Moldova

Last updated: 29 February 2008

Current at: 18 November 2008

TRAVEL INSURANCE

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that comprehensive travel insurance, including medical insurance, is obtained before travelling to Moldova. Travellers should note that the Irish government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Irish passport holders do not require a visa to enter Moldova. As a visitor you are able to remain in the country for up to 90 days in any six month period. In order to stay longer than this you must apply for a residence or work visa. For further information please contact the nearest Moldovan Embassy http://www.dfa.ie/home/index.aspx?id=376

It is advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you. During your stay you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times.

SAFETY & SECURITY

Along with other countries worldwide there is the potential for Moldova to experience terrorism.

CRIME

You should be alert to the risk of street crime and petty theft, particularly in Chisinau, and for pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Try not to draw attention to yourself on the streets. You should keep your valuables and passport secure in hotel safes and make sure that you carry a copy of your passport with you. It is useful to carry a small torch after dark, as street lighting is poor.

LOCAL LAWS & CUSTOMS

There is a zero tolerance policy in Moldova for possessing or supplying any drugs. This is strictly enforced.

The authorities in the Transnistrian region of Moldova can be uncomfortable with visitors taking photos anywhere in the region. We advise caution if taking photos of even the most normal buildings/monuments, and we strongly advise against taking photographs of any peacekeeping or military staff/installations, which could lead to difficulty.

If you arrive in Moldova by air, your presence should be automatically registered by the Moldovan authorities. In addition, Moldovan hotels are responsible for registering the presence of foreign visitors with the relevant authorities. If you are staying in a hotel, this should be automatic.

If you entered the country by land and are staying in other private accommodation for more than three days you must register with the Department of Information Technologies (address: 42 Pushkin Str, Chisinau, tel: 504 656) or the local passport office within three working days. To register your stay in Moldova, you must present the following documents:

a written request for registration giving details of where you are staying, for how long and the reason for the visit.
your passport.

Failure to register may result in fines and/or difficulties when leaving Moldova.

There are frequent police checks. You should carry with you at least a copy of identification documents (passport) at all times. Drivers should hold a valid international driving licence and original car/insurance documents, and should keep to speed limits.

LOCAL TRAVEL

Transnistria (northeast Moldova) is not under Moldovan government control and seeks autonomous status. There was tension between the Moldovans and Transnistrians in summer 2004 and relations remain poor. Since July 2006 there have been two unexplained explosions in the capital of region, Tiraspol. Any EU consular assistance is likely to be limited in capacity in this region and caution is advised if travelling.

ROAD SAFETY

You should avoid driving after dark outside Chisinau. Road conditions are often poor, and lighting scarce. Pay close attention to the possibility of people, animals and slow vehicles on the road.