Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:797 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!bzs From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Moldova Message-ID: <950821153404_76702.1202_CHN65-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: bzs@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Mon, 21 Aug 1995 15:34:04 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 95 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Moldova ============================================================ Moldova - Consular Information Sheet August 24, 1994 Country Description: Moldova is a nation undergoing profound political and economic change. It is a newly independent nation still in the process of stabilizing its relations with neighboring countries. Tourist facilities are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken for granted in other countries are not yet available. Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel shortages and other problems. Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required. Visas may be obtained at the Moldovan Embassy, 1511 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone: (202) 783-3012, fax: (202) 783-3342. Visas for travel to other former Soviet states are necessary and difficult to obtain in Moldova. Areas of Instability: The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau advises that only essential travel should be undertaken into or through the Transnistria region. There are frequent checkpoints in Transnistria, manned by armed, young and inexperienced paramilitary units who are not under the control of the Moldovan government and whose members rarely understand English. Tourists and truckers may be subject to extortion or robbery at checkpoints. Medical Facilities: Medical care in Moldova is limited. There is a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable needles, anesthetics, antibiotics, and vaccines. Elderly travelers and those with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate medical facilities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of English speaking physicians. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States so travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proven useful. Rabies vaccinations may be useful as casual exposure to stray dogs is common throughout Chisinau. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend Hepatitis B series for certain travelers. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the CDC's international travelers' hotline, tel: (404) 332-4559. Crime Information: Moldova has a low rate of crime, but foreigners have been increasingly targeted for both violent crime and common street crime, especially after dark. The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," provides useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad. This publication is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Internal Travel: Only Air Moldova and Tarom (Romania's national airline) regularly fly to Moldova. Air Moldova service is well below Western standards. Aircraft appear to be old and cabin areas are in poor condition. Train service is also below Western standards and an increasing number of Americans have been victimized while traveling on international trains to and from Moldova. Currency Regulations: Moldova is a cash only economy. Traveler's checks and credit cards are rarely accepted. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Registration: Americans may register at the consular section of the U.S Embassy in Chisinau and obtain updated information on travel and security within Moldova. Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova is located at Strada Alexei Mateevici 103; telephone (373-2) 23-37-72; after hours telephone (373-2) 23-73-45. No. 94-169 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993, to update information on crime, areas of instability, entry requirements, and health issues; to add information on internal travel; and to provide a new telephone number for the U.S. Embassy. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories