Travel guide

Moldovan Transit e-Visa — Travel to Ukraine

With limited direct flights to Ukraine, most Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali workers travel via Chisinau, Moldova. The Moldovan B-B transit e-visa is the document that makes this possible. Asia Work arranges it and the ground transport to the Ukrainian border.

Processing time: 3 to 7 days for e-visa

Why travel via Moldova

Direct passenger flights from South Asia and Central Asia to Ukrainian airports are limited. The reliable corridor is via Chisinau International Airport in Moldova, with multiple daily Turkish Airlines flights from Istanbul.

From Chisinau the road journey to Ukraine is about 4 to 6 hours depending on the destination city. Asia Work arranges the ground transport in pre-vetted vehicles with English-speaking drivers familiar with the Palanca border crossing.

The Palanca border crossing on the Moldova-Ukraine border is the standard entry point for our transfer route. Crossing time varies from 30 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic.

For Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Nepali citizens traveling to Ukraine in 2026, the Moldovan transit visa is often the easiest route. Direct flights to Ukraine have been limited since 2022, so most workers fly to Chisinau, Moldova, and then cross the Palanca border by ground transport to Odesa Oblast. This guide explains the complete Moldovan transit e-visa application process and how Asia Work handles ground transportation for workers we place.

Why Workers Transit Through Moldova

Direct international flights to Ukraine have been suspended since February 2022 due to ongoing conflict. As of 2026, Ukrainian airports remain closed to commercial passenger traffic. Foreign workers traveling to Ukraine for jobs must enter by land — and the most reliable route is via Moldova.

The route works because Chisinau International Airport receives regular flights from major hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, and Frankfurt. After landing in Chisinau, workers cross the border at Palanca into Ukraine's Odesa Oblast. The total journey from arrival in Chisinau to arrival at the Ukrainian workplace typically takes 6–10 hours including border processing.

Alternative routes (less common):

  • Via Poland (Warsaw → land crossing) — requires Polish transit visa for Indians/Pakistanis
  • Via Romania (Bucharest → land crossing) — similar transit requirements
  • Via Hungary or Slovakia — used less frequently

The Moldova route is preferred because Moldovan transit visas are processed online (e-visa), Palanca border crossing is efficient, and Asia Work has established ground transport from Chisinau directly.

Who Needs a Moldovan Transit Visa

Citizens of the following countries need a Moldovan transit e-visa to travel through Moldova en route to Ukraine:

  • 🇮🇳 India — All Indian passport holders (ECR and non-ECR)
  • 🇵🇰 Pakistan — All Pakistani passport holders
  • 🇧🇩 Bangladesh — All Bangladeshi passport holders
  • 🇳🇵 Nepal — All Nepali passport holders
  • 🇻🇳 Vietnam — All Vietnamese passport holders
  • 🇮🇩 Indonesia — All Indonesian passport holders
  • 🇵🇭 Philippines — All Filipino passport holders

Citizens of UAE, Saudi Arabia, and some other Gulf countries may have different visa requirements depending on their nationality. Most workers from the Gulf region are foreign nationals (Indians, Pakistanis, etc.) and still need the Moldovan transit visa based on their home country passport.

Citizens of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan have different transit requirements depending on bilateral agreements with Moldova. We provide country-specific guidance during your application.

Moldova Transit Visa Types

For workers traveling to Ukraine, the relevant Moldovan visa is Visa B (Transit Visa), Type B-B (double transit), allowing entry to Moldova for the purpose of transit through Moldovan territory.

  • Single transit (B): One entry, valid 30 days, transit up to 5 days
  • Double transit (B-B): Two entries, valid 60 days, useful if returning home for visits

Most workers apply for single transit (B) for the initial travel to Ukraine. Double transit is useful if you plan a short trip home shortly after arriving.

How to Apply for Moldova Transit Visa

The application is online at evisa.gov.md — the official Moldovan government portal. Asia Work guides candidates through this application as part of our turnkey service. The process:

Step 1: Online Application at evisa.gov.md

Go to https://evisa.gov.md/ and select Apply for e-VisaTransit Visa (B).

Required information:

  • Passport details (number, expiry, nationality)
  • Personal information (name, DOB, address)
  • Travel dates (arrival in Chisinau, departure to Ukraine)
  • Purpose of transit (transit to Ukraine for work)
  • Destination country (Ukraine)
  • Final destination address (your Ukrainian workplace — we provide this)

Step 2: Upload Required Documents

  • Passport biographical page — clear color scan
  • Photo — passport-size, white background
  • Ukrainian D-03 visa — already issued (or accepted approval letter)
  • Employment contract with Ukrainian employer — Asia Work provides
  • Onward travel proof — ground transport ticket Chisinau-Ukraine (we provide)
  • Company support letter — Asia Work provides a standardized letter strengthening approval

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

The Moldovan transit e-visa fee is paid online by credit/debit card. Currently approximately €60 for single transit. Payment is non-refundable even if visa is denied.

Step 4: Wait for Decision

Standard processing time is 5–7 working days. Some applications are decided faster (2–3 days), some take longer if additional documents are requested.

Step 5: Receive e-Visa

Approved visa is emailed as PDF. Print 2 copies — one for boarding the flight, one for border control at Chisinau airport. Some airlines refuse to board passengers without a printed visa.

Travel Day — Chisinau to Ukraine

When you arrive in Chisinau, here is what happens:

Arrival at Chisinau Airport (KIV)

After clearing immigration and collecting luggage, exit the arrivals area. Asia Work's local coordinator meets you at the airport with a sign showing your name. Wait time: 0–30 minutes.

Transport to Palanca Border

Our ground transport (van or bus depending on group size) takes you to Palanca border crossing. Travel time: 90 minutes from Chisinau airport. Stops include a brief snack/restroom break.

Border Crossing at Palanca

Palanca is the official border crossing between Moldova and Ukraine in southern Moldova. Two checkpoints:

  1. Moldovan exit checkpoint — passport stamped, transit visa used
  2. Ukrainian entry checkpoint — D-03 visa stamped, work permit verified

Processing time at the border: typically 30–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Onward to Workplace City

After clearing the Ukrainian border, ground transport continues to your placement city:

  • Odesa region — 1–2 hours from border
  • Kyiv — 5–6 hours
  • Lviv — 8–10 hours
  • Dnipro — 6–8 hours

For workers placed far from the border, we arrange overnight stays in transit (covered by employer).

Documents to Have Ready at the Border

Have these documents accessible (not buried in luggage) when crossing Palanca:

  1. Passport (with visas)
  2. Printed Moldovan transit e-visa
  3. Printed Ukrainian D-03 visa
  4. Work permit copy (we provide before travel)
  5. Employment contract (printed copy)
  6. Demand letter from Ukrainian employer
  7. Accommodation confirmation in Ukraine

Border officials may ask basic questions in English or Russian: "Where are you going?", "Who is your employer?", "How long will you stay?" Answer truthfully based on your contract.

Common Reasons for Moldovan Transit Visa Rejection

Even straightforward applications can be denied. Most common rejection reasons:

  • Missing Ukrainian D visa — Moldovan transit requires onward visa
  • Unclear travel purpose — must clearly state transit to Ukraine for work
  • Insufficient travel proof — flight tickets without onward ground transport
  • Passport issues — less than 6 months validity, damaged passport
  • Previous overstays — visa denials in other countries

Our standardized company support letter, included with every application we process, significantly reduces rejection risk.

What Asia Work Provides

For workers we place, our complete Moldova transit service includes:

  • Application guidance at evisa.gov.md with all documents pre-prepared
  • Company support letter strengthening visa approval
  • Flight booking assistance (worker pays for flight, we recommend airlines)
  • Airport pickup in Chisinau on arrival day
  • Ground transport from Chisinau to Ukrainian border (90 min)
  • Border crossing support — our coordinator at Palanca
  • Onward transport from border to workplace city
  • 24/7 emergency contact during the travel day
Eligibility

Who needs it

Check that you meet the basic conditions before starting.

  • You hold a passport from a country that needs Moldovan transit visa
  • You have a valid Ukrainian D-03 visa stamped in your passport
  • You have a confirmed onward booking to Ukraine
  • You will spend less than 5 days in Moldova during transit
Documents

Documents for Moldova transit e-visa

Asia Work prepares the Ukrainian-side paperwork. You provide what is on this list.

  • Passport bio page scan (color, all corners visible)
  • Ukrainian D-03 visa scan from your passport
  • Flight booking from your country to Chisinau
  • Onward travel proof to Ukraine (Asia Work transport voucher)
  • Hotel booking in Moldova for transit night if needed
  • Recent passport photo (digital, white background)
  • Travel medical insurance valid in Moldova
Our service

What Asia Work handles for you

You provide documents and answer questions. We do everything else.

e-Visa application

Apply on evisa.gov.md on your behalf with all required documents.

Chisinau to Ukraine transport

Pre-vetted vehicle and English-speaking driver via Palanca border.

Border crossing assistance

Phone support during border crossing and emergency contact in Chisinau.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Which citizens need a Moldovan transit visa?+
Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Nepalis and several other South Asian and African nationalities need the Moldovan B-B transit visa. Filipinos, Vietnamese and Indonesian citizens often do not need it. Asia Work checks your specific case during the application.
How long does the Moldova e-visa take?+
Standard processing is 5 working days. Express processing in 3 days is available for an extra fee. Asia Work files at the right time relative to your D-03 visa issuance.
Can I leave the Chisinau airport during transit?+
With the B-B transit visa, yes. Many Asia Work travelers spend a night at a Chisinau hotel before the morning road transfer to Ukraine.
How long is the road journey from Chisinau to Ukraine?+
Depends on destination. Odesa is about 3 hours. Vinnytsia 5 hours. Kyiv 7 to 8 hours. We arrange overnight stops on long routes.
What happens at Palanca border crossing?+
Standard border control. The driver speaks English and Russian and assists with form-filling. Crossing typically takes 30 to 90 minutes.
Is the Moldova transit included in my package?+
Yes. The Moldova e-visa cost and ground transport from Chisinau airport to your final Ukrainian destination are included in our service.

Start your application

Apply now and our team will guide you through every document and appointment.