Moldova Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in Moldova due to risk of unexploded ordnance (UXO). Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.

• There are ongoing security threats related to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
• Petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing is common, especially in popular tourist locations. Stay aware of your surroundings. Be wary of people posing as police officers demanding fines. Take safety precautions against ATM "skimming" devices and online scams.

Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

Although Moldova declared itself "mine-safe" in March 2001, some areas have increased risk.

Unexploded ordnance and landmines exist in central Moldova:

• These unexploded ordnances and landmines are primarily found in agricultural fields, forests, and along the banks of the Dniester (Nistru) River.
• They are found in the districts of Anenii Noi, Causeni, Stefan-Voda, and Ungheni, as well as in Chisinau, Ialoveni, Hincesti, Nisporeni, Calarasi, and Straseni.
• These areas are marked with warning signs featuring a red triangle pointing downwards, a skull and crossbones, and the word "Mine."
• Landmines and unexploded ordnance in central Moldova are from World War II and the 1992 Transnistrian conflict.

Reconsider Travel to Transnistria due to risk of armed conflict.

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.

Energy shortages

The Government of Moldova announced an energy state of emergency on 16 December 2024 linked to the cut off of gas supplies on 1 January 2025. Managed power blackouts may occur.

Please follow updates from local authorities and energy companies for information.

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.

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 autumn 2022 there have been regular political demonstrations in central Chisinau, and occasionally elsewhere. These are likely to continue. They have been small-scale and generally peaceful and well-policed. However, there have been organised attempts by certain groups to use these demonstrations as a cover for causing disturbances. Stay away from all political demonstrations.

Humanitarian support workers

The UK supports humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, including supporting Ukrainian refugees in Moldova, through the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). If you’re considering providing humanitarian support to Ukrainians in Moldova, check:

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

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. There were explosions in the region in 2022.

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.

Risk level

Moldova - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Moldova due to the impacts of the armed conflict in Ukraine and the risk of demonstrations and civil unrest.

Regional risks

Transnistria - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to Transnistria, in northeast Moldova, due to the unpredictable security situation.

Our ability to provide consular services in this region is severely limited.

Impacts of the armed conflict in Ukraine

In February 2022, Russia began a military invasion of Ukraine, which shares a land border with Moldova.

The Russian military invasion of Ukraine has increased political tensions in Moldova. The security situation could deteriorate rapidly. Projectiles from the armed conflict in Ukraine have passed through Moldovan airspace and debris has landed in areas near the Ukrainian border.

There is a risk of demonstrations and civil unrest. The situation could deteriorate rapidly.

If you are currently in Moldova or are planning to visit in the future:

• always be aware of your surroundings, especially near the border with Ukraine
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation

Transnistria

Transnistria is a separatist region outside the Moldovan government’s control. It is located in Eastern Moldova between the eastern bank of the Dniester River and the Ukrainian border. The security situation is unstable and unpredictable, especially since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The breakaway government in Transnistria exercises strict control over public assembly and demonstrations. Our ability to provide consular services in Transnistria is severely limited.

If you choose to travel to Transnistria despite the advisory:

• monitor trustworthy news sources to stay informed on the evolving situation
• expect unofficial checkpoints and long delays on the roads between this region and the rest of Moldova
• follow the instructions of local authorities
• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• register and update your contact information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Moldova to do so

摩尔多瓦风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在摩尔多瓦中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。