Moldavia

There are frequent police checks and police officers have the right to ask for ID on the street. Always carry a copy of the photo page of your passport with you.

You must get permission from the Moldovan Department of Monuments to take any artwork or antiques out of the country. If you do not, customs officials could seize the goods and you could face criminal charges.

Avoid taking photos of military and government facilities, including airports and power stations. You’re likely to be detained for questioning or arrested if you’re caught.

Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal in Moldova, but the Moldovan government does not formally recognise same-sex partners. There is an active social and lobbying group on gay and lesbian issues in Chisinau. Public attitudes are less tolerant and showing affection in public can receive unwanted attention.

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Child surrogacy is strictly prohibited throughout Moldova. The British Embassy will not be able to provide support if you get involved in any way.

Illegal drugs, even small quantities of drugs (class A, B or C) including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Moldova have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Paying by card is now generally widespread, however you may not always be able to pay this way, particularly outside the capital, Chisinau.

The most widely accepted foreign currencies are US dollars and euros. Carry some euros in cash.   

Notes should be in perfect condition, or they may be refused. It’s not always easy to exchange British pounds for local currency.

ATMs in Transnistrian banks will not accept cards from non-Transnistrian banks. The currency used in Transnistria is the Transnistrian ruble. Outside Transnistria, you cannot exchange Moldovan lei or other currencies into rubles, or rubles into other currencies. Attempting to pay in Transnistria in currencies other than the ruble is considered illegal by the self-declared authorities.

Moldova has insignificant earth tremors throughout the year. The last significant earthquake occurred in 1986, causing deaths and damage to buildings.   

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.