Palanka – Border Crossing. Details and Features of Customs Clearance in Moldova
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Palanka border crossing has become an important humanitarian corridor, through which hundreds of thousands of refugees passed. Volunteers welcomed people, providing food, medical assistance, and temporary housing. In the first days of the conflict, thousands of people crossed this point, requiring coordination of efforts from local authorities and international organizations to ensure safety and support for those in need.
Palanka-Udobnoe is a dual border crossing, combining Moldova and Ukraine’s customs posts in one location. This joint control point allows both countries’ border and customs procedures to be carried out simultaneously, significantly speeding up the crossing process.
To get to Palanka from Odessa, you need to drive through Mayaki and a special zone where tickets are issued.
Special Zone Near Mayaki and Ticket System on the Way to Palanka
The special zone near Mayaki represents a section of the road with special operating conditions necessary for managing and controlling traffic flow. This zone is not directly related to the Palanka border crossing and can be used to travel to Izmail, Orlovka, or other directions. Stopping and parking are prohibited on this stretch.
Ticket System in Mayaki:
- Ticket Issuance at the Entrance to the Zone: Drivers entering the special zone near Mayaki must receive a ticket at the checkpoint. This ticket records the number of people in the vehicle.
- Ticket Handover Before Palanka: If you are heading through the Palanka border crossing, you must hand over the ticket before reaching the crossing. This confirms that you have passed all necessary checks.
- Process When Entering Ukraine: When traveling to Ukraine, the ticket is issued at customs. You must give it at Mayaki when entering the special zone, completing the verification process.
Queues and Checking Process in Mayaki
- Queues in the Special Zone: Queues often form in this area, as every car and its passengers go through checks. If you see a traffic jam, it’s likely a ticket line, and passenger cars need to queue on the shoulder.
- Freight Vehicles and the Shoulder: Freight trucks (articulated lorries) move along a separate lane, while passenger cars use the shoulder.
- Male Passenger Checks for Tickets: Men crossing the checkpoint have their documents checked due to mobilization laws to ensure they are authorized to leave the country. If not permitted, they are denied exit.
Green Card: What You Need to Know to Cross the Border at Palanka
To cross the Ukraine-Moldova border by car, possessing an international insurance policy – a Green Card – is a mandatory condition.
- Check Before the Barrier at Palanka: The Green Card is checked before the barrier of the Palanka border crossing.
- Buying the Green Card Online: When purchasing a Green Card online, keep in mind that it becomes valid only from midnight the next day. You will not be allowed to pass if it hasn’t started yet.
- Insurance for Ukraine: Upon entry into Ukraine at Palanka, a civil liability insurance policy for third-party damage is also required.
- Need for an Insurance Policy: If you don’t have insurance, you won’t be allowed to cross the border until you purchase a policy, and its number is entered into the database. If you buy the policy online, it starts working from the next day, but it is still accepted when entering Ukraine.
Vignette for Entry to Moldova
When entering Moldova, purchasing a vignette for the entire stay is mandatory. Although the vignette is not checked at the Palanka border post, its absence could result in a fine. The police can stop and fine the vehicle owner immediately after leaving the checkpoint.
- Fine Amount: The fine for not having a vignette is at least 2250 Lei (about 110 euros). In cases of prolonged absence, the fine may increase.
- Where to Buy a Vignette: A vignette can be purchased on the official website or at terminals at gas stations and stores in Moldova.
Technical Inspection When Entering Moldova
No technical inspection of vehicles is required when entering Moldova. International technical inspection is only necessary for entry into the EU via Romania. Learn more in our article about crossing Romania’s border while bypassing Moldova.
Tinted Car Windows in Moldova
Tinted windows are prohibited in Moldova. If your vehicle has tinted windows, you may be required to remove them before crossing the border. To avoid delays and additional costs at Palanka, it is recommended to remove the tinting at home by a specialist.
- Fines for Tinted Windows in Moldova: If a car with tinted windows crosses the border, any police officer in Moldova can stop you and issue a fine. The fine for using tinted windows ranges from 600 to 1200 Lei (about 30-60 euros). Police can fine you repeatedly while the tint is still on the vehicle.
Rules for Bringing Alcohol, Cigarettes, and Currency into Moldova via Palanka
- Alcohol Importation:
- Malt beer: Up to 5 liters.
- Wines and spirits (including vermouths and liqueurs): Up to 2 liters.
- Cigarettes and Tobacco Products:
- Cigarettes: Up to 200 pieces (equivalent to 2 packs of 100 cigarettes).
- Cigars or cigarillos: Up to 50 pieces.
These limits allow for duty-free import of the specified goods. Exceeding these norms requires the payment of customs duties.
- Currency Importation:
- Without declaration: Up to 10,000 euros (or equivalent in another currency).
- With declaration: More than 10,000 euros must be declared at customs.
Prohibited and Restricted Goods for Importation into Moldova via Palanka
- Prohibited Goods:
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances.
- Weapons and ammunition (without appropriate permits).
- Counterfeit products.
- Dangerous chemicals (including self-defense gas canisters).
- Restricted Goods:
- Medicines: Allowed for personal use in reasonable quantities and with a prescription.
- Plants and animals: Require special documents and permits.
- Precious metals and stones: Must be declared.
According to Moldova’s customs rules, individuals may import personal goods valued up to 300 euros without paying customs duties. These goods should not be for commercial use. If the value exceeds this limit, customs duties must be paid in accordance with current legislation.
Used household appliances can be imported, provided they are in a used condition, with one appliance per type. For example, a person can bring one kettle, one computer, and one microwave. If there are more than one appliance of the same kind, questions may arise.
Import of used tires into Moldova is strictly prohibited.
Additional Information for Bus Travelers Through Palanka
When entering Moldova by bus, border control officers often ask to unload all passengers’ luggage. Each passenger must personally pass their luggage through the scanner for inspection. This ensures safety and prevents the transport of prohibited items.
Car Entry Rules to Moldova via Palanka
Under the new rules effective from January 1, 2023, foreign-registered cars may stay in Moldova for no more than 180 days within a year. The vehicle must be removed from the country by the same person who brought it in. Otherwise, fines will apply. An exception is made for close relatives who may take the car if traveling with the owner.
- Fines for Violating Rules: If a foreign-registered car is not removed by the same person who brought it in, or a close relative (first degree – mother, father, spouse) is not traveling with the owner, a fine of 3000 to 4500 Lei (about 150-225 euros) will apply.
- Fines for Exceeding the Stay of a Foreign Vehicle in Moldova: If a foreign-registered car is not removed within the specified time frame, the fine is between 4500 and 6000 Lei (about 225-300 euros).
Bringing More Than One Car Into Moldova
According to the vehicle import rules, one person is allowed to bring only one car into Moldova. This rule applies even if the person officially owns more than one car in Ukraine. Attempting to bring in a second car will result in refusal to cross the border with that vehicle. This restriction is aimed at preventing abuse and ensuring control over the temporary import of vehicles.
This rule is strictly monitored by border services, and violations can lead to delays and refusal of entry for the vehicle.
Exporting Documents from Ukraine via Palanka
Ukrainian legislation prohibits transporting passports and other identity documents for third parties without a power of attorney. This is to ensure security and prevent fraud. Identity documents include a Ukrainian passport, foreign passport, driver’s license, and others.
To transfer such documents to third parties, a notarized power of attorney is required, which confirms the owner’s permission to have their documents transported by someone else. This rule helps protect personal data and prevents the illegal use of documents.
Crossing the Border with Animals via Palanka Is Not Possible
Palanka checkpoint does not have veterinary control; therefore, crossing the border with animals must be done through the nearest checkpoint, Staro-Kozachye-Tudora. This checkpoint is equipped for veterinary inspections and ensures compliance with all the necessary requirements for the import and export of animals.
Webcams at the Palanka Border Crossing
To track current queues and the situation at the Palanka border crossing, you can use the following webcams:
Webcams by the Border Police of the Republic of Moldova (Border.gov.md)
Hotline: 1598 – Ukrainian Border Service.