Moldova marks 10th anniversary of visa liberalisation with EU: 2.54 million Moldovans travelled to Schengen countries

Chisinau, April 28 /MOLDPRES/ - The Republic of Moldova marks today the tenth anniversary of visa liberalisation with the European Union, being the first country in the Eastern Partnership to obtain visa-free regime with the EU.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mihai Popsoi said that during this period, "2.54 million Moldovan citizens have made over 31 million trips to Schengen countries".

Ten years ago, on 28 April 2014, as a result of a long and complex process, the European Union abolished the short-stay visa requirement for citizens of the Republic of Moldova, holders of biometric passports, to travel to the Schengen area. The Republic of Moldova was the first country in the Eastern Partnership to achieve visa-free travel with the European Union.

During these ten years, our country has ensured the continuity of the reforms and requirements that were the basis for visa liberalisation, as well as the implementation of the recommendations developed along the way by the European institutions. Thus, the possibility of free travel to the EU is open to all holders of Moldovan biometric passports, including those residing in the Transnistrian region.

The liberalised visa regime with the EU is one of the most tangible benefits of European integration for Moldovan citizens - freedom of movement. Visa-free travel has significantly facilitated people-to-people contacts and helped to further strengthen business, social and cultural ties between the Republic of Moldova and the European Union.