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Pre-Trip Checklist

Pre-Trip Checklist

Moldova

Essential Preparations

A chronological guide to preparing for your visit.

Planning Milestones

A structured timeline for your pre-trip activities.

1

Months Before

Passport Validity

Check your passport's expiration date. Its validity must be six months beyond your departure.

Moldovan Visa Research

Research Moldovan visa requirements specific to your nationality. Begin application if needed.

Health Consultation & Vaccinations

Consult your doctor or a travel clinic. Allow time for multi-dose vaccines.

2

Month Before

Purchase Travel Insurance

Obtain comprehensive travel insurance. Verify policy coverage for unrecognized territory.

Flight Booking

Book your flights to Chisinau International Airport (KIV) in Moldova.

Route Planning

Plan your route from Chisinau to Tiraspol (most likely marshrutka).

3

Week Before

Document Copies

Print several physical copies of all essential documents. Store separately.

Digital Copies

Take digital photos of all documents. Store them on your phone and in cloud storage.

Offline Maps & Apps

Download offline maps for Transnistria and the Russian language pack for Google Translate.

Required Advance Bookings

Secure your lodging and tours early, especially during peak times.

Reservations

  • Hotel in Tiraspol (highly recommended for smoother registration).
  • Kvint Brandy Distillery tour (if desired, needs booking in advance).
  • Any guided tours from Chisinau that you choose to take.
  • Confirm ability to handle migration card registration with your accommodation.

Pre-Trip Research

Gain insight into Transnistria's unique situation and procedures.

Informational Resources

  • Read about Transnistria's unique political status and the history of the 1992 conflict.
  • Review current border crossing information, as procedures sometimes change.
  • Look for recent traveler experiences on forums.
  • Inform your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.

Home Preparation

Measures to take at home for peace of mind while away.

Security Measures

  • Secure your home.
  • Lock doors and windows.
  • Stop mail/deliveries.
  • Set timers for lights.

Contacts & Documents

  • Inform trusted contacts of your itinerary.
  • Share emergency contact information.
  • Leave a copy of your documents with a trusted person.
  • Upload digital copies to cloud storage.

Financial & Devices

  • Pay bills or arrange for automatic payments.
  • Notify banks of travel plans.
  • Charge all electronic devices.
  • Download useful apps and offline maps.

Helpful Tip

Create a physical folder or digital folder on your phone for all travel documents. This maintains organization and easy access.

Arrival Checklist

These steps foster a smooth transition upon arriving in Transnistria.

First Steps in Chisinau

  • 1
    Immigration Clearance:

    Clear Moldovan immigration at Chisinau International Airport. Collect your luggage.

  • 2
    Currency Exchange:

    Exchange a small amount of currency for Moldovan Lei if you need local transport in Chisinau.

  • 3
    Connectivity:

    Connect to airport Wi-Fi to confirm initial plans or contact someone.

Tiraspol Orientation

  • Migration Card:

    Upon crossing into Transnistria, obtain and safeguard your migration card. This is the single most important document for your stay.

  • Proceed to Accommodation:

    Directly head to your pre-booked hotel or apartment.

  • Registration:

    If staying longer than 24 hours, confirm hotel handling of migration card registration immediately.

Post-Arrival Necessities

Currency Exchange

Exchange Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD) for Transnistrian Rubles (PRB) at a Tiraspol exchange office.

Get enough cash for your expected stay, as cards rarely accept here.

Local Transportation

From the Tiraspol marshrutka stop, take a local marshrutka or a taxi to your hotel.

Confirm the taxi fare beforehand to avoid surprises.

Connectivity

Acquire a local Transnistrian SIM card if desired (though often difficult).

Rely on Wi-Fi at your accommodation or cafes for internet access.

Critical Requirement

Upon crossing into Transnistria, obtain and safeguard your migration card. This marks the most important document for your stay. Do not lose it. Immediately photograph it and note its secure placement.

Departure Preparation

Plan your departure for a hassle-free exit from Transnistria and Moldova.

Souvenirs & Shipping

  • Purchase Kvint brandy and Soviet memorabilia well before your departure.
  • Do not plan to ship items internationally from Transnistria due to complications.
  • All souvenirs must fit in your luggage.
  • Be aware of customs regulations for alcohol or other items upon returning home.

Return Trip Planning

  • Allow sufficient time for your journey back to Chisinau, especially for a flight.
  • Check marshrutka schedules for your return journey.
  • Ensure your migration card and passport are ready for the Transnistrian exit checkpoint.
  • Carry enough Moldovan Lei for onward travel in Chisinau or to the airport.

Document Handover

Ensure all necessary documents are prepared for your exit.

Migration Card Surrender

  • Migration Card:Must be surrendered upon exit
  • Border Delays:Factor in unpredictable delays
  • Passport Check:Keep your passport ready
  • Final Check:Confirm all requirements prior to departure

Final Currency Needs

  • Keep some small denominations of Transnistrian Rubles.
  • For any last-minute purchases or local transport.
  • Use them before leaving the territory.
  • Ensure enough Moldovan Lei for onward travel in Chisinau or to the airport.

Organized Travel

Create a physical folder or digital folder on your phone for all travel documents.

This maintains organization and easy access.