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From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com>
Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Moldova
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Date: Wed, 15 Nov 1995 16:19:15 GMT
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STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Moldova
============================================================
Moldova - Consular Information Sheet
 November 13, 1995

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 may be disrupted by fuel shortages 
and other problems.

Entry Requirements:  For information on entry requirements, please 
contact the Moldovan Embassy, 1511 K Street N.W., Suite 333, 
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:  There are frequent checkpoints in the 
Trans-Dniester region, 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 
local doctors who are willing to treat English-speaking patients, 
but has yet to identify an English-speaking doctor in Moldova.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for 
health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside 
the United States so supplemental medical insurance with specific 
overseas coverage and provision for medical evacuation can prove 
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:  There are no internal flights in Moldova.  Only 
Air Moldova, Moldavan Air 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 and Embassy Location:  Americans may register at the 
consular section of the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau and obtain updated 
information on travel and security within Moldova.  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. 95-138

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 24, 1994, 
to update the country description, to revise geographic names in the 
Areas of Instability, and to update information on Medical 
Facilities and Internal Travel.


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