November 26, 2025, Chișinău – The Government approved the initiation of negotiations on the intergovernmental Agreement between the Republic of Moldova and Romania regarding visa exemption for holders of diplomatic and service passports.

The initiative to sign the Agreement comes from the Romanian side, given that, starting March 31, 2024, Romania is required to comply with the Schengen Acquis. This Agreement will harmonize the bilateral legal framework with the Schengen visa-free travel requirements for holders of diplomatic and service passports. The Agreement does not affect the general travel regime for citizens, but represents a necessary technical adjustment to ensure that diplomatic activities and bilateral cooperation can proceed without interruption.

According to the draft Agreement, holders of diplomatic and service passports from both states will be able to enter, transit, and stay visa-free in the territory of the other Party for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The period of stay in Romania will be calculated cumulatively, including any stays in other states applying the Schengen Implementation Convention.

The Agreement also provides for visa exemption, for the entire duration of the mission, for members of diplomatic missions and consular offices of both states, provided that their appointment is notified through diplomatic channels at least 30 days before the start of the mission.