The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of Moldova warns the Moldovans who intend to travel to Crimea that the Law of Ukraine “On guaranteeing the rights and freedoms of citizens and legal regime on the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine” took effect. The foreigners and stateless persons will now cross the administrative border of the Crimean region based on special permits, IPN reports.

According to a communiqué of the Ministry, the procedure for issuing these permits is being worked out by the Ukrainian side. Amendments were made to the legislation of Ukrainian, providing for the imposition of penalties on persons who will not obey the rules of crossing the mentioned administrative border.

Under the regulations introduced by the Ukrainian authorities, the foreign citizens who enter Crimea directly from Russia and intend to leave it through the territory controlled by Ukraine will face administrative and criminal penalties (fines and ban on entering Ukraine’s territory).

Further information can be obtained on the Ministry’s Call Center 080090990 (free call), from abroad +37322690990, from the General Consular Affairs Division on +37322201047 and +37322201042, or through the email address consdep@mfa.md.