Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
\nFCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders. Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government.
\n\nFCDO’s ability to offer support is extremely limited and will be more limited if there is military action on or near the Moldova-Ukraine border.
\n\nThe Government of Moldova announced an energy state of emergency on 16 December 2024 linked to the cut off of gas supplies on 1 January 2025. Managed power blackouts may occur.
\n\nPlease follow updates from local authorities and energy companies for information.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Moldova set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Moldovan Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYour passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Moldova, and at least one blank page.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit Moldova for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days in a 6-month period. You must be able to show a return or onward flight ticket.
\n\nYou need a work permit or residence permit to work or for stays of more than 90 days. See more information on work and residence permits.
\n\nThe Moldovan authorities will automatically register your arrival date. They strictly enforce penalties, including fines and expulsion, against foreign visitors who stay in Moldova longer than allowed. Contact the Moldovan authorities with any additional questions.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.
\n\nThere is no official border between Moldova and Transnistria. However, there are border control points established by the de facto Transnistria leadership between Moldova and Transnistria. Passports will be controlled but will not be stamped.
\n\nWhen you enter Transnistria, you need to fill in 2 copies of a migration card for the de facto authorities – keep one copy to show them when you leave. The de facto authorities may ask the purpose and length of your visit, and where you will stay. They may also deny you entry.
\n\nAll border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed. FCDO does not know when they will reopen.
\n\nCheck for updates on border crossings from Romania with the Moldovan Border Police.
\n\nCheck for updates on border crossings from Ukraine with the Moldovan Border Police.
\n\nIf you enter Moldova overland from Ukraine, go to an internationally recognised border crossing point. These are in the north and south of Moldova, excluding the Transnistria region.
\n\nIf you have travelled to Moldova from Ukraine and need assistance, call (+373) 22 225 902 or contact FCDO online.
\n\nIf you’re near a Ukraine-Moldova border crossing point and need assistance, call +44 1908 516666 and select option 2: consular services for British nationals.
\n\nCheck for updates on border crossings with Ukraine with the Moldovan Border Police. This is particularly important around Transnistria, which is outside the control of the Moldovan authorities. Read FCDO’s Ukraine travel advice.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Moldova guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Moldova. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nDeclare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there is no recent history of terrorism in Moldova, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nSince autumn 2022 there have been regular political demonstrations in central Chisinau, and occasionally elsewhere. These are likely to continue. They have been small-scale and generally peaceful and well-policed. However, there have been organised attempts by certain groups to use these demonstrations as a cover for causing disturbances. Stay away from all political demonstrations.
\n\nThe UK supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, including supporting Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). If you’re considering providing humanitarian support to Ukrainians in Moldova, check:
\n\nBe alert to:
\n\nKeep your valuables and passport in a safe place, such as a hotel safe.
\n\nStreets, pavements and public paths are not well-maintained or well-lit, including in Chisinau and other cities. Consider carrying a torch.
\n\nSome Asian and Afro-Caribbean visitors have reported being verbally abused or assaulted. Visitors also report police harassment.
\n\nThere are frequent police checks and police officers have the right to ask for ID on the street. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you.
\n\nYou must get permission from the Moldovan Department of Monuments to take any artwork or antiques out of the country. If you do not, customs officials could seize the goods and you could face criminal charges.
\n\nAvoid taking photos of military and government facilities, including airports and power stations. You’re likely to be detained for questioning or arrested if you’re caught.
\n\nSame-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Moldova, but the Moldovan government does not formally recognise same-sex partners. There is an active social and lobbying group on gay and lesbian issues in Chisinau. Public attitudes are less tolerant and showing affection in public can receive unwanted attention.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nChild surrogacy is strictly prohibited throughout Moldova. The British Embassy will not be able to provide support if you get involved in any way.
\n\nIllegal drugs, even small quantities of drugs (class A, B or C) including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in Moldova have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nPaying by card is now generally widespread, however you may not always be able to pay this way, particularly outside the capital, Chisinau.
\n\nThe most widely accepted foreign currencies are US dollars and euros. Carry some euros in cash.
\n\nNotes should be in perfect condition, or they may be refused. It’s not always easy to exchange British pounds for local currency.
\n\nATMs in Transnistrian banks will not accept cards from non-Transnistrian banks. The currency used in Transnistria is the Transnistrian ruble. Outside Transnistria, you cannot exchange Moldovan lei or other currencies into rubles, or rubles into other currencies. Attempting to pay in Transnistria in currencies other than the ruble is considered illegal by the self-declared authorities.
\n\nIf you’re planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Moldova guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Moldova. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
\n\nYou must declare your vehicle to customs if you enter Moldova by car. You can take vehicles into Moldova without paying import taxes for up to 90 days in a 365-day period. The British Embassy cannot help you with bringing vehicles into Moldova. Contact the Moldovan Embassy in the UK.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nIf you’re driving a private vehicle owned by someone else, you need permission from the owner, translated and notarised.
\n\nDriving standards are poor and roads are of variable quality. There are many traffic accidents, including fatal ones. Avoid driving outside urban areas when possible, particularly at night.
\n\nDrink-driving is a serious offence in Moldova. If you are tested and found to have more than a third of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.
\n\nOfficial-looking taxis can be unlicensed. Do not share taxis with strangers or flag down unofficial taxis. If there is no meter, negotiate a price before getting into a taxi. Where possible, ask your hotel to order you a taxi or give you the number of a reputable company.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nMoldova has insignificant earth tremors throughout the year. The last significant earthquake occurred in 1986, causing deaths and damage to buildings.
\n\nThe US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Moldova. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.
\n\nTransnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders. There were explosions in the region in 2022.
\n\nAll border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed.
\n\nThe self-declared Transnistrian parliament has increased powers for prosecutions and pre-trial detentions against people regarded as extremists. They interpret extremism as including many activities that British nationals would consider legitimate, including moderate protest or freedom of expression.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 112 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nStaff may only speak Russian or Romanian.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Moldova, including:
\n\nOnly drink bottled or boiled water.
\n\nThe UNAIDS 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimated that around 12,000 adults aged 15 or over in Moldova were living with HIV. The prevalence was estimated at around 0.4% of the adult population compared to the UK rate of around 0.2%. Take normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV and AIDS.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nState medical facilities in Moldova are generally poor. Private clinics and hospitals offer a better standard of care. If you are involved in an accident or taken ill, it is likely that you would be taken to a state hospital.
\n\nMost medical service providers in Moldova will expect cash or card payment for their services at the time of treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical facilities in Moldova where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nTelephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Moldova on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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