Security travel advice for Moldova

How safe is Moldova?

Threat level: Low-Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Moldova
Due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases in Moldova, a state of emergency has been declared and is in effect since the 30th of November until at least the 15th of April. Further to this, a series of measures are in place to prevent a surge in new cases including the mandatory use of face masks in enclosed public places, a ban on public gatherings of more than 3 people and the closure of restaurants and bars between 22:00 and 07:00. Entry has been banned to foreigners from high risk countries. Upon entry to Moldova, international travellers must fill in a health declaration form and they must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival to avoid having to self-isolate for 14 days. To avoid contracting the disease, self-isolate, wear a face mask in public places, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary travel and gatherings.

Security in Moldova

The current travel advice for Moldova is to be aware of the risk of street crime and petty theft, particularly in the Chisinau area where it is deemed high. The country also has some political instabilities at the moment, however the threat of domestic or extremist terrorism in Moldova is relatively low. Violent anti-government protests took place in 2016. Opposition groups have said that they will hold further anti-government protests.

Travellers should be aware of the situation in Ukraine as it is one of Moldova’s bordering countries. Although this does not present a current threat to foreign tourists, be prepared in case of any escalation of the situation.

Although all members of the United Nations consider Transnistria a legal part of the Republic of Moldova, the region is not under Moldovan government control and still seeks independence. Tourist should avoid all but essential travel to Transnistria if possible. Foreign embassies and Moldova authorities have little to none jurisdiction in this area.

Crime targeted against tourists in Moldova has increased in recent years, although cases are still rare, be wary of the threat and be extra vigilant in built-up areas.

Credit card fraud and pick pocketing are the two major crimes to look out for. Please be wary of ATMs as some tourists have reported pin numbers being stolen or unauthorised withdrawals after using ATMs in the country. Also, please secure your belongings when left in hotel rooms and travelling on public transport.

Avoid walking alone at night in the downtown Chisinau area, as crime rates have been known to peak after dark and the street lighting is dim, if present at all.

Organised crime is apparent in Moldova, however criminal groups are normally found in casinos and evening entertainments locations such as nightclubs.

Moldova's International Relations

Moldova is a valued member of both the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Since gaining its independence from the Soviet Union, Moldova has grown a strong diplomatic relationship with the United States. It also has established diplomatic relations with 97 other countries.

Travelling around Moldova

You can drive in Moldova with a UK driving licence and most other EU Driving licences. Driving standards outside of urban areas are poor and roads are of variable quality, you should avoid driving at night. There is a zero tolerance policy on drink-driving, with severe penalties if caught in violation of this law. It is a legal requirement to drive with dipped headlights all year round.

Moldova is very much a cash-economy and credit cards are not widely accepted. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Moldova

Police emergency: 901
Fire emergency: 902
Medical emergency: 903

Moldova Overview

Capital: Chișinău
Official languages: Romanian
Religion: Christianity (Roman Catholicism)
Currency: Leu (MDL)

Consular information for Moldova

U.S. Embassy
Strada Alexei Mateevici 103,
Chișinău 2009,
Moldova
Telephone: +373 22 408 300
Email:

British Embassy
Strada Nicolae Iorga 18,
Chișinău 2012,
Moldova
Telephone: +373 22 225 902
Email: Chisinau@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Moldova

Citizens of the EU, US and many other nationalities do not require a visa to enter Moldova, providing their stay does not exceed 90 days. If unsure, you should check with your nearest embassy to see if you are exempt from needing a visa.

If you are entering the Transnistria region when travelling to Moldova, please note that customs officers will issue you with a registration document instead of stampping your passport. This documents needs to be retained until exit and presented at the border on your return.

Healthcare and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Moldova are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis B and Tick-borne Encephalitis. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

It is advised that you only drink bottled water in Moldova as the country commonly has issues with waterborne diseases.