Moldova
About Moldova
| Currency | Moldovan Leu (MDL) |
| Language | Romanian |
| Capital | Chisinau |
The Republic of Moldova, located in eastern Europe, borders Romania to the southwest and Ukraine to the north and southeast. Once considered to be a part of Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, and it wasn’t until 1991 that Moldova became an independent nation. Although independent, Russian forces have remained in the region of Transnistria (eastern strip of Moldova) in an attempt to seek independence for this area, since the area is composed primarily of those of Ukrainian and Russian descent. This region is not controlled by the Moldovan government but instead is controlled by a pro-independence regime.
In Moldova, the president is the chief of state and the prime minister is the head of government. Moldova has suffered significant political unrest post-independence, with tension between the pro-European and communist political powers, including violent protests of presidential elections and the collapse of two pro-European governments. This instability and political corruption have contributed to Moldova’s poor economy, the poorest in Europe. In an attempt to rebuild their nation, the government of Moldova has signed an EU association agreement, indicating their interest in joining the European Union.
Moldova is primarily a cash-based economy. The Moldovan Leu is the official currency in Moldova, however, the Euro and the US dollar may also be accepted in some areas. In Transnistria, the Transnistrian ruble is used and the Moldovan Leu cannot be used or converted into the local currency.
Moldova’s moderate winters, warm summers, and beautiful, unspoiled countryside make it a promising travel destination.
Recommended Vaccinations For Moldova
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated people, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Travellers are at risk via exposure to ticks during outdoor activities in areas of vegetation (gardens, parks, forest fringes, meadows and marshes). Campers, hikers, bikers, and adventure travellers should consider obtaining a vaccination against this disease.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Moldova
There are no recommendations for Moldova at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Moldova
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a possible risk of tick-borne encephalitis throughout the country. The transmission season varies, however, and ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn (March to November). Vaccination may be considered for travellers whose planned outdoor activities put them at risk.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Moldova
Personal Safety
Moldova registers a crime rate of 102 crimes per 10,000 inhabitants as of 2024. The murder rate stands at 2.27 per 100,000 population, with 78 murders recorded in 2023. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in crowded areas, particularly in Chisinau, on public transport, markets, and tourist locations. Organized crime registered 889 crimes in 2024, up 342% from 205 crimes in 2023. Human trafficking remains a serious issue, with Moldova serving as a source country for both sexual and labor exploitation. Police officers or individuals posing as police may request bribes, especially in tourist areas. Keep identification documents accessible at all times, as police can detain and fine you if you cannot produce them. Violent crime rates remain low, and mugging is rare. Exercise caution near the Ukrainian border, where projectiles and debris from the conflict have landed. Bomb threats have targeted the international airport, shopping centers, and government buildings in Chisinau. While there is no recent history of terrorism, attacks cannot be ruled out. Avoid political demonstrations, particularly in Chisinau, as they can turn volatile without warning. The security situation related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict keeps Moldova at a heightened state of alert.
Extreme Violence
There is no significant threat of terrorism against foreign travelers or interests in Moldova. Violent crime rates remain relatively low, with foreigners rarely reporting incidents of violent crime. Organized crime groups exist and are responsible for human and drug trafficking, but these activities do not typically result in violence affecting visitors. Moldova is valued as a transshipment point for illegal drugs to Western Europe, with drug trafficking estimated between $200 million to $250 million per year. More than 400,000 women have been trafficked from Moldova since independence in 1991, with the country serving as a source for both domestic and cross-border trafficking for sexual and labor exploitation. Children and unaccompanied minors are particularly vulnerable to exploitation. Moldova faces security challenges including travel document fraud, crimes against children, human trafficking, firearms trafficking, and smuggling of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials. The country has also served as a transit corridor for foreign fighters. Russian missiles have strayed across the border due to the Ukraine conflict. There is no indication that Moldova is being targeted in Russia’s war against Ukraine, though debris from airborne projectiles has landed in areas near the Ukrainian border.
Political Unrest
Political protests have occurred regularly in Moldova since autumn 2022, particularly in central Chisinau and occasionally elsewhere. Large-scale antigovernment protests were organized between 2022 and 2023, with some demonstrators admitting they were paid for participation. Pro-Russian opposition forces have organized protests amid economic problems, partly financed with money from Russia according to Moldova’s Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office. Protests can attract heavy police presence and can turn violent without warning, even when initially peaceful. In March 2023, police arrested 54 people at a protest, citing questionable behavior, and responded to four bomb threats on the same day. The Shor Party organized large protests with estimates between 9,000 and 50,000 participants, though the party was outlawed by the Constitutional Court in June 2023. Large-scale coordinated protests ceased following this action. The 2024 presidential election and 2025 parliamentary election were marked by allegations of significant Russian interference, including disinformation campaigns, political corruption, vote buying, astroturfed street protests, and cyberattacks on electoral systems. On election day in September 2025, incidents included false bomb threats against polling stations abroad and illegal transportation of voters. Political tensions remain high due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and Moldova’s EU integration process. The security situation could deteriorate rapidly. Demonstrations and large gatherings can disrupt traffic and public transportation.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid all travel to Transnistria, a Russian-backed breakaway region in northeast Moldova that is not under the control of the Moldovan government. The region declared independence in 1990, and a brief but bloody war occurred in 1992. Since then, Transnistria has operated as a de facto independent territory with its own government, military, currency, and border checkpoints, though no country formally recognizes its independence. Russian troops are present in the region. Events in Ukraine have led to political tension in Transnistria, and the security situation is volatile and could deteriorate at short notice. Explosions occurred in the region in April and early May 2022. The region has increased powers for prosecutions and pre-trial detentions against people regarded as extremists, interpreting extremism to include activities such as moderate protest or freedom of expression. Consular assistance is severely limited or unavailable in Transnistria. Ukraine has closed its border crossing points into the Transnistrian region. Visitors must show identification to cross into Transnistria and may encounter difficulties at checkpoints. Photography of military facilities and security forces is prohibited. ATMs will not accept cards from non-Transnistrian banks, and the currency used is the Transnistrian ruble. Avoid areas near the Ukraine border, especially in the south, where missile debris has landed. If you enter Moldova through Transnistria, you must register your arrival within three days with Moldovan authorities or face significant issues when leaving the country.
