The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Moldova at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau does not assume responsibility for the professional ability or integrity of the persons or firms appearing in this report. The American Citizens’ Services unit (ACS) cannot recommend a particular individual or location for medical care and assumes no responsibility for the quality of service provided.

Review OSAC’s Moldova-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private-sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Crime Threats

There is minimal risk from crime in Chisinau. Foreigners are subject to petty crimes (e.g. pickpocketing, theft), most common in crowded areas in major population centers (e.g. public transportation, bars, and restaurants). There have been reports of occasional home burglaries; however, these are quite rare.

Violent crimes (e.g. carjacking, home invasions, and kidnappings) are extremely rare; reported cases do not typically involve foreigners, most often occur in the border regions, and likely relate to smuggling activity.

Organized crime is prevalent, but related violence almost never affects the international community. In 2015, a prominent local businessperson’s vehicle was destroyed by a low-grade improvised explosive device. There were no injuries or damage aside from the destroyed vehicle.

Do not to leave valuables in plain sight in parked vehicles, as there have been reports of car windows smashed, and items stolen from vehicles.

U.S. citizens reported several cases of sexual harassment and assault in 2018. All reported cases occurred in Chisinau, most often near downtown in crowded areas. Most cases involved a female victim touched or grabbed against her will. Some cases occurred on busy sidewalks; bystanders typically did not intervene to help the victim. Cases reported to police are often difficult to prosecute due to inadequate laws regarding sexual harassment and assault. Moldovans generally do not make eye contact or smile at strangers. Traveling in pairs or groups, maintaining a low profile, and adopting local behaviors in public are steps that may help mitigate the risk of sexual harassment and assault.

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.

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. Restaurants bring portable card readers to the table. Your server should never need to take your payment card out of your line of sight. 

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.  

Cybersecurity Issues

Telephonic and internet-based fraud scams occur regularly in Moldova. Some 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 language and do not specifically target foreigners. 

Other Areas of Concern

The Embassy has no curfews, restrictions on travel, or “off-limits” areas, although caution is advisable when traveling in the separatist Transnistria (Pridnestrovia) region. Crime appears to be uniform throughout Moldova, including in Transnistria. However, ongoing political conflict limits the U.S. Embassy’s ability to visit and regularly report on activity in Transnistria. Reports of difficulty crossing the myriad checkpoints leading into this area are common. Security personnel often stop travelers for long periods, or turn them away altogether. Travelers to Transnistria should adhere to all posted traffic signs and follow verbal orders of security personnel posted there.

There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Moldova. However, traditional cultural attitudes towards LGBTI individuals may result in discrimination and harassment. Annual organized pride demonstrations typically draw hostile attention from conservative groups.

Transportation-Safety Situation

For more information, please review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Among the poorest countries in Europe, much of Moldova’s infrastructure is underdeveloped. The majority of its roadways fall below Western standards. The U.S. Embassy urges great caution when driving at night, as most roadways lack adequate lighting. In rural regions, horse and tractor-drawn wagons, livestock, and other hazards are common on roads and difficult to see, particularly at night.

Drivers often fail to take appropriate safety measures and do not adhere to traffic laws. Many roadways lack the traffic control signage that would be found in Western countries.

In 2014, Moldova installed traffic cameras on several major roadways in/around Chisinau. The cameras have been effective in reducing speeding on key roads, but speeding motorists continue to be a problem.

Any person suspected of consuming alcohol before driving will be taken to the nearest police station for investigation. Authorities will charge individuals with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) between .03 and .079 with an administrative offense and levy a fine. BACs at .08+ are prosecuted criminally and can result in substantial fines and/or incarceration.

Public Transportation Conditions

Minibus accidents are frequent and can be fatal. The U.S. Embassy strongly encourages travelers to ride only in minibuses equipped with seatbelts. 

Taxis from reputable and established companies are generally safe. However, travelers should be cautious to ensure taxi drivers are not intoxicated. The Embassy strongly encourages the use of official taxis only. Taxis managed by legitimate companies typically are clearly numbered, with markings representing the company; you may also ask if the driver is prepared to give you a receipt or “check” before embarking on your journey.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

Chisinau International Airport (KIV) is safe and well organized. There have been no aviation-related security incidents in Moldova in recent years.

Other Travel Conditions

Many pedestrians dress in dark clothing and walk alongside or on the streets, due to the poor quality of most sidewalks. This is especially common in the winter because of the lack of snow removal from sidewalks. Clearing streets after rainstorms or heavy snowfall is sporadic in Chisinau, and rare outside of the capital.

If traveling on foot, ensure that your clothing has reflective markers that make you visible to motorists. Aggressive stray dogs are common, particularly in villages and city parks after dark.

The steps leading to building entrances are often fitted with indoor wall tile; this makes entrance and exit quite perilous in wet or icy conditions. Take great precaution on all stairs in Moldova, as many foreigners have had medical emergencies after slipping on ice.

If you are staying in a rural hotel or bed and breakfast in the winter months, be careful to ensure proper ventilation. Carbon monoxide poisoning has been an issue in the past in situations where village housing lacks proper ventilation protocols to avoid an overnight buildup of gas.  Because of the poor conditions of most windows, ventilation exists; however, when a village home or hotel has upgraded its windows without upgrading the heating system, issues can occur.

Terrorism Threat

Local, Regional, and International Terrorism Threats/Concerns

There is minimal risk from terrorism in Chisinau. 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 2018, there were no incidents of terrorism directed toward the U.S. Embassy, U.S. citizens, or U.S. interests in Moldova. The U.S. Embassy works closely with Moldovan security services on counter-terrorism issues.

In 2018, authorities arrested Moldovan citizens on several occasions on charges of supporting and/or participating in the conflict in eastern Ukraine. There were also arrests of several Turkish nationals that authorities accused of having extremist ties, though many accused the Moldovan government of arresting and deporting these individuals at the behest of the Turkish government due to their support of political opposition in Turkey. The U.S. has no information to confirm those arrested had any links to extremist organizations.     

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

Incidents of anti-U.S. sentiment are rare. In public rallies and on social and traditional media, the U.S. has been criticized in public statements denouncing U.S. policy toward Moldova. In 2018, there were multiple small and peaceful demonstrations in front of the U.S. Embassy, though most were not anti-U.S. but rather sought to draw official U.S. attention to local issues.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

Civil Unrest

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Chisinau. In 2018, there were multiple significant political demonstrations in Chisinau with tens of thousands of participants.  Most notably, political parties and civil society elements organized demonstrations against the annulment of the 2018 Chisinau mayoral election. Though multiple demonstrations reached upwards of 30,000 participants, crowds remained non-violent and the Moldovan police forces generally protected participants and kept order effectively. Smaller-scale violent demonstrations and altercations between political opponents occurred outside of Chisinau.   

Several violent demonstrations occurred in 2016, including after the announcement of a new government. Anti-government protests in central Chisinau resulted in the police deployment of pepper spray and tear gas against participants as they attempted to breach police cordons around government buildings. In each case, injuries to both police and protestors resulted.  

While demonstrations, including anti-government demonstrations, continued to occur with some regularity throughout 2017 and 2018, there have been no further significant clashes or violence as a result. The parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2019 and the subsequent announcement of results and possible transition of power are likely to be a period of elevated risk for demonstrations and protests.     

Permits are required 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 25; this provision also has no time/place restrictions.

Religious/Ethnic Violence

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, to date there has been no reported violence in Moldova as a direct result.

Police Response

Police response to crimes, especially in areas widely frequented by foreigners, 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 carry out 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 not uncommon in Chisinau for emergency services to take 20 – 40 minutes to respond, depending on your location in the city. 

Taking photographs in/around security zones, peacekeeping posts, bridges, military installations, and “official government buildings” is often prohibited by local and peacekeeping authorities. In many of these locations, but not in all, authorities have posted signs prohibiting photography. For more information, please review OSAC’s Report Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

How to Handle Incidents of Police Detention or Harassment

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 1520.

Crime Victim Assistance

If a visitor experiences trouble or becomes a victim of a crime, the number to call for police assistance is 902. If you need to report a crime and are unable to communicate with authorities because of the language barrier, please contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

For local first responders, please refer to the Embassy’s Emergency Assistance page.

Police/Security Agencies

The primary law enforcement entity is the General Police Inspectorate. Although cities, villages, and districts each have their own police structures, these entities are all subordinate to the national General Police Inspectorate.  

Medical Emergencies

In the event of a medical emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance. Limited medical services are available. The quality of most medical services is not up to Western standards. Certain private clinics with 24/7 emergency care offer care closer to western standards.

Contact Information for Available Medical Services

For medical assistance, please refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page.

Available Air Ambulance Services

Air ambulance services are available from operations outside of the country, but none are based in Moldova.

Insurance Guidance

The U.S. Embassy recommends appropriate medical coverage for evacuation and/or any care you may need should an emergency arise. Please contact your health insurance provider.

Country-specific Vaccination and Health Guidance

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for Moldova.

OSAC Country Council Information

The Chisinau Country Council currently meets quarterly and has approximately 15 members. Interested private-sector security managers should contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions. Interested U.S. private-sector representatives in Moldova should contact the Embassy Regional Security Officer.    

U.S. Embassy Location and Contact Information

Embassy Address and Hours of Operation

The U.S. Embassy is located at 103 Mateevici Str., Chisinau, Moldova

Hours of Operation: Monday-Friday, 0830 – 1730  

Embassy Contact Numbers

Main tel: (373) (22) 408-300

The Embassy Duty Officer, on call 24/7, can be reached at (373) 069-11-0851.

Website: https://md.usembassy.gov/.

Embassy Guidance

U.S. citizens traveling to Moldova should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to ensure they receive pertinent security updates and notices.

Additional Resources

Moldova Country Information Sheet