General Principles
When traveling between Moldova and Russia (by bus, car, plane, or rideshare), two customs apply: Moldovan customs (upon exit/entry to Moldova) and Russian customs (EAEU — upon entry/exit to Russia).
• Personal items (clothing, phone, laptop, cosmetics in reasonable quantities) are transported without restrictions and declaration if they are clearly for personal use.
• Choose the green corridor if you have nothing to declare; red — if you have goods exceeding the limits.
• If goods look like a commercial shipment (many identical items), customs officers may require proof of personal use or payment of duty.
Cash and currency valuables
• To Moldova: Up to 10,000 euros (or equivalent) — without written declaration. Over that — mandatory declaration. Export of foreign currency — up to the amount declared upon import.
• To Russia: Up to 10,000 USD (or equivalent) — without declaration. Over that — written declaration. Checks and traveler's checks are also counted.
Tip: Always declare large amounts to avoid confiscation upon exit.
Alcohol and tobacco (for persons over 18)
To Moldova (duty-free): • Wine — up to 2 liters • Strong alcohol — up to 1 liter • Beer — up to 5 liters • Cigarettes — up to 200 pcs (or 50 cigars, or 250 g tobacco)
To Russia (duty-free): • Alcohol — up to 3 liters (over that — duty 10 euros/liter, maximum 5 liters total) • Tobacco — 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 g tobacco (only one type)
Tip: Alcohol and tobacco exceeding limits are subject to duty, and excessive quantities may be confiscated as commercial shipment.
Food products
• General rule: Only for personal consumption, in factory packaging, without risk of contamination (veterinary/phytosanitary control).
• To Moldova: Allowed in reasonable quantities (up to 10–20 kg per person), but meat, milk, cheese — only in factory packaging and with certificates (if required). Fresh fruits/vegetables — limited.
• To Russia: Up to 5 kg of prepared animal products (sausage, cheese, canned goods) per person. Meat/dairy without factory packaging — prohibited. Plant products — up to 5 kg, but with bans on some countries (sanctions).
Important: Due to sanctions and phytosanitary standards, import of many products from EU/USA is prohibited. Homemade preparations (pickles, jams) are often confiscated.
Tip: Take prepared products in factory packaging. Meat/dairy without certificates is better not to risk — they will destroy or return them.
Medicines
• For personal use — in quantities for a course of treatment (with prescription or medical report for potent/narcotic drugs). • Psychotropic and narcotic substances are prohibited in both countries without permission.
Tip: Take a prescription in English/Russian and receipts from the pharmacy.
Other goods and price/weight restrictions
• To Moldova (by land/air transport): Duty-free goods up to 300–430 euros (depending on transport type) and weight up to 50 kg, if not commercial.
• To Russia: Duty-free goods up to 10,000 euros (by air) or 1,500 euros (by land), weight up to 50 kg. Over that — duty.
Prohibited goods (both directions)
• Weapons, ammunition, explosives (without special permission) • Drugs, psychotropic substances • Poisonous, radioactive materials • Pornography, materials promoting violence/extremism • Drones, encryption equipment (without permission) • Cultural valuables (antiques, art) — only with permission from Ministry of Culture
Tip for car/bus: Fuel — only in tank + canister up to 10 L. Declare parcels and gifts. If you're carrying parcels for others — this may be considered commerce.
These rules will help avoid fines (from 500–2000 rubles or equivalent) and confiscation. Before traveling, check for updates on websites: customs.gov.md (Moldova) and customs.gov.ru (Russia/EAEU). Safe travels!