Visa/entry requirements
Anyone can enter Pridnestrovie without a visa. This applies to citizens of all countries. There is no visa regime in Pridnestrovie (Transnistria).
The only requirement is a valid passport and the address of your accommodation.
Note: Since the country is landlocked and does not have an airport, you must enter via Moldova.
The border with Ukraine is currently closed.
Depending on your citizenship, a visa may be required to enter Moldova. Citizens of the European Union, the USA, and many other countries do not need a visa. Be sure to check Moldova’s official website for up-to-date information.
Crossing the border and rules of stay
When crossing the border, simply hand your passport to the officer. You should tell or show them the name and address of your place of stay, as well as how many days you intend to stay. It’s recommended to add an extra day to avoid issues, since the duration is counted in exact 24-hour increments, down to the second.
You can stay for any period between 10 hours (for transit, no accommodation needed) and 45 days (the maximum allowed).
You will receive a migration card like the one shown on the right. Keep it safe, as you will need to show it when leaving the country.
If your migration card is set to expire before your departure, you can visit any border crossing or a migration office in one of the main cities and request a renewal (up to 45 days at a time).
While you can theoretically renew the card indefinitely to remain in Pridnestrovie, you might encounter issues in Moldova, as they consider the republic part of their territory. If you intend to stay long-term in the country, you should seek legal advice first.
Currency and money handling
The official currency in Pridnestrovie is the Pridnestrovian ruble (RUP). It is the only currency accepted in shops and restaurants.
Since early 2020, international bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard no longer work in the republic. It is advisable to bring enough cash for the duration of your trip and exchange it little by little according to your needs (US dollars or euros are the best options, although Moldovan lei, Ukrainian hryvnias, and British pounds are also accepted at any exchange office). The Pridnestrovian ruble cannot be exchanged outside the country, so don’t forget to exchange any leftover currency before leaving.
In case you run out of cash, you can head to the border with Moldova in Bendery (Varnitsa) or Rybnitsa (Rezina) and use the ATM on the Moldovan side. Western Union is available in all Pridnestrovian banks and can also be used in emergencies.
Travel Health Insurance
If you decide to buy travel insurance, you might want to check whether Pridnestrovie (Transnistria) is included. It may be considered part of Moldova or excluded from it.
Emergency healthcare in Pridnestrovie is free for everyone in state hospitals. Minor injuries can also be treated in smaller dispensaries. (Note: very few doctors speak English, so you might need a translator to assist, which may involve additional costs.)
However, some complex procedures might not be available, and/or you might prefer a higher level of comfort in the event of a prolonged hospital stay. There are international hospitals in Moldova and Ukraine, where you can be transferred in most cases. They are usually expensive (for anyone outside the US), but will most likely accept your travel insurance. There are also two private hospitals in Tiraspol.
Medication is usually inexpensive and can be purchased without a prescription. Some specific medications might not be readily available and could take a couple of days to be imported.
Safety
Despite the warnings on most foreign governments’ websites regarding Pridnestrovie, there are no specific concerns about safety in the country.
Street crime is almost non-existent, and walking in dark streets at night is not considered a source of concern. Pridnestrovie is actually much safer than many Western capital cities.
It is true that consular protection might be limited in the country. This is mostly due to the non-recognition of the country by most foreign governments, which results in the absence of embassies or diplomatic personnel in the republic. Many embassies based in Moldova maintain some form of relations with the government of Pridnestrovie, as they meet from time to time, and some even support projects on its territory. The lack of consular assistance may be attributed more to political posture than to actual limitations.
Generally, as long as you follow local laws, there is nothing to worry about.
Please note that narcotics are banned in the country, whether for personal use or distribution. The law is extremely strict on this point, and the same applies to neighboring Moldova and Ukraine. If you try to bring any illicit drugs into the country, you may face serious charges.
Photos
Taking photos is restricted in a few places, usually around military facilities, border posts, and the headquarters of the MGB (security services). Signs will be posted in the streets near these buildings.
Avoid taking photos of people—especially children—without their consent.
In any case, use common sense and be respectful.