Moldova

Is Moldova safe to visit?

Yes, for most travellers who stay out of Transnistria. Chișinău is a calm capital, the wineries and monasteries of central Moldova see little crime, and the homicide rateHomicide rateThe number of people killed on purpose each year for every 100,000 residents. It is the most comparable crime figure between countries.More in the glossary has halved since 2018 to 2.54 per 100,000 in 2023 (UNODC). The US State Department rates Moldova Level 2, "exercise increased caution", mainly for old mines and unexploded bombs.

The risks come from Moldova's position next to Ukraine. Russian drones cross into its airspace, the breakaway region of Transnistria is off limits under UK advice, and the energy system is fragile. We score it 70, below Romania (79) and well above Ukraine (38).

Drones from the war in Ukraine

When Russia attacks Odesa and southern Ukraine, some drones fly through Moldovan airspace. On 27 August 2026 five drones crossed from Ukraine in two hours, mostly over Ștefan Vodă district, and police found one on the Chișinău–Basarabeasca highway, according to the Defence Ministry via Radio Moldova. On 8 September two more entered; one crashed and started a fire in a field in the north, and the authorities closed the airspace for a time, delaying three departures and four arrivals at Chișinău.

We found no reports of anyone killed by these incursions. The risk to a visitor is small but real in the south-east, near the Ukrainian border. Never approach a crashed drone or any piece of metal in a field; call 112. Expect short flight delays when airspace is closed. The 2026 Global Peace IndexGlobal Peace IndexAn annual ranking of 163 countries by how peaceful they are, based on conflict, crime, militarisation and political instability.More in the glossary shows the effect: Moldova's score worsened more than any other country's in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and it now ranks 55th.

Why you should not go to Transnistria

Transnistria, the strip of land east of the Dniester, has been outside the government's control since the 1992 conflict. The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary advises against all travel there; the US advises reconsidering it because of the risk of armed conflict. Consular help is extremely limited, and the self-declared authorities have widened powers to prosecute people for "extremism", which can cover moderate protest or free speech.

The practical problems are serious too. Foreign cards do not work in Transnistrian ATMs, only the Transnistrian ruble is accepted, and it cannot be exchanged anywhere else. Crossings with Ukraine are closed. Your UK travel insurance could be invalidated if you go against FCDO advice.

Crime and scams in Chișinău

Street crime and petty theft are the main risks, mostly in Chișinău. Pickpockets and bag snatchers work crowded areas, and card fraud is common; keep your card in sight when you pay and use ATMs inside banks. The US warns of people posing as police officers who demand fines. Real police do carry out frequent ID checks, so carry a copy of your passport photo page, but do not hand cash to anyone on the street.

The FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary notes that some Asian and Afro-Caribbean visitors have been verbally abused or assaulted, and that visitors report police harassment. Streets and pavements are poorly lit and maintained, even in the capital.

Roads, health and power cuts

Road deaths have fallen. WHO estimatesWHO road-death estimateThe World Health Organization's estimate of road traffic deaths per 100,000 people in a country, adjusted for deaths that police statistics miss.More in the glossary 9.1 road deaths per 100,000 people in 2021, and the Transport Community counted 189 in 2025 (provisional), down from 277 in 2019, about 79 per million people. Driving standards are still poor, and the FCDOFCDO travel adviceThe UK government's travel advice for each country, which can advise against all travel or all but essential travel to specific areas.More in the glossary advises avoiding rural roads at night. The drink-drive limit is about a third of England's.

State hospitals are generally poor, and after an accident you are likely to be taken to one. Private clinics in Chișinău are better; carry insurance with evacuation cover and a card or cash to pay up front. Staff may speak only Romanian or Russian. Drink only bottled or boiled water. CDC notes rabid dogs are sometimes found, so avoid strays.

Moldova declared an energy state of emergency in December 2024 when gas supplies were cut on 1 January 2025, and the FCDO says managed blackouts may occur. Keep a phone power bank charged in winter.

How to stay safe in Moldova

• Do not travel to Transnistria.
• Stay away from crashed drones and any metal object in fields, and call 112.
• Book taxis through your hotel and agree a price if there is no meter.
• Drink bottled water and carry insurance that covers private care and evacuation.
• Stay on paths in fields and forests, especially along the Dniester.

How we scored it

Violent crime (80) is the strongest factor, with 2.54 homicides per 100,000Homicide rateThe number of people killed on purpose each year for every 100,000 residents. It is the most comparable crime figure between countries.More in the glossary in 2023. Conflict (58) is the weakest, reflecting Transnistria, Russian drone incursions and a falling peace ranking. Health (60) is held back by poor state hospitals and unsafe tap water. Confidence is medium because the homicide figure is from 2023 and the drone situation changes quickly.