EU+ Air Transfers

Are you interested in continuing your journey?

Get to know the EU+ Air Transfer program. The European Union (EU) Member States and associated countries can provide free of charge flights from Moldova and support your registration for Temporary Protection in the EU or you may choose to apply for asylum. 

IOM, UNHCR and the Government of Moldova coordinate efforts to make the flights possible. Refugees who have family members in the EU countries, or vulnerable persons fleeing Ukraine who have specific needs, can participate in the program. The European Union Asylum Agency (EUAA) can also help answer questions you might have about living in Europe, your rights and benefits.

Pre-Enroll now for the EU+ Air Transfers program by:

This program targets the most vulnerable persons fleeing Ukraine, which may include:

You may also enroll if you need support reunifying with a family member who currently lives outside of Ukraine or Moldova.

The process has different stages, you will need to pre-enroll for the program, if ready, select a country. Then you will be contacted for enrollment via a telephone or in-person interview. With your permission, the information will be shared with the European country that you have selected, and they will make the decision for you to be approved to enter their country. You will be informed of their decision and the next steps.

As flights are scheduled upon demand, please pre-enroll and the EU+ Air Transfer Team will follow up accordingly. Sometimes the program uses a private charter airplane, however it is more likely that you will fly in a commercial flight which is individually booked by IOM for you.  Flights have departed to Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Latvia, Lichtenstein, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland.

EU+ Country Information

Get to know the countries where the program is available: EU+ countries

For detailed information contact the EU+ Air Transfer team at: +373-699-98-418 or +373-699-98-419 via phone, Telegram, Viber or WhatsApp. They are available from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, otherwise leave a message or email at: [email protected].

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the EU+ air transfers program?

The EU+ Air Transfer is part of a regional solidarity response to assist persons fleeing Ukraine who want to relocate to Europe and register for Temporary Protection.  The program includes European countries who provide free flight, accommodations, referrals for social and legal services once you arrive to Europe.

2. What if I need help reunifying with a family member in a country that I don’t see on the list?

If you need support to be reunified with a family member in another country, please contact the EU+ Air Transfer team at: +373-699-98-418 or +373-699-98-419 via phone, Telegram, Viber or WhatsApp. They are available from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, otherwise leave a message or email at: [email protected].

3. Who can fly with the program?

Persons that:

  1. Fled Ukraine on or after the 24 February 2022;
  2. Have some form of the following identity documentation: foreign passport (biometric or not), internalpassport, identity card, birth certificate or asylum paper received on entry to Moldova.
  3. Are currently staying in Moldova.
  4. This program also includes permanent residents in Ukraine and attempts to maintain family unity for cases where family members are both Ukrainian and other nationalities.

Depending on the country, other requirements must apply. For detailed information contact the EU+ Air Transfer team at: +373-699-98-418 or +373-699-98-419 via phone, Telegram, Viber or WhatsApp. They are available from Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

4. I am interested in the flights. How can I sign up?

The easiest way to sign up for the program, is to complete the online pre-enrollment form available in Ukranian, Russian, English and Romanian. You can also ask to sign up for the EU+ Air Transfer program at the closest Enrolment Centre.

If you are in Palanca, go to the non-profit Intersos information point to learn more about the program. If you are in Chisinau, visit EUAA at the Moldexpo Enrolment Centre and they will share information about living in Europe, your rights, and benefits.

If you need assistance or cannot reach a UNHCR Enrolment Centre call the Refugee Response Green line: 0 800 800 11.

5. What is the cost of the flights?

The EU+ Air Transfer program is free of charge.  At no time should not be asked for money or anything in exchange, including sexual favors, for enrolling in the program nor getting your flight tickets.

6. I am not Ukrainian, can I take a flight?

It depends on the country and your circumstances, for example, if you are part of a family that is participating in the program. If you a stateless person or are a permanent resident in Ukraine who was living there prior to 24 February 2022, or if you are part of a family of Ukrainian nationals enrolling in this program. The EU+ Air Transfer team can advise you on the decisions of the EU+ countries.

7. I don’t have any documentation, what can I do?

To fly through this program, you need one of the following identity documents: foreign passport (biometric or not), internal passport identification, identity card, birth certificate or temporary asylum-seeker identity document from Moldova. The EU+ Air Transfer team will discuss more with you regarding needed documentation and provide necessary referral for legal support if you don’t meet these requirements.

8. Can I choose which country to travel to?

Yes. You can express a preference for a specific country, for example where you have relatives or friends, or if you know the language. Once you make your selection, with your permission, we will share your information with the hosting European country so that they can review it. They will be the ones deciding if you can enter their country, or not. If they do not accept you, you can select another country and we will resubmit you.

9. I am alone with my children – my husband, wife or partner is not here – can I travel?

You can travel with the children without the absent biological or legal parent. To leave Moldova, you do not need any documentation from the absent parent. In the future, if you want to be reunited with the absent husband/wife, you can seek support from UNHCR.

10. I have a child with me who is not my biological child, can we travel?

If you are caring for a child who is not your biological or legally adopted child, there will be special procedures undertaken by UNHCR Child Protection team to determine what is in the best interest of this child.  If it is confirmed that onward travel is the best for the child and your family, the process will also ensure that the necessary documentation is in place for all of you to travel.

In preparation for this you should collect as many of the following documents as possible:

  • Child identity documents including birth certificates and passports;
  • If you are related to the child, any documents you have that prove you are related to the child (i.e. birth certificates, marriage certificates or passports that prove the relationship between your family and the child);
  • Parental approval for the child to travel with you.  If possible, this should be signed by a notary, but if not possible, it should be signed by both parents and have someone witness the document.  This should include the name and ID of the child, the name and ID of the parents, the name and ID of the person who the child is travelling with and the signature of the parents.  If you cannot get both parents to sign, have one parent sign the letter.

11. I am under 18, and on my own. Can I travel?

Maybe. There is a special process led by UNHCR Child Protection designed to assess your situation and to confirm what is in your best interest. If it is confirmed that onward travel is best for you, the process will also ensure that there is the required support on arrival in the new country.

12. Will other family members be able to join me in the country?

In most circumstances, immediate or dependent family members (spouse, minor unmarried children, parents or other relative living with you) can join you. If you have family reunification needs, let UNHCR know, and they can explore options to support you.

13. How long do I need to wait for a flight?

There is no estimated time, as flights are scheduled upon demand and after the receiving country has made the necessary accommodation or, in necessary special medical or disability center to receive you. The whole process starting with your pre-enrollment and ending with your departure may take at least 3 weeks, however it could be less or more time depending on the country.

14. Can I come back to Moldova?

You are free to travel back to Moldova by your own means. To return Moldova via the Romania land border or air, you will need to have a valid biometric passport.

15. Can I go back to Ukraine?

If you choose to visit Ukraine, you can do so for a short period of time, up to 90 days. You can also waive temporary protection and return to Ukraine at your own expense. Depending on your circumstances in Ukraine, you may receive some support from an EU country or organization for your return trip. It is unlikely that you will receive support to return to Ukraine until your return is deemed safe.

16. Who is responsible for organizing the flights?

Several actors are involved in the process. After the EU country clears you and your family for onward processing, you will be contacted by IOM. They will begin the pre-departure process including, the health check-up, transportation needs, and inform you on the flight details. IOM will keep you informed and update you on any flight changes, any requirements regarding luggage, allowance and traveling pets. They will also assist you if you need a wheelchair or stretcher to travel, or any medical need.