Travel Consideration: Moldova

Moldova has been an independent nation since 1991. Its capital, Chisinau, offers adequate hotels and restaurants, but tourist facilities in other parts of the country are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available.

Visas are required of American citizens traveling to (or transiting) Moldova. All visas must be obtained in advance of arrival from a Moldovan Embassy or Consulate. Only those U.S. Citizens who can provide evidence that they reside in a country in which Moldova has no embassy or consulate are permitted to obtain a tourist/business visa at the Chisinau airport. No invitation is necessary. Any person applying for a visa for a stay of more than three months must present a certificate showing that the individual is HIV negative. Only tests performed at designated clinics in Moldova are accepted. For more information on entry requirements, please contact the Moldovan Embassy, 2101 S Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone: (202) 667-1131, fax: (202) 667-1204.

A separatist regime controls a narrow strip of land in the Trans-Dniester region of eastern Moldova. There are frequent checkpoints, so travelers to this area should exercise caution.

Moldova has experienced a rise in crime, due to worsening economic conditions, increasing organized criminal activity, and more frequent travel by foreigners to Moldova. The possibility of becoming a victim of violent and/or street crime is significant. Many Americans have reported theft of money and small valuables from hotel rooms and local apartments. Cases of breaking and entering into homes and offices have increased as well. It is wise for travelers to exercise the same precautions with regard to personal safety and protection of valuables in Chisinau that they would in any major U.S. city.

Train and bus service are below Western standards and an increasing number of U.S. citizens have been victims of crime such as thefts, while traveling on international trains to and from Moldova. A car and driver may also be rented on an hourly or daily basis.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. Additional information on the region can be found in the brochure Tips for Travelers to Russia and the New Independent States. Both publications are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs.


Medical care in Moldova is limited, with severe shortages of basic medical supplies. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy maintains lists of such facilities and English-speaking doctors. Rabies vaccinations may be useful as casual exposure to stray dogs is common throughout Chisinau. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the Hepatitis B series for certain travelers.

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Moldova is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Poor
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Moldova's infrastructure consists mainly of two-lane roads, unevenly maintained and unlighted. Caution should be taken to prevent collisions with agricultural vehicles, and travel before dawn and after dusk should be avoided if at all possible. Drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents, which are commonplace. Many accidents involve drunk drivers.


Travelers may have difficulty finding public telephones and receiving and making international and local calls. Losses have been reported from international letter and package mail, both of which are subject to a customs inspection before delivery. "Express" mailing services such as DHL and Federal Express are available in Chisinau, although prices are expensive in most cases, and shipments arrive from (or reach) the U.S. in no less than five (5) business days.

Moldova is generally a cash-only economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards are accepted only at a few select locations in Chisinau.


Americans are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau and obtain updated information on travel and security within Moldova. The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, is located at Strada Alexei Mateevici 103; telephone (373)(2) 23-37-72, after-hours telephone (373)(2) 23-73-45.

As there is no direct commercial service by local carriers, at present between the United States and Moldova, nor economic authority to operate such service, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Moldova's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Moldova's air carrier operations.