Briefing de orientación en Moldavia

Una gran parte del territorio actual de Moldavia se convirtió en una provincia del Imperio ruso en 1812 y, tras la Primera Guerra Mundial, se unió a Rumanía en 1918. Posteriormente, este territorio fue incorporado a la Unión Soviética al término de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Aunque Moldavia es independiente de la Unión Soviética desde 1991, las fuerzas rusas han permanecido en territorio moldavo, al este del río Dniéster, en la región separatista de Transnistria.

Los años de gobierno del Partido Comunista en Moldavia, de 2001 a 2009, terminaron finalmente con protestas violentas relacionadas con las elecciones y con la repetición de las elecciones parlamentarias en 2009. Una serie de coaliciones gobernantes proeuropeas gobernó Moldavia de 2010 a 2019, pero el candidato prorruso Igor DODON ganó la presidencia en 2016, y su Partido Socialista de la República de Moldavia obtuvo una pluralidad en las elecciones legislativas de 2019. La candidata reformista proeuropea Maia SANDU derrotó a DODON en su intento de reelección en 2020, y el Partido de Acción y Solidaridad de SANDU obtuvo una mayoría parlamentaria en unas elecciones legislativas anticipadas en 2021. La primera ministra Natalia GAVRILITA y su gabinete asumieron el cargo en 2021. A principios de 2023, el Parlamento de Moldavia confirmó un nuevo gabinete encabezado por el primer ministro Dorin RECEAN, que mantuvo a la mayoría de los antiguos ministros.

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.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Areas where FCDO advises against travel

Transnistria

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.   

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

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.

About FCDO travel advice

FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism 

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.

Terrorism in Moldova

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Moldova, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

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.

Humanitarian support workers

The UK supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine and Moldova. If you’re considering providing humanitarian support to Ukrainians in Moldova, check:

• updates on the UK government response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine
• the Moldovan government’s information (largely in Romanian and Russian)
• Moldovan Government’s information on bringing in humanitarian supplies (in Romanian and Russian only)

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Be alert to:

• street crime and petty theft, particularly in Chisinau
• pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas and on public transport
• credit card and ATM fraud – keep sight of the card when paying a bill

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.

Discrimination

Some Asian and Afro-Caribbean visitors have reported being verbally abused or assaulted. Visitors also report police harassment.

Laws and cultural differences

Police checks and personal ID

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.

Buying and exporting art and antiques

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.

Using cameras

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.

LGBT+ travellers

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.

Surrogacy

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

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.

Money

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.

Transport risks

Road travel 

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.

Road conditions and driving standards

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    

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. 

Taxis

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.

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Earthquakes

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.

Transnistria

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.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

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.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Moldova
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Moldova, including:

• biting insects and ticks
• tick-borne encephalitis

Water quality

Only drink bottled or boiled water.

Medication

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.

Healthcare in Moldova

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. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.