies vaccination certificate

- Have a valid rabies serologic titer from an approved laboratory

- Arrive at one of the 18 airports with a CDC quarantine station:

Important Note: Permits will not be issued at ports of entry. Appeals are not permitted.

Option C: For dogs without a US-issued rabies vaccination certificate or a CDC Dog Import Permit.

Please note: This is the only option for persons importing 3 or more dogs into the United States.

1) Appear healthy on arrival

2) Be at least 6 months old

3) Have an ISO-compatible microchip number listed on their rabies vaccination certificate

4) Be accompanied by a valid rabies vaccination certificate upon arrival

a) The rabies vaccine must be administered by a licensed veterinarian on or after 12 weeks of age and at least 28 days before arrival if it is the dog’s first vaccination.

b) Booster rabies vaccines administered after 15 months of age are valid immediately.

5) Make a reservation at one of the CDC-approved animal care facilities with necessary follow-up services* at importer’s (owner’s) expense.

6) The CDC-approved animal care facility will determine if the dog has a valid foreign-issued RVC and serology titer.

a) If invalid foreign-issued RVC: dog will be denied entry.

b) If valid foreign-issued RVC: CDC-approved facility will determine if the dog has a valid rabies serology titer

c) If valid titer: Each dog must be examined and re-vaccinated with a US-licensed rabies vaccine by a USDA-accredited veterinarian at a CDC-approved animal care facility upon arrival at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.

d) If invalid titer or no titer: Each dog must have a reservation to quarantine at a CDC-approved animal care facility for 28 days after the exam and re-vaccination at the importer’s (owner’s) expense.

Travel with cats

Pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry.

A general certificate of health is not required by CDC for entry of pet cats into the United States, although some airlines or states may require them. However, pet cats are subject to inspection at ports of entry and may be denied entry into the United States if they have evidence of an infectious disease that can be transmitted to humans. If a cat appears to be ill, further examination by a licensed veterinarian at the owner’s expense might be required at the port of entry.

Cats are not required to have proof of rabies vaccination for importation into the United States. However, some states require vaccination of cats for rabies, so it is a good idea to check with state and local health authorities at your final destination.

All pet cats arriving in the state of Hawaii and the territory of Guam , even from the U.S. mainland, are subject to locally imposed quarantine requirements.

What cannot be imported into the United States?

Anyone can familiarize themselves with the list of prohibited goods on the website of the US Customs and Border Protection Service.

Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to import:

- absinthe (due to its content of the narcotic substance thujone, banned in the USA);

- narcotic and potent drugs (including over-the-counter medicines);

- pornographic materials (magazines available for free sale are not taken into account);

- lottery tickets;

- soil;

- materials (in printed and electronic form) of extremist content;

- objects that may pose a danger (fireworks, dangerous toys, toxic or poisonous substances);

- weapons or ammunition - automatic, semi-automatic, assault weapons, special equipment (silencers, night vision devices), grenades, explosives;

- spring knives;

- some goods from countries subject to sanctions (Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Myanmar, North Korea);

- a number of animals: primates, most species of parrots and turtles;

- meat of wild animals, eggs, feathers, skins, fangs of wild animals;

- some plants, cuttings and seeds are not prohibited, but require special permission from the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

What can't be carried in hand luggage?

You cannot take with you on board:

- dangerous as well as safe razors (with a separate blade);

- any weapon, any means of self-defense;

- tools: any knives, scissors, axes, nippers, any tools longer than 7 inches (17.5 cm);

- sports equipment: bats, sticks, arrows, darts, skates, rollers, ski poles, rackets, fishing rods;

- combustible and explosive substances: fireworks, firecrackers, firecrackers, pistons, cartridges, gunpowder;

- acids, radioactive, toxic, flammable liquids and gels - paints, varnishes, solvents, cylinders for lighters;

- aerosols, fire extinguishers, other explosive containers under pressure;

- objects with a strong magnetic field.

even during the flight at any of the US international airports, flight attendants issue a customs declaration to passengers, in which the imported items, including money, should be indicated. This form should be given to the border guard after landing.

Restrictions on transportation of goods

Certain goods are restricted by US customs regulations, such as:

1) Alcohol and tobacco products. From the age of 21, up to 1 liter of alcohol and no more than 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 4.4 pounds (2 kg) of smoking tobacco can be imported into the United States. You will have to pay a tax for "excess".

2) Presents. Without paying tax, you can import gifts worth no more than $100 per person, no more than once every 6 months and provided that you stay in the country for at least 72 hours.

3) Animals To bring a pet to the United States, the owner must provide an international veterinary certificate.

4) Food. All of them must be indicated in the declaration, otherwise there is a risk of a fine.

5) Medicine. Medicines in liquid form are allowed in hand luggage of about 100 g. There is no need to place medically necessary liquids in a ziplock bag. However, such medications should be reported to the officer. Medically necessary liquids will be subject to additional screening, which may include a request to open the container.

6) Weapon. US customs regulations allow the importation of only hunting weapons and their ammunition.

7)Books and digital media. Books and CDs can be imported almost without hindrance, as long as they are not pirated copies.

8) Money. Customs regulations do not limit the total amount of imported funds, but if the amount exceeds $10,000, then a special form must be filled out. Cash includes bills and coins of the United States and other countries, traveler's checks, postal orders, and securities.

What is forbidden to export from the USA?

- All objects of national, cultural or historical value should be transported across the border only with the appropriate permission from the authorities.

- Printed photos, paintings and any other graphic materials whose authorship is unknown cannot be exported. Negatives and photographic film, and goods infringing copyright cannot be transported across the border.

Some numbers are reserved to provide a special use:

911 is the standardized number for emergency services (for example fire, police, and ambulance). You can normally call 911 for free from any phone (including cell/mobile phones) including pay phones (coins aren't necessary, just key in 911).

411 is used for telephone directory assistance. Fees are now almost universally charged for calling 411. As an alternative advertising-sponsored free directory assistance is available from a several providers including Free-411 ((800) 373-3411) and Google ((800) 466-4411), typically after providing the city and business or person's name you're looking for, you'll have to listen to a short recorded advertisement before being given your number.

"800" numbers (including 888, 877, 866, and 855) are "toll free" in that the user doesn't incur 'long distance' phone charges by calling the number. Callers should be aware that hotels and motels often charge fees for calling an 800 number and callers using cellular phones are charged for the "airtime" for the call following the same rate schedule as any other call. Callers to 800 numbers should also be aware that their telephone number is automatically being provided to the business paying for the 800 number even if the caller is blocking his/her caller ID.

Callers of "900" numbers are being charged either by the call or by the minute at a rate established by the company setting up the service. Legally, companies setting up 900 numbers are required to advise callers of the fee or 'per minute' rate for their call at the start of the phone call, with the caller being given the opportunity to end the call before the billing starts. Although originally intended as a method for companies to charge for informational services (weather, travel information, etc.) the use of 900 numbers has largely degenerated to "adult" services at the commencement of which call cost disclosures are sometimes omitted.

Note: These calls can be very expensive!!

To fill the contacts of other countries there is a resource where all the US missions in the world are gathered

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