Moldova

Debris from missiles and drones fired by Russia at targets in neighbouring Ukraine has landed in Moldova on a number of occasions.

Large political protests have occurred in Chisinau and other places. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Local street disturbances can start with little warning. Protests can attract a heavy police presence. You should monitor the media for information on political developments that might affect protest activity. 

To stay safe:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and street disturbances
• monitor the news for possible unrest and avoid those places
• obey the local authorities

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Pickpocketing, bag snatching and other petty crimes are common, particularly in Chisinau. Criminals target trains and hotel rooms.

Police officers, or people posing as police officers, may ask for bribes, including in tourist areas.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security 

Internet fraud can originate in Moldova, including some dating and marriage scams.

To reduce the risk of being a target for crime:

• keep your personal belongings close, particularly on trains and in other crowded areas
• be wary of business, dating or marriage proposals from people you've met online
• monitor local media for crime news

If police stop you and ask you to pay a fine:

• ask to see their ID
• offer to go to the nearest police station to pay
• get an official receipt for any payments

More information:

• Scams

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

In recent years, bomb threats have been made against the international airport, shopping centres and other official buildings in the capital, Chisinau. Disruptions and delays are likely to occur as authorities respond to any threats – even if threats are hoaxes, Moldovan authorities take time to assess the situation thoroughly.

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks, they can still happen.

In recent years, terrorists have staged attacks in European cities.

To stay safe:

• look out for possible threats
• avoid possible targets for terrorist attacks
• report anything suspicious to the police
• monitor the media for emerging threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Moldova is in an earthquake zone. Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Severe weather, including heavy snow and wind, may cause power outages.

If a natural disaster happens:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Do not travel to Transnistria due to the volatile security situation. 

Events in Ukraine have led to political tension in Transnistria. The security situation is volatile and could deteriorate at short notice. 

Transnistria is not under Moldovan government control.

If you're in Transnistria, monitor your personal security plans and leave when it's safe to do so.

If, despite our advice, you choose to travel to Transnistria:

• confirm your travel insurance will cover you
• arrange personal security measures
• make contingency plans
• stay for as short a time as possible

Our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited if you're in Transnistria. 

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis and other tick-borne diseases are a risk, especially in forest areas.

Ticks are common in forested areas from spring to autumn: April to October.

To protect yourself from disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
• check your body for ticks during and after travel in forest areas

Other health risks

Waterborne and foodborne diseases are common.

Other common infectious diseases include:

• HIV/AIDS
• tuberculosis
• hepatitis
• measles
• rabies
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil tap water or drink bottled water
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get medical advice if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Moldova for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

Medical facilities are limited, especially outside major cities. They often don't have enough medical supplies.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to evacuate to somewhere with proper care. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

Drugs

Moldova has severe penalties for possessing, using or trafficking illegal drugs. These include long sentences in local jails and heavy fines.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Exporting goods

Strict regulations cover the export of antiques, artworks and items of historical significance, including modern art and posters, if they're rare or valuable.

If you want to export these items, seek approval from the Moldovan Department of Monuments.

You'll need to provide evidence of approval to export when you leave. You may also need receipts of purchase.

Moldovan customs authorities must process all goods for entry into Ukraine. Businesses based in Transnistria could face difficulties importing or exporting goods if the business isn't registered in Moldova.

Other laws

You must always carry identity documents. This could be a copy of your passport.

If you can't produce identity documents for police when asked, they can detain and fine you.

It's illegal to:

• drive with a blood alcohol level greater than 0.0%, meaning driving after consuming any alcohol is prohibited
• take photos of military sites, government buildings and other infrastructure

Businesses need to register with the State Registration Chamber of the Ministry of Informational Development. It's illegal to operate a business without first registering it. This also applies to businesses in Transnistria.

More information:

• Going overseas for business

Some Australian laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality is legally recognised in Moldova.

If you're an Australian national but also a citizen of Moldova, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal but aren't widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visas

If you're visiting for up to 90 days within a 6-month period, you won't need a visa.

For longer stays, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact an embassy or consulate of Moldova, or visit the Moldova Government website for the latest information. They'll tell you about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Record your entry date, and check your visa dates carefully. If you overstay your visa, authorities may deport you.

Entry to Moldova

You need to register at your port of entry.

Passport control authorities at border crossings automatically register your entry unless you're entering through Transnistria.

Travel through Transnistria

Do not enter or exit Moldova through Transnistria.

If you enter through Transnistria, your passport will not show a valid entry stamp. This may create problems when you try to leave the country.

Several checkpoints exist along the routes into and out of Transnistria. These are not official border or immigration control points. Upon entry to Transnistria, you will be required to complete two copies of a migration card, one of which you need to retain to present upon departure.

All border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria have been closed since February 2022. 

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The local currency is the Moldova Leu (MDL).

You can easily change euros and US dollars for MDL at banks and licensed money changers. You can rarely exchange Australian dollars.

Although parts of Moldova have a largely cash-based economy, major hotels – especially in Chisinau – widely accept traveller's cheques and credit cards.

Some major hotels accept traveller's cheques and credit cards.

Always keep your credit card in sight. Fraud is a risk.

You'll find very few ATMs outside the capital. Take care at ATMs. People have reported unauthorised withdrawals after using electronic banking.

Use ATMs in controlled areas like banks, shops and shopping centres.

Transnistria uses a separate currency, the Transnistrian ruble. Moldovan Leu are not accepted in Transnistria. Banks and services in Transnistria do not accept foreign credit or debit cards.

Always carry your passport when you cross borders.

Monitor local media and ask transport providers for up-to-date information on border conditions.

Driving permit

You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Moldova.

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Roads are poorly maintained, and street lighting is rare.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when riding a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only official taxis and limousines. Book these through your hotel.

Unofficial taxis may overcharge. They may also not comply with safety standards.

Taxis that look official can still be unlicensed.

Don't share a taxi with strangers.

Public transport

Buses connecting Chisinau with other major cities are frequent.

Standards aren't the same as in Australia. Minibus accidents are common. Many buses are old and overcrowded.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

Check Moldova's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 112.

Medical emergencies

Call 112 or go to a hospital.

Police

Call 112 or go to the local police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number. Write it down before you go and keep it on your person. 

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

If you've arrived in Moldova from Ukraine and need assistance, contact the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 in Australia or +61 2 6261 3305 outside Australia.

Australian Embassy Ukraine

You can email the Australian Embassy for advice on consular and passport information: Consular.Kyiv@dfat.gov.au

Website: ukraine.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australian Embassy, Ukraine
X: @AUinUA

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can’t contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia