Moldova Passport Fee Rises to 790 Lei from 15 October; Current Booklets Stay Valid

Moldova's Public Services Agency (PSA) has started issuing a new biometric passport, introduced on 15 October 2026. The document carries stronger anti-counterfeiting protection and works with automated border control systems, and it completes a five-year overhaul of the country's identity and travel documents.

Key facts

• Introduced: 15 October 2026, by the Public Services Agency
• Security: around 100 anti-counterfeiting elements and a secure biometric data carrier
• Standard fee: rises from 650 to 790 Moldovan lei (approximately US$44) for issue within 20 working days
• Existing passports: remain valid until expiry; the new model is issued on renewal
• Also covered: diplomatic and service passports, and documents for refugees and stateless persons

What is changing?

The new passport contains around 100 anti-counterfeiting elements and a secure biometric data carrier. PSA Director Mircea Eșanu said the document complies with ICAO Doc 9303 — the international standard for machine-readable travel documents — and with European Union travel document security standards.

The passport also carries a new visual identity based on Moldova's native wildlife, including the European bison, wolf, deer and owl. The PSA says these illustrations are built into the document's security features.

The upgrade is not limited to the ordinary passport. Diplomatic and service passports are covered, as are documents issued to refugees and stateless persons.

How much does it cost?

The standard processing fee for a passport issued within 20 working days increases from 650 to 790 Moldovan lei, which the article puts at approximately US$44. The PSA attributes the rise to higher manufacturing costs linked to the enhanced security features. No other fees are stated in the announcement.

Do I need to replace my current passport?

No. Existing passports remain valid until their expiry date. Travellers will receive the new model when they renew.

Why is this happening?

The passport is the final step in a five-year modernisation of Moldova's identity and travel documents. The PSA says it has now updated the country's major documents, including driving licences, residence permits and vehicle registration certificates.

Moldova introduced electronic identity cards in April 2025, featuring 30 security elements and support for electronic signatures, as part of efforts to align its identification systems with European standards, including eIDAS. The PSA reports that 81 of its 96 public services are now available online, compared with five percent in 2021, alongside a fivefold increase in digital service use and one million electronic identity cards provided free of charge. Moldova is also extending its EVO digital identity wallet into banking as it works toward compatibility with Europe's digital identity infrastructure.

What this means for travellers

Moldovan citizens planning to renew a passport should expect to pay the higher fee of 790 lei for standard processing within 20 working days. Those with a valid passport do not need to take any action before it expires. Anyone applying for a diplomatic or service passport, or for travel documents as a refugee or stateless person, will receive the upgraded document type.

The PSA has not announced any further changes to passport rules. Travellers renewing a passport should check the current fee and processing time at the time of application.