Moldova
Last updated: ET
Still valid: ET
Latest updates: Safety and security - Addition of information on preventative measures and restrictions
Risk level(s)
COVID-19 – Global travel advisory
Effective date: March 13, 2020
Avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
This advisory overrides other risk levels on this page, with the exception of any risk levels for countries or regions where we advise to avoid all travel.
Moldova - Take normal security precautions
Take normal security precautions in Moldova.
Transnistria - Avoid all travel
Avoid all travel to Transnistria, in northeast Moldova due to the real potential for political unrest.
Safety and security
COVID-19 - Preventative measures and restrictions
Preventative measures and restrictions are in place. You must wear a face covering on public transport and in closed public spaces.
If you violate the restrictions, you could be fined for endangering public health.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities related to physical distancing
- Avoid crowded areas
Transnistria
Transnistria is a separatist region, located in eastern Moldova along the Ukrainian border, which is not under Moldovan government control. The security situation may be unstable and unpredictable.
Canadian officials may not be able to provide consular assistance to Canadians in Transnistria.
If you’re travelling by land, you should avoid enter Moldova through Transnistria due to lack of border control. If you choose to transit via Transnistria:
- expect checkpoints along the roads;
- cooperate with local authorities; and
- avoid taking pictures of checkpoints, military facilities or security forces.
Crime
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, particularly in the capital, Chisinau. Common targets for criminal activity include public transportation, hotels, bars, restaurants and other public areas.
- Ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
- Always leave your valuables in a hotel safe
- Avoid showing signs of affluence and carrying large sums of cash
- Do not leave your train compartment unattended, and ensure that the door is secured from the inside
Violent crime, such as assault, occurs against foreigners as well.
- Do not travel alone after dark.
Organized crime
Organized crime is widespread. Criminal groups often operate in casinos and nightclubs.
Terrorism
There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. There is a potential for other violent incidents.
Targets could include:
- government buildings, including schools
- places of worship
- airports and other transportation hubs and networks
- public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners
Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.
Fraud
Credit card and automated teller machine (ATM) fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:
- pay careful attention when your cards are handled by others;
- use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business;
- avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature;
- cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN; and
- check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.
Beware of Internet fraud and scams, which can range from product purchases to Internet romances.
There have been incidents of police, or people posing as police, requesting bribes.
Spiked food and drinks
Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur from time to time, particularly in Chisinau. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
- Follow the instructions of local authorities
- Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations
More about mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Road safety
Roads are poorly maintained and most are not well lit. Poor signage and a lack of maintenance pose risks as well as farm vehicles, livestock and other similar hazards. It is common to see tractors, bicyclists, horse-drawn carts, pedestrians and livestock on the same road.
Moldovan drivers are aggressive. Drinking and driving is prevalent and accidents are common. Be cautious when crossing streets, as drivers do not always give pedestrians the right of way.
Avoid driving after dark.
Public transportation
Taxis
Only use licensed marked taxis, including at the airport. Establish a rate or a fixed price before starting the journey to avoid excessive fees.
- Avoid flagging taxis on the street
- Don’t share taxis with strangers
Minibus
Minibus accidents are common. Most of the public transportation vehicles are old and overcrowded.
Trains
Trains are often unheated and prone to cancellation.
Air travel
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.
General information about foreign domestic airlines
Entry/exit requirements
COVID-19 - Entry, exit and transit restrictions and requirements
In an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), most governments have implemented special entry and exit restrictions and requirements for their territory. While some countries have started to ease some of these measures, most remain in place.
Before travelling, verify if the local authorities of both your current location and destinations have implemented any specific restrictions or requirements related to this situation. Consider even your transit points, as many destinations have implemented strict transit rules which could disrupt your travel.
These could include:
- entry bans, particularly for non-residents
- exit bans
- quarantines of 14 days or more upon arrival, some in designated facilities, at your own cost
- health screenings and certificates as well as proof of adequate travel health insurance
- travel authorization documents to be obtained before you travel
- border closures
- airport closures
- flight suspensions to/from certain destinations, and in some cases, all destinations
- suspensions or reductions of other international transportation options
Additional restrictions can be imposed suddenly. Airlines can also suspend or reduce flights without notice. Your travel plans may be severely disrupted, making it difficult for you to return home. You should not depend on the Government of Canada for assistance related to changes to your travel plans.
- Monitor the media for the latest information
- Contact your airline or tour operator to determine if the situation will disrupt your travel plans
- Contact the nearest foreign diplomatic office for information on destination-specific restrictions
Foreign diplomatic offices in Canada – Global Affairs Canada
Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.
We have obtained the information on this page from the Moldovan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.
Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.
Passport
Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.
Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.
Regular Canadian passport
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Moldova.
Passport for official travel
Different entry rules may apply.
Other travel documents
Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.
Useful links
Visas
Tourist visa: not required for up to 90 days per 6-month period
Business visa: not required for up to 90 days per 6-month period
Student visa: not required for up to 90 days per 6-month period
Entry from Transnistria
If you enter Moldova from the Transnistrian segment of the Moldova-Ukraine border, you must register within 72 hours of crossing into Moldova at:
- any branch of the Centre for State Information Resources “Registru”; or
- any branch of the Bureau for Migration and Asylum (Ministry of Internal Affairs).
These offices will not stamp your passport, but will give you a registration document, which you will need when leaving Moldova. If you fail to legally register with the Republic of Moldova, you could face significant issues when trying to leave the country.
There are frequent checkpoints in Transnistria, but these are not border control points.
Children and travel
Learn about travel with children.
Yellow fever
Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).
Health
- Pandemic COVID-19 all countries: avoid non-essential travel outside Canada - April 19, 2020
- Global Measles Notice - July 23, 2019
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Some of these vaccines include: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health professional about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.
Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.
Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.
Rabies
Rabies is a deadly illness spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from an infected animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (e.g., are children, have an occupational risk, or in close contact with animals, including free roaming dogs in communities).
Yellow Fever - Country Entry Requirements
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
Risk
- There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.
Country Entry Requirement*
- Proof of vaccination is not required to enter this country.
Recommendation
- Vaccination is not recommended.
About Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada
* It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.
Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Eastern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Eastern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Eastern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in Eastern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.
For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.
Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.
High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.
Medical services and facilities
Good health care is limited and medical supply shortages are common. Labels on medication are not in English or French.
Medical evacuation, which can be very expensive, may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.
Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
You must abide by local laws.
Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.
Identification
You must carry photo identification, such as a passport, as police are entitled to request it at any time. If you fail to produce proper identification when requested to do so by authorities, you could face detention or fines.
Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or confiscated.
Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Moldova.
If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Moldova, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.
General information for travellers with dual citizenship
Photography
Photography of military installations, checkpoints or government buildings is prohibited and could result in detention or even arrest.
Drugs
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
LGBTQ2 travellers
Although the laws of Moldova do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, negative attitudes towards homosexuality are prevalent.
General safety information and advice for LGBTQ2 travellers abroad
Driving
You should carry an international driving permit.
More about the International Driving Permit
You can drive with an International Driving Permit for up to 90 days after your arrival in the country. Residents must have a Moldovan driver’s licence. You will also need:
- proof of valid insurance;
- passport; and
- if you are not the owner, written permission from the vehicle’s owner.
You must carry in your car a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a warning triangle.
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03%.
Import/export
Strict regulations are in place regarding the export of antiques, artwork and items of historical Moldovan significance. If you purchased any works of art or antiques, confirm with the Moldovan Department of Monuments if you may leave Moldova with these items before attempting to leave. Proof of the approval may be requested at the point of departure. Heavy fines or charges may be imposed if you fail to provide proof of approval to export.
Money
The currency is the Moldovan leu (MDL). Euros are accepted.
Credit cards are increasingly being accepted, but the economy is primarily cash-based.
Local currency ATMs are available in Chisinau, but only a few accept foreign bank cards.
Natural disasters and climate
Moldova is in an active seismic zone. The region is prone to earthquakes.
There is a risk of flooding and landslides during the Spring and Fall seasons.
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial 112.
Consular assistance
There is no resident Canadian government office in Moldova. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the Embassy of Canada to Romania in Bucharest.
Bucharest - Embassy of Canada
For emergency consular assistance, call the embassy of Canada in Bucharest, Romania and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.