South Africa to Moldova visa requirements

South African ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter Moldova. The simplest route is the official Moldova eVisa (C-type short-stay), applied for online at evisa.gov.md before travel, allowing tourist stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. South Africa is not on Moldova's visa-free list, so an ordinary South African passport holder must obtain a visa before traveling for tourism. Moldova operates a government eVisa system (evisa.gov.md) that is open to nationals of countries not exempt from the visa requirement, including South Africa, making it the recommended channel. The short-stay (C) visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period and is issued for single or multiple entry. Moldova is NOT part of the Schengen Area and not yet an EU member, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply to entering Moldova; however, holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa/residence permit or an EU/US/UK/Canada/Japan visa or residence permit may enter Moldova visa-free for up to 90/180 days, which can be an alternative for some travelers. The eVisa requires an online application with a passport bio-page scan, travel itinerary and accommodation booking. Fees comprise a consular fee plus a 40 EUR eVisa service tax, paid by card, with processing typically within a few business days up to about 10-20 days. Passport should be valid beyond the intended stay (the portal cites at least 3 months beyond exit; many advisories recommend 6 months). Default verdict remains visa-required, satisfied via the eVisa channel.