Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/MOLDOVA.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 4KB | 80 lines

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: [phone], fax: [phone].  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: [phone].

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 [phone]; after hours
telephone [phone].

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.