Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While traveling in Moldova, you are subject to its laws. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. Persons violating Moldova’s laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. You may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you or if you take pictures of certain buildings.

Some things that might be legal in Moldova may be illegal in the United States.  You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under Moldovan laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States, and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well.

You should register large sums of foreign currency and declare all valuable goods with Moldovan customs authorities when you arrive in Moldova. Contact the Moldovan Embassy in Washington, D.C. for more information about customs requirements.

Arrest notifications in host country: While Moldovan authorities often notify the U.S. Embassy if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested, the practice may not be consistent.  To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau as soon as you are arrested or detained.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: A separatist regime controls a narrow strip of land in eastern Moldova known as Transnistria ("Pridnestrovie" in Russian). Exercise caution if you plan to do business in Transnistria. The U.S. Embassy cannot reliably offer consular or commercial services to U.S. citizens in Transnistria. Moldovan law requires firms (including those located in Transnistria) to register with the Moldovan Government and to use Moldovan customs seals on their exports. Under a December 2005 agreement between Moldova and Ukraine, Ukrainian customs and border officials require Moldovan customs seals on goods exported from Moldova, including Transnistria, and are enforcing this requirement with EU assistance. Transnistrian firms not legally registered with Moldovan authorities operate in contravention of Moldovan law, which complicates or even prevents the import or export of goods. The Government of Moldova has indicated that it will not recognize the validity of contracts for the privatization of firms in Transnistria that are concluded without the approval of the appropriate Moldovan authorities. A number of internet fraud schemes also originate in Transnistria.

Commercial transactions: Moldova is still generally a cash-only economy. Credit cards are often accepted in Chisinau, but rarely in the rest of the country. Use your credit card with caution, and protect your personal information.

Telephone, internet and postal service: Cell phone coverage in Moldova is excellent. Many restaurants, bars, and public places in Chisinau have free Wi-Fi internet access, but availability is limited outside Chisinau. Express mail services, such as DHL, UPS, and Federal Express, are available in Chisinau.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals are specifically protected by anti-discrimination laws with respect to employment, and organizations of LGBT events are generally allowed. However, traditional cultural attitudes result in LGBT individuals often facing de-facto discrimination and harassment by state and private actors. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Moldova, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2013. For further information on lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: Individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from those in the United States. There are very few wheelchair ramps in Moldova, and most are narrow and steep. Most streets, sidewalks, and other public paths are not well maintained.

You are encouraged to call ahead to inquire about accessibility with your hotel before traveling to Moldova.