The U.S. Department of State issued a travel advisory, recommending the Americans not to travel to the Republic of Moldova. “Do not travel to Moldova due to COVID-19, the unusual and concerning Russian military activity around Ukraine, and the unresolved conflict between the breakaway region of Transnistria and the central government; U.S. citizens in Transnistria should depart immediately via commercial or private means,” says an advisory of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the U.S. Department of State that was published by the U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, IPN  reports.

The Department noted the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens traveling in Transnistria as U.S. government employees have restrictions on traveling to the area. “Transnistria is a breakaway region that is not under the control of the Moldovan government in Chisinau. U.S. citizens should depart immediately via commercial or private means. Visitors may encounter difficulties at checkpoints along roads leading into and out of Transnistria. Taking photographs of military facilities and security forces is prohibited and may result in trouble with authorities”.

The advisory says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Moldova due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. “There are restrictions in place affecting U.S. citizen entry into Moldova. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine. Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC’s specific recommendations for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.”

The U.S. authorities recommend to visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 and related restrictions and conditions in Moldova and to read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before planning any international travel.