Medical Summary
The health risk information presented here is summarized from Shoreland Travax®, a decision-support tool used by health care providers to perform a detailed health risk analysis based on specific locations, individual travel styles, and traveler risk behaviors. Travax provides practitioners current, independently researched malaria risk and prevention recommendations in a map-based format that goes beyond the annual WHO and US CDC statements included here. Not included here are current reports from Travax of disease outbreaks or environmental events that may pose elevated risks to travelers’ health and safety. The Providers section of this site offers a directory of health care providers who utilize Shoreland Travax for travel health counseling. Learn more about the detailed reports and maps available from these practitioners (includes links to samples).
General Information
Moldova is a developing nation classified as lower middle income. Located in Europe (east of Romania and west of Ukraine), the climate classifications range from dry (semi arid) to humid cold (no dry season).
Vaccinations
Depending on your itinerary, your personal risk factors, and the length of your visit, your health care provider may offer you vaccination against COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, or tick-borne encephalitis. Routine immunizations, such as those that prevent tetanus/diphtheria or "childhood" diseases, should be reviewed and updated as needed.
Malaria
See also: Library article for Malaria
The following is current information as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
WHO—International Travel and Health (current online update, Country List)
No statement given.CDC—Health Information for International Travel (current online edition)
Areas with malaria: None.
Drug resistance: Not applicable.
Other Concerns
Travelers' Diarrhea
See also: Library article for Travelers' Diarrhea
Moderate risk exists throughout the country, with minimal risk in deluxe accommodations. Food and beverage precautions may reduce the likelihood of illness.
Travelers should carry loperamide for self-treatment of diarrhea and, if risk is moderate to high, an antibiotic to add if diarrhea is severe. Consult a knowledgeable health care provider regarding which antibiotic is appropriate for you and most effective for your destination.
Insect- and Arthropod-Borne Diseases
Lyme disease, West Nile virus may pose a risk. Personal protective measures are important.
Other Disease and Health Risks
Additional concerns include anthrax disease, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis C, tuberculosis.
Consular Advice
The material below includes information from the US Department of State (DOS), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCO), Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), as well as from additional open-source material. Standard safety precautions that apply to all international travel can be found in the Library article Safety and Security.
Consular Travel Advice
Due to armed conflict in Ukraine and ongoing security concerns, US (DOS) and Australia (DFAT) advise reconsidering travel (or avoiding nonessential travel) to this country and advise avoiding travel to Transnistria Territorial Unit. UK (FCO) and Canada (GAC) have more limited warnings.
A nationwide state of emergency is in place due to the war in neighboring Ukraine. Travelers should maintain a high level of security awareness, carry photo identification at all times (an original ID along with photocopies of the passport identification page and either the visa page or the page with the stamp showing the entry date), follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor the situation through local media and embassy communications.
Terrorism Risk
Risk of attack by transnational terrorist groups exists throughout Europe. Targets may include domestic and international organizations and businesses; public places and events, including those frequented by tourists; and transportation systems.
Crime
Negligible risk of violent crime exists throughout the country. Organized criminal groups are active in casinos and nightclubs.
Moderate risk of petty crime exists throughout the country, especially in Chisinau, in crowded areas, on public transportation, and in bars and restaurants. Theft of valuables from hotel rooms is common.
Scams involving corrupt officials and false identity (such as criminals posing as police officers) have been reported.
Risk exists of robberies and/or assaults occurring after consuming intentionally drugged food or drink; tourists are frequently targeted.
Civil Unrest
Protests and demonstrations occur throughout the country, especially in Chisinau, and have the potential to turn violent without warning. Bystanders are at risk of harm from violence or from the response by authorities. Disruption to transportation, free movement, or the ability to carry out daily activities may occur.
Unsafe Areas
A dangerous security environment may exist in Transnistria Territorial Unit.
Transportation Safety
National incidence data on traffic-related injury or death are not available.
Speed laws are poorly enforced.
Natural Disasters
Seasonal flooding occurs.
Seismic activity occurs.
Consular Information
Selected Embassies or Consulates in Moldova
- United States: [+373] 22-408-300; md.usembassy.gov
- Canada: Canada does not have an embassy or consulate in Moldova.
- United Kingdom: [+373] 22-225-902; www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-chisinau
- Australia: Australia does not have an embassy or consulate in Moldova.
Moldova's Embassies or Consulates in Selected Countries
- In the U.S.: www.sua.mfa.md
- In Canada: www.canada.mfa.md
- In the U.K.: www.britania.mfa.gov.md
- In Australia: Moldova does not have an embassy or consulate in Australia.
Visa/HIV Testing
HIV testing is not required to obtain a tourist, work, or residence visa.
