Media reports say Moldova evaluates visa requirements for citizens of most CIS countries. The proposed amendments have significant diplomatic and practical implications. If enacted, Moldova would require citizens from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan to undergo visa procedures previously not necessary, potentially affecting tourism, business travel, and diplomatic exchanges.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in Chisinau has specified that the changes will only affect travel arrangements with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, as similar bilateral agreements are not in place with these two nations.
The MFA clarifies that the move to denounce the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Agreement on visa-free travel will not impact the current travel regime with the Russian Federation, due to a separate, existing bilateral agreement.
The Chisinau authorities plans to consider the denunciation of the agreement on visa-free regime for citizens of the CIS member nations, which was signed in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, in 1992, on November 12.
Meanwhile, for citizens of most CIS member countries, including Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, Moldova reportedly plans to evaluate visa-regime requiring no visa for stays up to 90 days. Citizens from other CIS member nations, such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, also generally do not need a visa for short-term stays. However, citizens from all countries, including CIS member nations, must obtain a visa for stays exceeding 90 days.
