Moldova

From 16 December 2024, a 60 day energy security-related State of Emergency is in effect. Follow the advice of local authorities. 

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 in Moldova. 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 in Moldova. 

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:

• Demonstrations 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.

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

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

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. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.

While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Moldova, 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 an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a worldwide threat.

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. 

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some medications may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Moldova. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription and a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

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.

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.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

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:

• Doing business

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship is legally recognised in Moldova.

If you're an Australian citizen 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:

• 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.

Several checkpoints exist along the routes into and out of Transnistria. These are not official border or immigration control points.

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.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

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 in Moldova.

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

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.

Driving is hazardous because of pedestrians, farm vehicles and wandering livestock.

If you intend to drive in Moldova:

• find out about local road rules
• avoid driving at night

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

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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. 

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help 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 (temporarily relocated to Poland)

Email: AustEmbKyiv@dfat.gov.au
For consular assistance: 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