Exercise caution — there are real risks that travellers should plan around. Political freedoms are limited and travellers should be mindful of local sensitivities.
Regional breakdown
The official advisory guidance warns against all travel to Transnistria, the self-declared breakaway strip along the Dniester river. This includes Tiraspol, Bender and the surrounding villages. The region is outside the control of the Moldovan government. Ukraine's war runs along its eastern edge, and consular help from international or US staff is limited once you cross in. The rest of the country carries a lower warning. The capital Chisinau runs normally, and the international airport handles regular flights to EU hubs. There are no flights to or from Russia, Belarus or Ukraine. Travellers usually move between Chisinau, the wine region around Cricova and the southern autonomous region of Gagauzia without trouble. The northern city of Balti also sees visitors. Moldova shares a long border with Ukraine, and debris from drones and missiles has landed on Moldovan soil on several occasions. The government says Moldova is not being targeted, but airspace incidents near the border have closed roads for short periods. Border crossings with Romania at Leuseni and Sculeni have stayed open throughout the war and handle most overland traffic.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance last updated its Moldova advice on 10 December 2025. It keeps the warning against all travel to Transnistria in place, and points to the war in Ukraine as the main reason. The official advisory guidance also flags the energy emergency declared on 16 December 2024 after Russian gas stopped flowing on 1 January 2025. Managed power cuts have happened since, and travellers are told to plan for possible blackouts. Travel insurance may not cover anyone who enters Transnistria against official advisory guidance advice. The official advisory guidance reissued its Moldova advisory on 29 November 2024. It sits at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution, for the country as a whole. Transnistria is flagged separately at Level 3, Reconsider Travel. The official advisory guidance notes that the conflict between Transnistria and Chisinau remains unresolved. It also warns that US emergency help inside Transnistria may be delayed or limited. Neither government has ordered departure of staff or dependants from Moldova.
What travellers should know
Entry into Transnistria is possible from the Moldovan side, but you need to carry your passport and register at the de facto border. Photographing military sites, checkpoints or uniformed personnel is not allowed and has led to detention. international and US consular staff cannot reach the region quickly, so any problem there takes longer to resolve. Most travel insurers will treat a trip into Transnistria as a breach of policy. On the rest of the country, plan around the energy situation. Carry a power bank, keep phones charged and check with your hotel about backup power. Winter months bring the highest risk of managed blackouts. Cash in Moldovan lei is useful outside Chisinau, and card acceptance drops in rural areas. Drivers should watch for potholes on regional roads and avoid night driving where possible. Keep an eye on official advisories updates before and during your trip. As the situation next door in Ukraine can shift border and airspace conditions at short notice.