Moldova travel advice

Risk level

Safety and security

Impacts of the armed conflict in Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine, which shares a land border with Moldova.

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine has increased political tensions in Moldova. The security situation could deteriorate rapidly. Projectiles from the armed conflict in Ukraine have passed through Moldovan airspace and debris has landed in areas near the Ukrainian border.

There is a risk of demonstrations and civil unrest. The situation could deteriorate rapidly.

If you are currently in Moldova or are planning to visit in the future:

• always be aware of your surroundings, especially near the border with Ukraine
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation

Transnistria

Transnistria is a separatist region outside the Moldovan government’s control. It is located in Eastern Moldova between the eastern bank of the Dnieper River and the Ukrainian border. The security situation is unstable and unpredictable, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The breakaway government in Transnistria exercises strict control over public assembly and demonstrations. Our ability to provide consular services in Transnistria is severely limited.

If you choose to travel to Transnistria despite the advisory:

• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
• expect unofficial checkpoints and long delays on the roads between this region and the rest of Moldova
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Moldova to do so

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs, particularly in the capital, Chisinau. Thieves target tourists.

Theft occurs particularly in crowded public areas such as:

• buses, trains, bus and train stations, and airports
• hotel lobbies
• restaurants, including outdoor seating areas

During your trip:

• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• don’t show signs of affluence or wear expensive jewellery
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs
• stay in accommodations with adequate security measures
• keep doors and windows locked at night and when you are absent

Violent crime

Violent crime occurs sometimes, including:

• armed robbery
• burglary
• assault
• sexual assault
• carjacking

Tourists are not usually targeted, but you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

During your stay:

• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• avoid going out after dark
• avoid isolated areas
• don't resist an attack

Organized crime

Organized crime is widespread. Criminal groups often operate in casinos and nightclubs. Extortion and corruption are common business practices, including among foreign businesses. Criminals may demand protection money from their victims under threat of violence.

You should report any extortion attempts to the local authorities or the Embassy of Canada to Romania, in Bucharest.

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, debit card and ATM fraud

Credit and debit card as well as ATM fraud occurs.

When using your debit or credit card:

• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• pay careful attention when others are handling your cards
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime

Cybercrime, malware attacks and online extortion occur in Moldova.

Criminals can compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal personal data or credit information.

Criminals can monitor social media and listen to your phone conversations.

Romance scams on dating sites or through social media have occurred.

• Be cautious when posting information or photos on social media
• Use secure Wi-Fi networks
• Keep in mind that you may be the victim of a scam if you go to Moldova to meet an online acquaintance in person
• Always meet new acquaintances in a secure and familiar location
• Know the risk of inviting new acquaintances to your accommodation
• Do not discuss travel plans or any other personal information within earshot of strangers

Fraudulent police officers

Individuals posing as police officers have approached foreigners and asked them to pay fines.

If you face a similar situation:

• offer to go to the nearest police station
• ask to see police credentials
• don’t hand over your money or documents unless you feel threatened

Useful links

• Overseas fraud
• Cyber security while travelling

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse. Violence against women and sexual assault occurs.

• Do not accept offers of transportation from strangers
• Avoid dark alleys and isolated areas
• Avoid walking alone at night

Advice for women travellers

Spiked food and drinks

There are reports of criminals adding drugs into items that could put you at risk of sexual assault or robbery.

Items include:

• food and drinks
• gum
• cigarettes

Incidents are most likely to occur in nightclubs, bars and restaurants.

• Be wary of accepting these items from new acquaintances
• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers
• Order drinks in sealed bottles or cans instead of in plastic cups

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur frequently, particularly in Chisinau.

Large-scale political protests have occurred since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also disrupt traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Expect a heavy police presence during demonstrations
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Roads

Road conditions

Roads are poorly maintained, and most are not well lit. Poor signage and a lack of maintenance pose risks. Farm vehicles, livestock and other similar hazards regularly disrupt road traffic. It is common to see tractors, bicyclists, horse-drawn carts, pedestrians and livestock on the same road.

Driving habits

Drivers can be aggressive. Drinking and driving is common 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

Taxi availability may be limited, especially outside city centres. Only use officially marked taxis, including at the airport. Establish a rate or a fixed price before starting the journey to avoid excessive fees.

• Ask for your cab at the front desk if you’re using hotel services
• Avoid flagging taxis on the street
• Never share a taxi with strangers
• Confirm the driver's identity and license plate before getting into the car

Bus

Bus accidents are common. Most public transportation vehicles are old and poorly maintained.

Trains

Trains are often delayed or cancelled without warning.

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

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 the Foreign Representatives 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 Moldova and have at least one blank page.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

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 foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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

Other entry requirements

You must be able to show proof of a return or onward ticket to customs officials when you enter Moldova.

Entry from Transnistria

You must register at one of the following locations within 72 hours if you enter Moldova from Transnistria:

• any border crossing
• any branch of the Migration and Asylum Bureau
• offices of the Public Services Agency

These offices 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 where you may be stopped and asked to show your passport. There are no official border crossings or immigration controls for travel between Moldova and Transnistria.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section). 

Health

Routine vaccines

Make sure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel, no matter where you’re going.

These may include vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, varicella (chickenpox), meningococcal disease, seasonal flu, and others.

Provincial and Territorial Immunization Information

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

When travelling in this destination, you might be at risk for diseases that can be prevented with vaccines or medications. Talk to a travel health care provider about which ones are right for you based on your travel plans.

The highlights below will also tell you if your destination may require that vaccine for entering or exiting.

Safe food and water precautions

Eating or drinking unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water can make you sick while travelling. Take precautions by following these tips:

• Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it (only eat food that is prepared safely)
• Avoid, if possible, getting water in your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming in freshwater (like streams, lakes, or canals), especially after heavy rain or flooding - the water might look clean but can still be contaminated 
• Don’t swallow water when bathing, showering, swimming in pools, or using hot tubs 

Eat and drink safely abroad

Tick and insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by bites from infected ticks and insects like mosquitoes, fleas, or flies. Before you travel, find out what types of ticks or insects are in the area, when they’re most active, and what diseases they can spread.

To protect yourself from bites:

• use an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin
• wear light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester
• wear socks and closed-toe shoes
• sleep under mosquito netting if you’re outdoors or staying in places that aren’t fully enclosed
• do a full body tick check on yourself, your children, your gear, and any pets you’re travelling with when you return from outdoor activities

Insect bite and pest prevention
Personal insect repellents

Animal precautions

Some infections can spread directly from animals to people, like rabies or bird flu (avian influenza). Others don’t spread directly from animals but can infect people who visit areas animals have contaminated with their droppings or body fluids.

Certain activities can increase your chances of coming into contact with animals, their droppings, or their body fluids, like:

• travelling in rural or forested areas
• camping, hiking, or visiting caves
• visiting places where live animals are sold or killed for food, like wet markets

To reduce your risk of getting sick:

• avoid contact with animals like stray dogs, livestock (such as pigs and cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats.
• stay away from places where animal waste can build up, such as caves
• avoid eating undercooked meat

Make sure to closely watch children; they are more likely to try to touch animals.

Person-to-person infections

When travelling, you can reduce your risk of getting or spreading respiratory infections, like the flu or COVID-19, by:

• staying at your accommodation and limiting contact with others if you’re sick
• wearing a well-fitting mask, especially: 
  
  • if you’re sick and need to be around others 
  • when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings, like sporting events, concerts, and airports
• cleaning your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
• covering your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, not your hands

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures

To lower your risk of getting sexually transmissible infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox, you can:

• get vaccinated against mpox if you’re eligible
• practise safer sex methods
  • use barrier protection during sexual activity, like condoms and dental dams.

Mpox vaccines
Sexual health and travel
HIV and AIDS: Travel health advice

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited, especially outside major cities, and medical supply shortages are common. Some doctors speak English or French, especially in Chisinau.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Medication

Labels on medication purchased in Moldova are only written in Romanian or Russian.

Some prescription medications may not be available in Moldova.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in Moldova.

• Bring enough medication for your stay
• Always keep your medication in the original container and carry a copy of your prescriptions
• Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage

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.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Moldova are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Moldova to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Moldovan authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

You must always carry photo identification, such as a passport, as police are entitled to request it at any time. If you fail to produce valid 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.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Moldova.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Moldova, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Moldovan court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Moldova to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• The Hague Convention – Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Photography

Photography of military installations, checkpoints or government buildings is prohibited and could result in the confiscation of your equipment, detention, or even arrest.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

Although the laws of Moldova do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex, negative attitudes towards homosexuality are prevalent.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Driving

You should carry an 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
• your passport
• written permission from the vehicle’s owner, if it is not you

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%.

International Driving Permit

Exports

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 of Moldova 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.

Banks and services in Transnistria will not accept foreign credit or debit cards. Transnistria uses a separate currency from Moldova, the Transnistrian ruble. Leu are not accepted in Transnistria, and you can only exchange foreign currency to Transnistrian ruble within Transnistria. The breakaway government in Transnistria considers all payments made in foreign currencies to be illegal.

Natural disasters and climate

Climate change

Climate change is affecting Moldova. Extreme and unusual weather events are becoming more frequent and may affect your travel plans. Monitor local media for the latest information.

Seismic activity

Moldova is located in an active seismic zone. The region is prone to earthquakes.

Earthquakes – What to Do?

Flooding and landslides

There is a risk of flooding and landslides during the spring and the fall.

• Stay informed on the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders