Europe

Is Moldova safe?

Capital: ChisinauRomanian, Russian, TurkishUpdated October 2026

L2Exercise increased caution

Is Moldova safe?

Chișinău and the countryside are calm with low violent crime. Avoid Transnistria and political protests; the war next door means checking news before overland trips.

Key facts

US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-07-06.
Homicide rate: 2.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
Road deaths: 7.3 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
Emergency numbers: All emergencies 112.
Solo women: Generally safe for solo women; some harassment at night. Streets are poorly lit, so use Bolt or Yandex Go after dark.

Risks, scams and laws

Main risks

Transnistria: separatist authorities, Russian troops, almost no consular help
Poor, unlit roads; avoid driving outside cities at night
Petty theft and card skimming in Chișinău
Verbal abuse reported by some Asian and Black visitors

Common scams

Unmetered street taxis quoting inflated fares to foreigners
Card skimming in bars; keep your card in sight

Laws visitors break by accident

Photographing military sites, airports or power stations can lead to arrest.
Police check IDs often; carry your passport or a copy.
In Transnistria only the Transnistrian ruble is legal and foreign cards don't work.

Safety by place in Moldova

Place	Safety
Chișinău	4/5 · Safe with normal care

Quick answers

Is Moldova safe for tourists?

Chișinău and the countryside are calm with low violent crime. Avoid Transnistria and political protests; the war next door means checking news before overland trips.

Is Moldova safe for solo female travelers?

Generally safe for solo women; some harassment at night. Streets are poorly lit, so use Bolt or Yandex Go after dark.

What is the emergency number in Moldova?

All emergencies 112.

Safety by place

ChișinăuSafety

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.