Moldova

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 112 for police.
• Dial 112 for ambulance.
• Dial 0 8008 8008 for toll-free domestic violence hotline.

Terrorism

Terrorists and their supporters may target U.S. citizens abroad.

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations can occur.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable.  Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Reported types of crime include:

• Petty thefts of money, passports, and small valuables can occur. This happens at hotel rooms, local apartments, homes, offices, trains, and public transport.
• International letters and package mail are sometimes opened or pilfered.
• Sexual harassment of female visitors may occur. There have been reports of unwanted verbal attention or touching in parks, on major streets, and in bars or nightclubs in Chisinau. These incidents can occur both during the day and night.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  

Financial scams and Internet romance scams are common in Moldova.  Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money.  Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters.  Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• Bar tabs with higher bills.
• Dating scams in which someone you meet over the internet asks for money to help family, buy plane tickets, pay medical bills, or gain an immigration benefit.
• Thefts at ATMs. This includes PIN theft from ATMs by “skimming” devices that record the card information, as well as hidden cameras, and “shoulder surfing.”

If using dating apps or websites in Moldova:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone. 
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime.  You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 112.  

• You may contact the U.S. Embassy American Citizen Services in Chisinau at +373-22-40-83-00.  
• There are many reports of dishonesty and corruption in the court system, including cases being dropped for no good reason. In most situations, if you file a complaint and then leave the country before the case is fully finished, the investigation will probably stop.
• Anyone wishing to report incidents of corruption may contact the National Anticorruption Center hotline at: 0-800-55555. This line is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault and domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Drone use in Moldova

Drones are legal in Moldova but require registration. You must follow strict rules:

• You must register visitor or tourist drones. Recreational use has fewer restrictions and registering gives legal status to the drone operator and the aircraft itself.
• Keep the drone within visual line-of-sight and fly at or below 400 feet (120 meters).
• Do not fly directly over people, near airports, or over sensitive areas like government or military facilities.
• Commercial drone use requires a permit that provides specific flight authorization to fly a registered drone in a specific location, time frame, or airspace.
• Authorities can intercept or destroy unauthorized drones violating natural borders or airspace.

Satellite phone laws in Moldova

Prior to using satellite phones:

• Iridium satellite phones are generally considered legal to use.
• Thuraya satellite phones are illegal. Bringing them into the country can lead to confiscation and arrest.
• If your trip takes you into the separatist Transnistria region, you should be extremely cautious. Standard cell and internet networks may experience surveillance or disruption on foreign communications and electronics.
• Proper registration with local authorities is necessary, though in certain regions, it is impossible to get a permit for certain types of satellite phones.

GPS

Prior to using GPS abroad:

• Research the route recommended by the GPS.
• The fastest route may not be the safest.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.

Safety Tips for Visitors and Residents

Although Moldova declared itself "mine-safe" in March 2001, unexploded ordnance (UXO) from World War II and the 1992 Transnistria conflict remains a threat. Between 1992 and 2024, Moldovan engineers detected and destroyed over 41,200 explosive items. Major caches continue to surface during construction and farming.

If visiting rural or former conflict areas:

• Stay on marked paths, especially near the Nistru River and Security Zone.
• Report, don't touch: If you see suspected ordnance, do not touch it. Call police immediately (dial 112).
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained.  Sometimes, this can be for a long time.  They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law.  Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Moldova seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Customs rules and penalties

The Moldovan authorities enforce strict rules as to what can be brought in and out of the country.  

• Since the Russia-Ukraine war and all flights in and out of Ukraine stopped, more U.S. citizens have been caught trying to bring in banned or sensitive items, including “dual use” goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
• If you try to bring in any restricted or prohibited items into Moldova without proper authorization, authorities may confiscate your items. You may also face a fine or detention.  
• Please visit the Moldovan government’s public services site for more information.  
• Consult the list of prohibited and restricted items.  Please note that these lists should not be considered exhaustive but subject to interpretation at the point of entry.
• If you enter Moldova with humanitarian goods, you will need to complete a Traveler Customs Declaration form. You must also provide an invoice confirming the value of the goods, and a donation letter. 
• If the humanitarian goods are meant for Ukraine, you will need to submit the articles through a customs broker. The U.S. Embassy cannot assist in reclaiming items confiscated by Moldovan customs.

Arrest notification

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy   immediately. 

• If you are arrested, you can face extended periods, even years, in pre-trial detention.
• Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. If convicted, you can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.
• If a police officer stops you, ask to see his or her identity card (“legiti-MAT-seeya” in Romanian, which is the official language in Moldova.)
• Moldovan police have the word “POLITIA” printed on the backs of their uniforms.
• If a police officer harasses you or asks for a bribe, try to record the officer’s name, title, badge number, and physical description. Contact the U.S. Embassy to report the incident as soon as possible.

Detention conditions

A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.

• Detainees in Moldova often can’t get their prescribed or over the counter medications.
• Detainees may also miss out on emergency and routine medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Moldova. 
• However, traditional cultural attitudes towards lesbian and gay individuals may result in discrimination and harassment. 
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Moldova prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual, or mental disabilities. The law is enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication, information, and general infrastructure.
• The general infrastructure for people with disabilities is not developed in the villages and in the small cities.
• Some accessibility equipment and devices can be bought and repaired in Moldova.
• It is difficult to find a sign language interpreter service in Moldova.
• Social acceptance of people with disabilities in public is not as common as in the United States. 
• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Moldova to receive a list of providers.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

Moldova is generally safe for students, but there are key concerns, including:

• regional instability from the Ukraine conflict,
• petty crime like pickpocketing, and
• high rates of school bullying.

Students should exercise caution in crowded areas, avoid demonstrations in Chisinau, and monitor the security situation, particularly near the Transnistria region. 

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

Moldova is generally safe for women travelers. However, women must stay alert due to risks of harassment, petty crime, and potential scams, particularly in Chisinau.

• Women traveling alone may experience verbal harassment. Avoid walking alone at night, ignore street harassment, and use caution if you receive offers from strangers wanting to transport you.
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Moldova Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Dial 112 for emergency medical services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are widely available.  However, training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad.  Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Hospitals and doctors in Moldova do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Moldova.  If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Lack of payment for medical services may result in legal action or bar future travel to Moldova.
• Most care providers in Moldova only accept cash payments in the local currency.
• Credit card payment is not always available, especially in state-owned facilities.
• Both private and public hospitals often require significant cash/credit card payment upfront or proof of a specialized international insurance policy before treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation. Medical evacuation to Western Europe is often necessary for serious conditions because there is a lack of specialized care outside of Chisinau.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Adequate health facilities are available in Chisinau and other major cities. It may be harder to find adequate health care in rural areas.

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors sometimes require payment “up front” prior to service or admission.
• In small cities and villages, medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals, only minimal staff are available overnight.
• Pharmacies are not always stocked to Western standards, and products may not be labeled in English. 
• There have been reports of poor quality or counterfeit medications.

Medical tourism and elective surgery

U.S. citizens have suffered serious complications or died during or after having cosmetic or other elective surgery.  

• Medical tourism is a fast-growing industry in Moldova.  If you want healthcare abroad, you need to know that their medical systems are different from the United States. They don't follow the same rules.  Before you travel for medical reasons, talk to your doctor.
• Visit the CDC’s Medical Tourism website for information on medical tourism. Find out about the risks of medical tourism and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Moldova.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications. 
• Your legal options in case of malpractice may be limited in Moldova.  
• Although Moldova has several elective or cosmetic surgery facilities, the quality of care varies widely.  If you plan to undergo surgery in Moldova, make sure that emergency medical facilities are available, and professionals are accredited and qualified.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Check the official list of medications in Moldova to ensure the medication is legal in Moldova.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad.  Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States.  If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and surrogacy

Surrogacy is illegal in Moldova.  It is strictly prohibited throughout the country, and any involvement in surrogacy arrangements can lead to severe legal complications for intended parents. 

If you are considering traveling to Moldova to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

Water quality and food safety

• The tap water in Chisinau and other places in Moldova is not considered safe to drink in large quantities.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using unfiltered tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Unprocessed local dairy products at the street markets may not have been pasteurized and may contain harmful bacteria. Tuberculosis, listeria, and brucellosis are diseases transmitted in unpasteurized dairy products.
• Commercial local dairy products may have a shorter shelf life due to poor temperature control in transit.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. The air quality in Moldova is considered moderately unsafe overall. Pollutants like particulate matter consistently exceed World Health Organization guidelines. For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.

• Cities, particularly the capital Chisinau, experience higher pollution levels from traffic and industrial activity.
• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Moldova.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Road conditions in Moldova are different from those in the United States.

• Roads often lack signs and are unevenly maintained.
• Avoid driving at night due to poorly lit roads.
• It is common to see tractors, bicyclists, horse-drawn carts, pedestrians, and livestock on the same road.
• Be cautious in pedestrian areas. Not all drivers stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.

Traffic laws 

A valid U.S. driver's license is recognized for short-term visits up to 90 days. You must be at least 18 years old to legally drive in Moldova.

• In case of an accident, do not move the vehicle or leave the scene until the traffic police arrive, regardless of the severity. Immediately turn on hazard lights and place a warning triangle. Dial 112 for police and medical assistance.
• Always carry your original passport or a high-quality copy, valid U.S. driver's license, vehicle registration, and proof of insurance ("Green Card" for foreign cars or local RCA insurance).
• Do not drink alcohol before driving. The maximum legal blood alcohol content is 0.03 percent.
• If you are stopped by traffic police for driving under the influence of alcohol and are told that you will receive a fine or will be arrested, request a blood test to confirm your actual blood alcohol level.
• Traffic police should display a metal badge on the outside of their uniforms.
• There is a high risk of bribe requests during traffic stops. Do not offer or pay bribes. Try to record the officer’s name, title, badge number, and physical description. 
• You can report corruption to the National Anticorruption Center hotline at 0- 800-55555.  Contact the U.S. embassy to report the incident as soon as possible.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Taxis are available in most urban areas and vary from very old and poorly maintained to new western European or U.S. vehicles.
• Rideshares are available and generally safe.
• The main ride-share and taxi-hailing apps operating in Moldova, particularly in Chișinău, are Bolt, Yandex Go, Uklon, and inDrive. These apps offer competitive rates, digital payments, and 24/7 service.
• Local app options such as Letz and Hip.car (formerly iTaxi) are also widely used for ridesharing and carpooling.

Public and commercial transportation

The public transportation network is well developed.

• Public transportation in Moldova is affordable and extensive. It includes trolleybuses, buses, and minivans.
• In Chișinău, fares are roughly 6 MDL, with services running from 05:30 to 23:00.
• Transport is efficient in cities, but intercity travel is often slow and crowded.
• Some trains, trolleybuses, and buses are old and can break down.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Moldova’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Moldova’s climate is moderately continental. It has warm, long summers and cold, relatively dry winters.

• Earthquakes - Moldova is located in a seismically active zone.  Potentially damaging earthquakes can occur.  While major quakes are not common, the country's buildings remain vulnerable.
• Floods - Both river and flash floods are common.  Heavy summer torrential rains can cause rapid rising of the rivers, leading to significant infrastructure damage.
• Landslides - Landslides often follow heavy summer rains or spring thaws. This affects rural roads and housing in hilly areas.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.