The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Moldova have agreed in principle to waive visas for each other’s citizens holding ordinary passports, Moldovan state news agency Moldpres confirmed late on 22 April 2026. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi will sign the memorandum of understanding during an official visit to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. The deal—expected to take effect later this year once ratified—will allow Moldovans to enter the UAE visa-free for short stays and grant Emiratis reciprocal access to Moldova, simplifying travel for business delegations, tourists and the Moldovan diaspora working in the Gulf.
![UAE and Moldova Poised to Abolish Visas for Ordinary Passport Holders]()
Until the waiver actually comes into force, travelers from either country who still need a visa can streamline the process through VisaHQ, whose UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) provides real-time requirements, digital application tools and concierge support for tourist, business and work permits—saving applicants the time and stress of embassy visits.
Air connectivity is also set to improve: Popșoi’s programme includes talks with low-cost carrier Air Arabia on potential new direct flights from Sharjah to Chișinău. For UAE-based employers the waiver cuts lead times and PRO costs when dispatching staff to Moldova for manufacturing, agri-business and IT outsourcing projects. Moldovan exporters of wine, fresh produce and textiles likewise gain friction-free entry to Dubai’s re-export hubs and trade fairs. The agreement comes as the UAE expands its portfolio of reciprocal visa-exemption treaties to bolster its passport ranking and diversify talent pipelines. Recent waivers include arrangements with Serbia, Ukraine and Kenya, and the UAE now enjoys either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 destinations. Legal advisers caution that exact stay limits and permissible activities (tourism, business meetings, training) will be clarified in the implementing regulations. Companies should continue to secure work permits for any revenue-generating activity in either country until further notice.
Until the waiver actually comes into force, travelers from either country who still need a visa can streamline the process through VisaHQ, whose UAE portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) provides real-time requirements, digital application tools and concierge support for tourist, business and work permits—saving applicants the time and stress of embassy visits.
Air connectivity is also set to improve: Popșoi’s programme includes talks with low-cost carrier Air Arabia on potential new direct flights from Sharjah to Chișinău. For UAE-based employers the waiver cuts lead times and PRO costs when dispatching staff to Moldova for manufacturing, agri-business and IT outsourcing projects. Moldovan exporters of wine, fresh produce and textiles likewise gain friction-free entry to Dubai’s re-export hubs and trade fairs. The agreement comes as the UAE expands its portfolio of reciprocal visa-exemption treaties to bolster its passport ranking and diversify talent pipelines. Recent waivers include arrangements with Serbia, Ukraine and Kenya, and the UAE now enjoys either visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 187 destinations. Legal advisers caution that exact stay limits and permissible activities (tourism, business meetings, training) will be clarified in the implementing regulations. Companies should continue to secure work permits for any revenue-generating activity in either country until further notice.
