Moldova
Summary
The FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria
There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including in areas close to some Moldovan borders. Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan authorities. Our ability to offer consular support within this region is extremely limited, and in the event of military action on/near the border with Ukraine, would be further reduced. From 28 February, all checkpoints between Ukraine and the Transnistria region have temporarily closed. All other border crossings into Moldova remain open. See Safety and security
On 7 June, the Transnistrian de facto parliament gave greater powers for prosecutions and pre-trial detentions against those regarded as “extremists”. The de facto authorities interpret “extremism” in a way that includes many activities that British nationals would consider legitimate, including moderate protest or freedom of expression. The FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Moldova’s current entry requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
Following a security incident on 30th June, Chisinău International Airport has reopened, air traffic has resumed and flights are operating as normal.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides appropriate cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
The FCDO advises British nationals in Ukraine to leave immediately if they judge it is safe to do so. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Moldova. See Safety and security
The UK is supporting the multilateral humanitarian effort, led by UNHCR, and also offering practical bilateral support. If you or your organisation are considering providing humanitarian support to Ukrainians in Moldova, check information on existing support and ways to assist further on GOV.UK and the official pages from the Moldovan Government (largely Romanian and Russian only). This is particularly important if you are considering bringing in humanitarian supplies (Romanian and Russian language only).
In February 2022 Moldovan authorities declared a State of Emergency in light of regional crisis, which is still in place. We will update this Travel Advice when that changes.
Since autumn 2022 there have been regular political demonstrations in central Chisinau, and occasionally elsewhere. These are likely to continue. They have been small in scale, and generally peaceful and well-policed. Since February 2023, there have been reports and evidence of organised attempts by certain groups to use such demonstrations as a cover for causing disturbances. You are advised to stay away from all political demonstrations.
The Moldovan authorities strictly enforce penalties (including deportation) against those who overstay. See Entry requirements
You should be vigilant to petty crime, particularly in Chisinau. Leave your passport, travel documents and other valuable items in a safe place, and carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. See Crime
There are strong penalties for possession or use of drugs. Avoid taking photographs of military or government installations. See Local laws and customs
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Moldova, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
Update history
2024-12-31 14:14
New information about energy shortages starting on 1 January 2025 (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2024-08-09 14:22
Update to the terrorism section (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-06-20 13:50
Addition of a link to Moldovan customs about goods you can take into and out of Moldova (‘Entry requirements’ page). Addition of information about declaring money you take into Moldova (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2024-06-06 15:32
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-01-09 12:43
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-12-06 11:05
Information that child surrogacy is strictly prohibited in Moldova (‘Local laws and customs’ page).
2023-08-29 12:27
Updated information about FCDO advice against travel to Transnistria (‘Summary’ page).
2023-07-02 11:40
Latest update: Updated information for British Nationals travelling to or from Chisinau International Airport (summary)
2023-06-30 22:06
Updated information for British Nationals travelling to or from Chisinau International Airport (summary)
2023-06-30 18:11
Information for British Nationals travelling to or from Chisinau International Airport.
2023-06-22 10:25
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2023-04-13 16:05
Updated information on the regular political demonstrations in Central Chisinau, and occasionally elsewhere in Moldova (‘Summary’ page).
2023-02-03 10:53
Updated information on the extension of the state of emergency declared by the Moldovan authorities (‘Summary’ page).
2022-10-11 15:32
Updated information on the extension of the state of emergency declared by the Moldovan authorities (‘Summary’ page).
2022-08-15 14:16
Updated information on the extension of the state of emergency declared by the Moldovan authorities, lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in public places and that current direct routes between the UK and Chisinau International Airport are operating normally (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘ Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-07-19 15:33
Updated information on extension of State of Emergency declared by Moldovan authorities (‘Summary’ page)
2022-04-26 14:26
Updated information on explosions in the Transnistria region in late April (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-04-13 11:03
Updated information on flights. Added information on how you can provide support to Ukraine (‘Summary’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages)
2022-03-22 09:46
Updated with information about the easing of restrictions of flights into Moldova (‘Summary’, ‘Coronavirus’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-16 17:48
updated with information about the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, including for entry into Moldova.
2022-03-04 15:50
Updated information on the closure of Moldova airspace and entry from Ukraine (‘Summary’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)
2022-03-01 10:01
Updated information on entry into Moldova via Transnistria (‘Summary’, ‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry Requirement’ pages)
2022-02-25 11:11
New information on a State of Emergency in Moldova. The airspace is closed until 4 March. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-24 05:36
There are multiple reports of widespread military activity in Ukraine. You should not attempt to cross into Ukraine from Moldova. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages)
2022-02-18 16:29
The FCDO now advise against all travel to Transnistria. Updated information on the security situation and entry requirements (‘Summary’,‘Safety and security’ and ‘Entry requirements’ pages)