
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Moldova
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MOLDOVA - WARNING
 March 25, 1992

SUMMARY.  U.S. citizens planning to visit Moldova or the other
former Soviet republics should be aware that the region is
undergoing profound political and economic change.  Because of civil
unrest, U.S. citizens should not travel to the Dniester region.
U.S. citizens should avoid demonstrations or other signs of
political unrest, and should stay abreast of current developments in
order to react to evolving events.  Crimes against tourists are a
growing problem and travelers should exercise the same precautions,
especially in urban areas, as they would at home.  Tourists in frail
health are strongly advised not to visit the region because of
severe shortages of basic medical supplies.  Internal travel,
especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other
economic difficulties.  END SUMMARY.

Ethnic and Political Unrest.  U.S. citizens should avoid the
Dniester region because of civil unrest.  U.S. citizens are
cautioned to refrain from participation in demonstrations or
attempts to photograph events.

Internal Travel Disruptions.  Beginning in late 1991, many flights
between the former Soviet republics were delayed and in some cases
canceled because of shortages of jet fuel.  Travelers should be
prepared for long waits or for the possibility that their
itineraries will have to be changed with little or no advance
notice.  International flights to and from cities in Moldova,
including international Aeroflot flights, have not been affected by
this problem.

Visas.  At this time, all travelers to the former Soviet Union,
including Moldova, must have a visa issued by a Russian Embassy or
Consulate.  Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at any
hotel and will be required to leave the country immediately, via the
route by which they entered the country.  U.S. citizens should call
the Russian Embassy in Washington (202-939-8916) or Consulate in San
Francisco (415-922-6642) for current information on visa
requirements.  U.S. citizens should obtain their visas in the U.S.;
it can be difficult and time consuming to obtain a visa in a third
country.

"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.":  U.S. citizens planning a
trip to Moldova may wish to obtain a copy of the State Department's
"Tips for Travelers to the U.S.S.R.," which is currently being
revised.  Much of the information, however is still valid for the
newly independent states.  This pamphlet provides information about
passport and visa requirements, recommended inoculations and
vaccinations, health precautions, customs and currency regulations,
crime and personal security and other matters of general interest.
The pamphlet also contains specific information for dual nationals
of the U.S. and the former U.S.S.R.  "Tips for Travelers to the
U.S.S.R." can be ordered for $1.00 each from the Superintendent of
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C.  20402.
 Travelers should also check with Intourist (212-757-3884) or the
State Department's Office of Overseas Citizen Services
(202-647-5225) for current information before traveling.

Crime and Personal Security:  Although officials in Moldova have
expressed their readiness to cooperate with U.S. officials in the
event of an emergency involving a U.S. citizen, communications and
transportation can be slow and difficult, and the nearest U.S.
officials in some cases may be more than a day's travel away.
Crimes against tourists (robberies, muggings and pick-pocketings)
are a growing problem in the region.  Travelers should exercise the
same caution -- even in social encounters -- that they would in the
United States.

Medical care in the region does not meet western standards.  There
is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable
needles, anesthetics and antibiotics.  U.S. citizens in frail health
are strongly advised not to visit.  The "Tips for Travelers to the
U.S.S.R." contains additional information on health care in the
region.

The U.S. has opened an Embassy in Chisinau, the capital of Moldova.
 The U.S. Embassy is temporarily located at the Hotel Seabeco, and
is currently providing limited consular services to U.S. citizens in
Moldova.  U.S. citizens in need of emergency services may contact
the U.S. Embassy at 7-0422-232894.  All U.S. citizens visiting
Moldova should register with the U.S. Embassy.

 No. 92-066

This advisory replaces the travel advisory dated December 24, 1991,
for the U.S.S.R., to warn U.S. citizens of concerns specific to
travel in Moldova.

