4open jobs
2organisations hiring
0violent events in 3 months
0deaths (estimate)
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
A large portion of present-day Moldovan territory became a province of the Russian Empire in 1812 and then unified with Romania in 1918 in the aftermath of World War I. This territory was then incorporated into the Soviet Union at the close of World War II. Although Moldova has been independent from the Soviet Union since 1991, Russian forces have remained on Moldovan territory east of the Nistru River in the breakaway region of Transnistria.
Years of Communist Party rule in Moldova from 2001 to 2009 ultimately ended with election-related violent protests and a rerun of parliamentary elections in 2009. A series of pro-Europe ruling coalitions governed Moldova from 2010 to 2019, but pro-Russia candidate Igor DODON won the presidency in 2016, and his Socialist Party of the Republic of Moldova won a plurality in the legislative election in 2019. Pro-EU reformist candidate Maia SANDU defeated DODON in his reelection bid in 2020, and SANDU's Party of Action and Solidarity won a parliamentary majority in an early legislative election in 2021. Prime Minister Natalia GAVRILITA and her cabinet took office in 2021. In early 2023, Moldova's parliament confirmed a new cabinet led by Prime Minister Dorin RECEAN, which retained the majority of the former ministers.
parliamentary republic
Since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, drone incursions into Moldovan airspace have occurred. Debris from drones and missiles linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine have also fallen in Moldova.
If you encounter debris, do not approach it and follow the directions of local authorities.
Occasionally there are protests that can cause disruption. Protests are normally peaceful and well-policed. You should avoid any political demonstrations.
Moldovan 75.1%, Romanian 7%, Ukrainian 6.6%, Gagauz 4.6%, Russian 4.1%, Bulgarian 1.9%, other 0.8% (2014 est.)
Moldovan/Romanian 80.2% (official) (56.7% Moldovan; 23.5% Romanian), Russian 9.7%, Gagauz 4.2% (a Turkish language), Ukrainian 3.9%, Bulgarian 1.5%, Romani 0.3%, other 0.2% (2014)
Orthodox 90.1%, other Christian 2.6%, other 0.1%, agnostic <0.1%, atheist 0.2%, unspecified 6.9% (2014 est.)
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
upper middle-income Eastern European economy; sustained growth reversed by COVID-19; significant remittances; Russian energy and regional dependence; agricultural exporter; declining workforce due to emigration and low fertility
2.4 MPopulation2025
43.7 %Urban population2025
$8,622GDP per capita2025
2.4 %GDP growth2025
7.8 %Inflation2025
0 %Extreme poverty (international line)2024
1.5 %Unemployment2025
99.4 %Adult literacy2014
77.4 %Internet users2024
100 %Access to electricity2024
149,324refugees hosted2025
594asylum seekers2025
8,868refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
3,422stateless people2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Armed Forces of the Republic of Moldova (Forțele Armate ale Republicii Moldova): National Army (comprised of Land Forces, Air Force)Ministry of Internal Affairs: General Inspectorate of Police (GPI), Border Police Department, Carabinieri Troops Department (2025)
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders. Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government.
FCDO’s ability to offer support is extremely limited and will be more limited if there is military action on or near the Moldova-Ukraine border.
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Moldova, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Since Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, drone incursions into Moldovan airspace have occurred. Debris from drones and missiles linked to Russia’s war against Ukraine have also fallen in Moldova.
If you encounter debris, do not approach it and follow the directions of local authorities.
Occasionally there are protests that can cause disruption. Protests are normally peaceful and well-policed. You should avoid any political demonstrations.
The UK supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and Moldova. If you’re considering providing humanitarian support to Ukrainians in Moldova, check:
Be alert to:
Keep your valuables and passport in a safe place, such as a hotel safe.
Streets, pavements and public paths are not well-maintained or well-lit, including in Chisinau and other cities. Consider carrying a torch.
Women may experience sexual harassment in Moldova, including on public transport and in parks. Take particular care in the evening and in poorly lit areas. In an emergency, call 112.
Some Asian and Afro-Caribbean visitors have reported being verbally abused or assaulted. Visitors also report police harassment.
There are frequent police checks and police officers have the right to ask for ID on the street. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you.
You must get permission from the Moldovan Department of Monuments to take any artwork or antiques out of the country. If you do not, customs officials could seize the goods and you could face criminal charges.
Avoid taking photos of military and government facilities, including airports and power stations. If caught, authorities are likely to question you and ask you to delete the photos in their presence.
Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Moldova, but the Moldovan government does not formally recognise same-sex partners. There is an active social and lobbying group on gay and lesbian issues in Chisinau. Public attitudes are less tolerant and showing affection in public can receive unwanted attention.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Child surrogacy is strictly prohibited throughout Moldova. The British Embassy will not be able to provide support if you get involved in any way.
Illegal drugs, even small quantities of drugs (class A, B or C) including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
Airports in Moldova have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
Paying by card is now generally widespread, however you may not always be able to pay this way, particularly outside the capital, Chisinau.
Carry some local currency, euros or US dollars in cash.
Notes should be in perfect condition, or they may be refused. You can exchange pound sterling and other major currencies for Moldovan lei at banks and currency exchange offices.
ATMs in Transnistrian banks will not accept cards issued outside the region, and foreign cards cannot be used for payments. The currency used in Transnistria is the Transnistrian ruble. Moldovan lei, euros, or US dollars can be exchanged for Transnistrian ruble when in the region. Attempting to pay in currencies other than the Transnistrian ruble is considered illegal by the self-declared authorities. Transnistrian rubles cannot be bought or exchanged outside of Transnistria.
If you’re planning to drive a hire car or a UK vehicle, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Moldova guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Moldova. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
You must declare your vehicle to customs if you enter Moldova by car. You can take vehicles into Moldova without paying import taxes for up to 90 days in a 365-day period. The British Embassy cannot help you with bringing vehicles into Moldova. Contact the Moldovan Embassy in the UK.
Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
If you’re driving a private vehicle owned by someone else, you need permission from the owner, translated and notarised.
Driving standards are poor and roads are of variable quality. There are many traffic accidents, including fatal ones. Avoid driving outside urban areas when possible, particularly at night.
Drink-driving is a serious offence in Moldova. If you are tested and found to have more than a third of England’s legal limit of alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.
Use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services. Official-looking taxis can be unlicensed. Do not share taxis with strangers or flag down unofficial taxis. If there is no meter, negotiate a price before getting into a taxi. Where possible, ask your hotel to order you a taxi or give you the number of a reputable company. Confirm the driver’s identity and license plate before getting into the car.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Moldova has insignificant earth tremors throughout the year. The last significant earthquake occurred in 1986, causing deaths and damage to buildings.
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
This section has safety advice for regions of Moldova. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.
Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders.
All border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed.
The self-declared Transnistrian parliament has increased powers for prosecutions and pre-trial detentions against people regarded as extremists. They interpret extremism as including many activities that British nationals would consider legitimate, including moderate protest or freedom of expression.
71.3yearsLife expectancy2024
16.5per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
19per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
4.02per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2023
92.7 %Basic drinking water access2024
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 112 and ask for an ambulance.
Staff may only speak Russian or Romanian.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Moldova, including:
Only drink bottled or boiled water.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
State medical facilities in Moldova are generally poor. Private clinics and hospitals offer a better standard of care. If you are involved in an accident or taken ill, it is likely that you would be taken to a state hospital.
Most medical service providers in Moldova will expect cash or card payment for their services at the time of treatment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.
FCDO has a list of medical facilities in Moldova where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Moldova set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Moldovan Embassy in the UK.
Your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the date you plan to leave Moldova, and at least one blank page.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
You can visit Moldova for tourism or business without a visa for up to 90 days in a 6-month period. You must be able to show proof of return or onward travel to another country, such as an onward flight ticket.
You need a work permit or residence permit to work or for stays of more than 90 days. See more information on work and residence permits.
The Moldovan authorities will automatically register your arrival date. They strictly enforce penalties, including fines and expulsion, against foreign visitors who stay in Moldova longer than allowed. Contact the Moldovan authorities with any additional questions.
FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.
There is no internationally recognised boundary between Transnistria and the rest of Moldova. However, Transnistria’s de facto authorities operate checkpoints controlling access to the region, including near the Tighina (Bender) fortress. These checkpoints can be manned by both Transnistrian and Russian guards. Passports will be controlled but will not be stamped.
When you enter Transnistria, you need to fill in 2 copies of a migration card for the de facto authorities – keep one copy to show them when you leave. The de facto authorities may ask the purpose and length of your visit, and where you will stay. They may also deny you entry.
All border crossings between Ukraine and Transnistria are temporarily closed. FCDO does not know when they will reopen.
Check for updates on border crossings from Romania with the Moldovan Border Police.
There have been incidents associated with Russia’s war against Ukraine near Moldova–Ukraine border crossings, including temporary suspensions of border operations following nearby drone and missile strikes and falling debris.
Check for updates on border crossings from Ukraine with the Moldovan Border Police.
If you enter Moldova overland from Ukraine, go to an internationally recognised border crossing point. These are in the north and south of Moldova, excluding the Transnistria region.
If you have travelled to Moldova from Ukraine and need assistance, call (+373) 22 225 902 or contact FCDO online.
If you’re near a Ukraine-Moldova border crossing point and need assistance, call +44 1908 516666 and select option 2: consular services for British nationals.
Check for updates on border crossings with Ukraine with the Moldovan Border Police. This is particularly important around Transnistria, which is outside the control of the Moldovan authorities. Read FCDO’s Ukraine travel advice.
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Moldova guide.
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Moldova. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in MoldovaFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
street crime and petty theft, particularly in Chisinau
Streets, pavements and public paths are not well-maintained or well-lit, including in Chisinau and other cities. Consider carrying a torch.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria. There is widespread military activity in Ukraine, including close to some Moldovan borders. Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan government.
FCDO advises against all travel to Transnistria.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
There is no internationally recognised boundary between Transnistria and the rest of Moldova. However, Transnistria’s de facto authorities operate checkpoints controlling access to the region, including near the Tighina (Bender) fortress. These checkpoints can be manned by both Transnistrian and Russian guards. Passports will be controlled but will not be stamped.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.