Travel Vaccines and Advice for Moldova
Moldova is an Eastern European country bordered by Romania and Ukraine. It is a less popular destination, giving those who do visit a very authentic experience.
Moldova has gorgeous landscapes with vineyards, thick woodlands, beautiful waterfalls, and rolling hills. In September, Chisinau organizes a large public bike ride, giving people a chance to see the city. There are also plenty of caves to explore, paths for hiking, or rivers to kayak.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Moldova?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Moldova
Do I Need a Visa for Moldova?
What Is the Climate Like in Moldova?
How Safe Is Moldova?
Visiting Milestii Mici
What Should I Take to Moldova?
U.S. Embassy to Moldova
Do I Need Vaccines for Moldova?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Moldova. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Moldova: hepatitis A, polio, tick-borne encephalitis, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. - Tick-borne Encephalitis –
Ticks –
Limited information is available, but some infections have been found in the tick population. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travelers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Moldova |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travelers to any destination. |
| Tick-borne Encephalitis | Ticks | Limited information is available, but some infections have been found in the tick population. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travelers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Moldova |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, typically spreading through contaminated food or water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms can include fatigue, nausea, stomach pain, and jaundice. The hepatitis A vaccine is a safe and effective shot that provides immunity against the virus, usually given in two doses.
- Tick-borne Encephalitis – Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease transmitted through tick bites, primarily in forested regions. To guard against TBE, vaccination is recommended alongside preventive measures like wearing protective clothing and using insect repellent, offering a comprehensive defense against this potentially severe illness.
- Rabies – Rabies, a lethal viral infection, is primarily transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. Vaccination is paramount for prevention, involving post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for potential exposures and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for those at heightened risk, such as travelers.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are infectious diseases that can lead to severe health issues. They are transmitted through respiratory droplets and close contact. The MMR vaccine, a safe and effective immunization, is recommended by the CDC as the best way to prevent these diseases.
See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Moldova
Prevent Bug Bites in Moldova
Prevent bug bites by wearing long clothing and using EPA-registered insect repellents like DEET or picaridin. Be mindful of bug-prone hours and secure your sleeping space with nets and screens. If bitten, clean the affected area, avoid scratching, and consider over-the-counter treatments, while promptly seeking medical attention for severe symptoms.
Food and Water Safety in Moldova
While dining abroad, prioritize food safety by avoiding street food, practicing hand hygiene, and selecting fully cooked dishes. Opt for sealed bottled or canned drinks. Prevent travelers’ diarrhea by adhering to hand hygiene, skipping raw foods, and dining at reputable establishments.
Do I Need a Visa for Moldova?
A visa is not required for stays under 90 days within a six-month period. A passport with at least three months validity is required.
Moldova Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Moldova? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Moldova and U.S. State Department
What Is the Climate Like in Moldova?
Moldova has many tourist destinations with different weather patterns. Chisinau, the capital, has hot summers and cold winters with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees in summer to 20 to 30 in winter. Orheiul Vechi, located in the east, has a similar climate to Chisinau.
Soroca, in the north near the border with Ukraine, has cooler summers and colder winters with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 in summer and 15 to 25 in winter. Cricova, near Chisinau, has the same climate as the capital.
How Safe Is Moldova?
Moldova is a generally safe destination, but there are some items to keep in mind.
Political demonstrations are frequent in Chisinau. Traffic can become congested during these times. Avoid these areas during demonstrations and check the news for current information.
Police can legally ask for your identification on the street. Carry your passport or a photocopy of it at all times. Ask to see the policeman’s identity card or metal badge for traffic police.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing and bag-snatching, is common. Travelers should avoid carrying unnecessary valuables with them. Avoid leaving their possessions unattended. All travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings while traveling.
A separatist regime controls the Transnistria Region, making it hard to access. There are many checkpoints leading into and out of this area. Taking photos of them, military facilities, or security forces is illegal.
Visiting Milestii Mici
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit!
Moldova has is known as a country with open doors in the paradise of wine. It is well known for its beautiful, old wineries. Milestii Mici winery holds the Guinness World Record for biggest wine collection. The complex holds 2 million bottles, 70% of which are red, 20% of which are white, and 10% of which are dessert. The most valuable wines are worth $564 USD.
The cellars are over 100 feet below ground in gorgeous natural limestone galleries. It is an underground city with streets named after cabernet, chardonnay and other wines. Visitors need to travel by car to see all the winery and workers often move through the tunnels by bicycle.
If you go on a tour, your guide will tell you the history of Milestii Mici. They will show you rare samples, proper storage techniques, and production guidelines. The tour, of course, ends with a guided wine tasting or delicious lunch. Both occur in beautiful rooms with oak tables and chairs and stone statues. A traditional band of “Lautari” will even perform Moldovan folk songs as you taste your wine.
What Should I Take to Moldova?
If you’re going to visit Moldova, there are some important things you should bring with you. Moldova has a moderate climate with hot summers and cold winters, so pack clothes that are appropriate for the season. You will also want to bring comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, medications, and a basic first aid kit.
If you plan to use electronics, bring a universal adapter. You should also bring enough cash to cover your expenses, and credit cards as a backup.
Finally, don’t forget your passport, visa (if required), and any other important travel documents.
U.S. Embassy to Moldova
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
The U.S. Embassy in Moldova helps Americans who are living or traveling in Moldova. They provide information about local security conditions and emergency services for U.S. citizens living or traveling in Moldova. The embassy can also help individuals with lost or stolen passports.
U.S. Embassy Chisinau
103 Mateevici street
Chisinau MD-2009
Republic of Moldova
Phone: (+373 22) 408 300
It’s a good idea to check the embassy’s website or contact them directly for the latest information on offered services.
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Moldova
Overall rating: 5 stars – 2 reviews
★★★★★
“Personal Service“
“From the moment I walked in the office, i was a person that was cared about. I was given kind and professional information and interest and gentle immunizations that prepared me for my journey to Moldova. My first choice was the health department and was not happy to have to chose another place. However I was delightfully surprised with the service provided and would recommend to others.”
Submitted by: Tim
★★★★★
“Trip to Moldova“
“Everyone was very helpful and I received the meds I needed to take to Moldova.”
Submitted by: Jose
“From the moment I walked in the office, i was a person that was cared about. I was given kind and professional information and interest and gentle immunizations that prepared me for my journey to Moldova. My first choice was the health department and was not happy to have to chose another place. However I was delightfully surprised with the service provided and would recommend to others.”
“Everyone was very helpful and I received the meds I needed to take to Moldova.”
US – English
CA – English
UK – English
Rest of World – English
