Japan Visa for Moldovan Citizens
Moldovan citizens need a visa for every trip to Japan — tourism included. Here's how long a visa lets you stay, and how to apply in five steps.
Visa required
No visa-free entry and no visa on arrival. Apply before you travel, at the Embassy of Japan in Moldova.
- How long
- Up to 90 days per trip
- Visa fee
- About ¥15,000 (single entry)
- Processing
- About 5 working days
Last checked 25 September 2026 against the Embassy of Japan in Moldova.
How long can you stay?
| Visa | Stay per visit | Use it within |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry — tourism, visits, business | Up to 90 days — 15, 30 or 90 days depending on your plan | 3 months from issue |
| Multiple entry — for those who qualify | Depends on the type — up to 90 days | Valid 1–5 years |
| Work, study, family | More than 90 days — needs a Certificate of Eligibility first | — |
Choose your visa
Short visits use a Temporary Visitor (short-term stay) visa. Which documents you need depends on why you're going and who pays:
Tourism
A holiday you pay for yourself
See documents →
Visiting relatives or friends
Someone in Japan invites you — they or you pay
See documents →
Short-term business
Meetings, negotiations, market research, conferences, cultural or sport exchange
See documents →
Multiple entry
For frequent business travellers and others who qualify
Who qualifies →
Prepare the documents
Moldovan nationals have their own checklist from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs — use it instead of the standard one: official rules for Moldovan nationals.
Submit and pay
Apply at the Embassy of Japan in Moldova. Book an appointment first. Visa applications: Monday to Friday, 9:00–12:00, 14:00–16:45. Japan Visa Information Hotline (general questions only; it does not connect you to the embassy): +373 800 60027. Book by email with the consular section first; an authorised representative may hand in the application for you.
Fees
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | ≈ ¥15,000 | Standard rate since 1 Jul 2026, charged in local currency |
| Double or multiple entry | ≈ ¥30,000 | Standard rate since 1 Jul 2026, charged in local currency |
| Agency or visa-centre service fee | Set by the agency | Only if you apply through one; not refunded |
Depending on your nationality and purpose, the fee can be lower or waived. No visa fee is charged if the visa is refused. Fees are normally paid in cash in local currency.
Wait for the decision
- Usually about 5 working days once your application is accepted; longer if extra checks are needed.
Receive your visa
Visa sticker in your passport
A single-entry visa must be used within 3 months of issue and is used up once you enter Japan.
A visa doesn't guarantee entry — the immigration officer at the airport makes the final decision.
If your visa is refused
- No visa fee is charged when a visa isn't issued; agency or visa-centre fees are not refunded.
- The embassy does not tell you why — Japan does not give reasons for visa refusals.
- You can't reapply for the same purpose within 6 months. The exception: your circumstances have changed significantly and the trip is needed for humanitarian reasons — ask the embassy first.
Beware of visa scams
Next time: a multiple-entry visa
A multiple-entry visa lets you visit Japan any number of times while it's valid (1, 3 or 5 years). It is issued mainly to business travellers and to cultural or intellectual figures who meet the criteria.
The rules for Moldovan nationals: MOFA page.
Staying longer than 90 days
Work, study and family stays need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) first. Your employer, school or family in Japan applies for it; you then take it to the embassy for the visa.
Work visas
Engineer / Humanities, Highly Skilled Professional and more
See details →
Specified Skilled Worker (Type 1 & 2)
Skills test plus a Japanese-language test
See details →
Student
Language schools, vocational schools and universities
See details →
Spouse / Child of Japanese National
Marriage to a Japanese national
See details →
Frequently asked questions
Do Moldovan citizens need a visa for Japan?
Yes, for every visit — tourism included. Moldova is not on Japan's visa-exemption list, and Japan has no visa on arrival.
How long can I stay in Japan on a tourist visa?
Up to 90 days per visit on a single-entry visa — the officer grants 15, 30 or 90 days depending on your plan. Use the visa within 3 months of issue.
How much does a Japan visa cost?
Since 1 July 2026 the standard fee is about ¥15,000 for a single entry and ¥30,000 for multiple entry, paid in local currency. Some nationalities pay less or nothing, and no fee is charged if the visa is refused.
How long does processing take?
Usually about 5 working days once your application is accepted; longer if extra checks are needed.
Can I apply online?
Not yet — Japan's eVISA isn't available to residents of Moldova. Apply at the embassy or consulate.
Can I reapply if my visa is refused?
Not for the same purpose within 6 months, unless your circumstances have changed significantly and the trip is needed for humanitarian reasons. The embassy won't tell you the reason for a refusal.
Sources
- The Embassy of Japan in Moldova — visa information
- The Embassy of Japan in Moldova — visa information
- The Embassy of Japan in Moldova — visa information
- The Embassy of Japan in Moldova — visa information
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Visa fees (from 1 Jul 2026)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Visa processing time
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Validity of a visa
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — Visa FAQ (refusals, re-applications)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan — short-term stay rules for Moldovan nationals
Nearby countries
Not sure which visa or documents fit your trip?
Ask us which visa fits your plan — free consultation by email.
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