Moldova

Article 4 of GD 21/2023 allows Ukrainian nationals to enter and exit Moldova using certain national identity documents (internal passports, national identity cards, birth certificates (for children)), in addition to biometric passports. As of 1 March 2024, if you are entering the country using national identity documents, they must be valid (i.e. not expired). Adults crossing the state border with a national identity document other than a passport for external travel (identity card, internal passport) can benefit from only one exit/entry from/to Ukraine.

If you have not regularized your legal status in Moldova within the 90-day period of lawful stay in the country, either through Temporary Protection (TP) or another form of legal status (such as a residence permit, asylum application, or application for stateless status), you may be subject to fines upon leaving the country. Additionally, you may encounter challenges in returning to Moldova if you try and return within the following 90 days.  If you do not have the necessary documents to enter Moldova, you can seek asylum if you fear harm in Ukraine.

All foreigners on the territory of Moldova have 90 days (within a period of 180 days) to obtain a secure legal status, either through Temporary Protection (TP) or another form of legal status (such as a residence permit, asylum application, or statelessness status). If you do not obtain legal status within this period, you may be subject to fines upon leaving the country. Additionally, you may encounter challenges in returning to Moldova in the future. If you have overstayed the 90-day period but would like to obtain legal status, you may still apply for TP. UNHCR is not aware of any penalties for applying for TP after the 90-day period has ended if you have not left the country.

You should ensure the school is informed about the withdrawal of the enrolment of your child and ensure to request the official files from the school. In addition, social services or relevant local authorities should be informed as well.

If your child has attended school in Moldova, it is recommended to request the school for the official files which prove the attendance and achievements, which can facilitate the recognition of the progress back in Ukraine. You can visit the Ukrainian Ministry of Education and Science’s webpage for additional information.

Beneficiaries of TP have the right to temporary admission of means of transport for private use in RM. The maximum storage period under the customs regime of their temporary admission, for the same use and under the responsibility of the same authorization holder, is up to 12 months. If the period for authorized use mentioned is not sufficient, the Customs Service may grant an extension of it for a reasonable period. If you are planning to return to Ukraine for a longer duration and no longer consider Moldova to be your place of residence, you must inform IGM of this change.

If you return to Ukraine for a short period, your bank account should remain active. If you leave for Ukraine permanently, most Moldovan banks will ask you to close your bank account, as account ownership is linked to having a refugee status document (like TP) or registered address in Moldova. However, banks have different levels of strictness, and you should enquire with your bank before leaving for Ukraine.