Published: October 20, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Moldova Travel Advisory and Moldova Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
U.S. Embassy Chisinau
103 Mateevici Str., Chisinau.
Tel: +373-22-408-300
After-Hours Emergency: +373-069- 11-0851
Hours: 0830 – 1730, Monday – Friday
OSAC Country Chapter
The Chisinau Country Chapter is seeking to relaunch. If interested in joining, please contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
Moldova Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise increased caution while traveling to Moldova due to unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Chisinau as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Moldova.
Foreigners are subject to petty crime (e.g., pickpocketing, theft), which is most common in crowded areas in major population centers (e.g., public transportation, markets, bars, restaurants). There have been reports of occasional home burglaries, but these are rare. Do not leave valuables in plain sight in parked vehicles, as criminals have smashed car windows and stolen items from vehicles.
Violent crimes (e.g., carjacking, home invasions) are extremely rare. Reported cases do not typically involve westerners and probably relate to smuggling activity and organized crime. There have been isolated reports of sexual harassment of female visitors, including unwanted verbal attention or touching in parks, on major streets, and in bars and night clubs in Chisinau both during the date and night.
When dining out, pay restaurant staff directly instead of leaving money behind with the bill. Local establishments usually do not take responsibility for items left behind by patrons, including currency intended as payment. The vast majority of businesses accept credit cards in Chisinau and other larger population centers, but rarely in small villages. Credit card skimming is rare but travelers should use their credit card with caution and protect their personal information. Restaurants bring portable card readers to the table. Your server should never need to take your payment card out of your line of sight.
Organized crime is prevalent, but related violence almost never affects the international community. The deterioration of stability in southern Ukraine has also contributed to an increase in organized criminal activity, especially in southern Moldova, where smuggling of stolen and illegal goods is most common. Moldova’s location is ideal for smuggling into the European Union. Commercial goods are most frequently smuggled to avoid customs charges. Such activity is common but rarely has an impact on international visitors. Human trafficking and drug smuggling are also present and there is a growing concern by local authorities that Moldova is being utilized as a transit point for illicit drugs between EU countries and Ukraine,
The U.S. Embassy has no curfews, restrictions on travel, or “off-limits” areas in Moldova outside of the separatist Transnistria region. Travel into Transnistria is only authorized for official movements. Crime appears to be uniform throughout Moldova, however the veracity of crime statistics for Transnistria cannot be verified. Ongoing political conflict and an obfuscated administrative system may limit the U.S. Embassy’s ability to respond to situations in Transnistria. Reports of difficulty crossing the myriad of checkpoints leading into this area are common. Both Transnistrian security personnel and uniformed peacekeeping forces often stop travelers to conduct checks or turn them away altogether. Travelers to Transnistria should adhere to all posted traffic signs and follow verbal orders of security personnel posted there.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Moldova. Kidnapping is extremely rare. Reported cases do not typically involve foreigners; they most often occur in the border regions and probably relate to smuggling activity.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Chisinau as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Moldova.
There are no known terrorist groups conducting operations in Moldova. With little Moldovan control over the eastern borders between separatist Transnistria and Ukraine, the U.S. Embassy remains vigilant of the risk of terrorist groups entering Moldovan territory.
In recent years, there have not been many incidents of terrorism directed toward the U.S. Embassy, U.S. nationals, or U.S. interests in Moldova. However, there have been drone incidents related to the war in Ukraine. The U.S. Embassy works closely with Moldovan security services on counterterrorism issues.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Chisinau as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Moldova. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Instability in eastern Ukraine has brought Moldova onto the front line of regional politics. While there is increased border security and accusations of Moldovans fighting with the separatists in eastern Ukraine, there has been no reported violence in Moldova as a direct result. There was one skirmish along the border between Ukrainian forces and Transnistria forces.
Moldovan parliamentary elections took place in September 2025 and although increased political violence was expected, it did not materialize. There was documented Russian interference in the elections, however protest/demonstration activity was very limited and only at the Moldovan government. Moldovan law enforcement took a very proactive approach during the lead up to the elections, and as a result there was limited political violence. Moldova continues to be a prime target for pro-Russian disinformation and Russian interference to discredit the current government.
Protests & Demonstrations
Starting in fall of 2022, there have been regular, small-scale protests in the capital and sometimes in other cities. In recent years, there have been several protests against the pro-Western government attended by members of a Russia-friendly parties. Demonstrations have mostly been peaceful and well-policed, with some organized attempts to co-opt these gatherings and cause disturbances. Over the last year, demonstration activity has diminished significantly.
Authorities require permits for most forms of public demonstration. There is an additional provision for “spontaneous protests.” The process requires that the police inform affected parties of the protest. Police appear to fulfill this obligation. Permits are not necessary for groups fewer than 30; this provision also has no time/place restrictions. The police are also well equipped and prepared for demonstration activities.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Safety and security concerns related to anti-U.S. sentiment are rare. Public rallies and social and traditional media outlets have denounced U.S. policy toward Moldova.
Law Enforcement
The General Police Inspectorate (GPI) which is the national police force reports to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and is the primary law enforcement body, responsible for internal security, public order, traffic, and criminal investigations. Additional agencies under the ministry are the Border Police, the Emergency Situations Inspectorate, Carabinieri (a quasi-militarized gendarmerie responsible for protecting public buildings, maintaining public order, and other national security functions), the Bureau for Migration and Asylum, the Internal Protection and Anticorruption Service, and the Material Reserves Agency. Although cities, villages, and districts each have their own local police structures, these entities are all subordinate to the national GPI. Moldovan police have the word “POLITIA” printed on the backs of their uniforms. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over the security forces. There are GPI regional offices located in all districts, cities, and villages in Moldova.
Solicitation of bribes by authorities at all levels is a concern. Drivers should be aware that traffic infractions are subject to official adjudication. Do not participate in or condone bribery. Call the Moldovan Ministry of Internal Affairs anti-corruption hotline at +373-080-055-555 or +373-022-257-333.
Police Response
Police response to crimes, especially in areas foreigners frequent, is good but hampered by a lack of resources. The police are particularly capable at basic policing, but a lack of equipment hampers their ability to conduct complex investigations. The U.S. Embassy is working with the government to improve policing abilities. Most authorities primarily speak Romanian or Russian and have limited English-language abilities.
Traffic congestion may delay police and emergency medical response significantly; private vehicles often do not pull off the road to allow emergency vehicles to pass. It is common in Chisinau for emergency services to take 20-40 minutes to respond, depending on your location in the city.
The emergency line in Moldova is 112.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Moldova, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Moldova. However, if you are arrested or detained, you should immediately request that police or prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy. Moldova continues to face significant challenges with corruption, particularly within the judiciary and public institutions, despite ongoing government efforts to address these issues. While laws exist that criminalize corruption, enforcement and implementation have historically been inconsistent.
Since 2019, Moldova has accelerated reforms targeting corruption, focusing heavily on judicial independence and integrity. The government has prioritized comprehensive vetting processes for judges and prosecutors, designed to exclude individuals involved in corruption or unethical conduct.
Recent results of the vetting process have led to the dismissal or suspension of numerous judges and prosecutors who failed to meet the required standards, signaling progress toward a more accountable judiciary. However, the process has faced criticism from some political actors and interest groups, and full implementation remains a work in progress. Key institutions such as the Prosecutor General’s Office, the National Anti-Corruption Center (NAC), the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (APO), the National Integrity Authority, and the Criminal Assets Recovery Agency continue to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offenses, including illicit enrichment and asset recovery. While these bodies have made some strides, challenges such as limited resources persist.
Moldovan law mandates private companies to adopt internal codes of conduct prohibiting corruption and corrupt practices. The Criminal Code also addresses private sector corruption, economic crimes, active and passive corruption, abuse of power, and influence peddling. These laws generally align with international anti-bribery standards by criminalizing the offering, promising, or giving of bribes to public officials
Cybersecurity
Telephonic and Internet-based fraud scams occur regularly in Moldova. Scammers use text messaging or phony social media profiles. Always be suspicious of unsolicited communications, even if they appear to come from your service provider; contact your service provider directly, as opposed to replying by chat or text message, if you need to manage your account. Most scams occurring in Moldova are conducted in the Romanian or Russian languages, and do not target foreigners specifically.
Russian-affiliated cyber actors also target information systems in Moldova. These actors were responsible for multiple attempted cyber-attacks during the September 2025 parliamentary elections which were mainly unsuccessful. .
Maintain no expectation of electronic privacy. Wi-Fi networks overseas are regularly monitored by security services and others. Security services and criminals can insert malicious software into your device through any connection they control. They can also do it remotely if your device is enabled for wireless. The malicious software can then be migrated when you connect to networks at home or your place of employment upon your return, compromising such networks.
Import/Export Restrictions
Individuals considering doing business in Transnistria should exercise extreme caution. Many Transnistrian firms have not registered legally with Moldovan authorities, which may complicate or prevent the import or export of goods. The Government of Moldova will not recognize the validity of contracts for the privatization of firms in Transnistria without the approval of the appropriate Moldovan authorities.
Satellite phones fall under Moldovan dual usage equipment and require customs declarations.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
