Moldova
About Moldova
| Currency | Moldovan Leu (MDL) |
| Language | Romanian |
| Capital | Chisinau |
The Republic of Moldova, located in eastern Europe, borders Romania to the southwest and Ukraine to the north and southeast. Once considered to be a part of Romania, Moldova became part of the Soviet Union at the end of World War II, and it wasn’t until 1991 that Moldova became an independent nation. Although independent, Russian forces have remained in the region of Transnistria (eastern strip of Moldova) in an attempt to seek independence for this area, since the area is composed primarily of those of Ukrainian and Russian descent. This region is not controlled by the Moldovan government but instead is controlled by a pro-independence regime.
In Moldova, the president is the chief of state and the prime minister is the head of government. Moldova has suffered significant political unrest post-independence, with tension between the pro-European and communist political powers, including violent protests of presidential elections and the collapse of two pro-European governments. This instability and political corruption have contributed to Moldova’s poor economy, the poorest in Europe. In an attempt to rebuild their nation, the government of Moldova has signed an EU association agreement, indicating their interest in joining the European Union.
Moldova is primarily a cash-based economy. The Moldovan Leu is the official currency in Moldova, however, the Euro and the US dollar may also be accepted in some areas. In Transnistria, the Transnistrian ruble is used and the Moldovan Leu cannot be used or converted into the local currency.
Moldova’s moderate winters, warm summers, and beautiful, unspoiled countryside make it a promising travel destination.
Recommended Vaccinations For Moldova
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine
BCG vaccine is recommended for those at increased risk from coming in close contact with infected persons or for unvaccinated people, children under 16 years of age, who are going to live in the country for more than 3 months.
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine
Travellers are at risk via exposure to ticks during outdoor activities in areas of vegetation (gardens, parks, forest fringes, meadows and marshes). Campers, hikers, bikers, and adventure travellers should consider obtaining a vaccination against this disease.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Recommended Medications For Moldova
There are no recommendations for Moldova at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for Moldova
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis A
There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A virus in this country through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B
There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in this country.
For Some Travellers
Measles
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Hanta Virus
There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.
Tuberculosis
Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Tick-Borne Encephalitis
There is a possible risk of tick-borne encephalitis throughout the country. The transmission season varies, however, and ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn (March to November). Vaccination may be considered for travellers whose planned outdoor activities put them at risk.
Rabies
Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Safety & Security in Moldova
Personal Safety
There is general hospitality towards tourists in Moldova, however, travellers of Asian, Caribbean and African descent may be subject to harassment and discrimination.
Take necessary precautions to stay safe and to avoid petty crime and theft. Always be alert in your surroundings. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Do not display wealth so as to avoid being a target for theft. Theft from hotels is common; ensure valuable are kept in a safe place. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Police have the right to request identification at any time, thus you should carry identification with you at all times. Avoid walking alone at night. Do not accept drinks or food from strangers and never let your drink out of your sight. Organized crime has frequently been reported in casinos and nightclubs; avoid these establishments. Be aware of credit card and ABM fraud.
The incidence of road accidents is high is Moldova. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, lighting, signage and reckless driving. Exercise extreme caution in rural areas where roads may be unpaved and unlit at night. Avoid travelling after dark. Public transportation may be unreliable. Instead, travellers are advised to take licensed taxis only.
LGBTI travellers are advised that, although same-sex relations are not illegal in Moldova, there may be a lack of tolerance of, and discrimination towards, gay behaviour.
Photography of military and governmental personnel, equipment or installations is prohibited. Moldova is in an active seismic zone and small tremors may occur with limited damage. Flooding and landslides may also occur.
Extreme Violence
There have been a number of explosions in the Transnistria region in late April. Transnistria is outside the control of the Moldovan authorities.
Political Unrest
Political tension remains in Moldova, particularly in the region of Transnistria. The security situation may be unstable and unpredictable, particularly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In late April 2022, several explosions occurred in the region. There is a risk of armed conflict. The situation could deteriorate rapidly. Avoid large public gatherings as they have the potential of turning violent. From midnight local time on 28 February 2022, all checkpoints between Ukraine and the Transnistria region were temporarily closed. All other border crossings into Moldova remain open.
Areas To Avoid
Avoid all travel to the Transnistria region. This area is not under the control of the Moldovan government and is an area of political instability and possible violence.
