From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Moldova
Date: 14 Oct 1992 08:35:16 -0500
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Moldova
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Moldova - Consular Information Sheet
 October 7, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau, Moldova, is 
located at Strada Alexei Mateevici 103; telephone (7) (0422) 
233-494; 233-698.  

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.  Street demonstrations and other disturbances related to 
outstanding disputes may occur without warning.  Tourist facilities 
are not highly developed, and many of the goods and services taken 
for granted in other European countries are not yet available.  
Internal travel, especially by air, may be disrupted by fuel 
shortages and other problems.

Entry Requirements:  All travelers to Moldova must have a visa.  
Travelers who do not have a visa cannot register at hotels and will 
be required to leave the country immediately via the route by which 
they entered.  Visas for Moldova are issued by a Russian embassy or 
consulate.  U.S. citizens can contact the Consular Section of the 
Russian Embassy at 1825 Phelps Place N.W., Washington, DC 20008, 
tel: (202) 939-8918, or the Russian Consulate General in San 
Francisco for further information on visa requirements.

Areas of Instability:  Armed conflict and civil unrest continues in 
the Dniester region.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care in Moldova is limited.  There is 
a severe shortage of basic medical supplies, including disposable 
needles, anesthetics, and antibiotics.  Elderly travelers or persons 
with existing health problems may be at risk due to inadequate 
medical facilities.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate 
cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not 
always valid outside the United States.  Travelers have found that 
in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas 
coverage has proved to be useful.  Additional medical information 
for the region can be found in the Department of State's brochure, 
"Tips for Travelers to Russia," which includes information on 
Moldova, is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. 
Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  Further 
information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for 
Disease Control's international travelers hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information: Moldova has a low rate of violent crime.  
However, there has been an increase in street crime, especially at 
night.  The Department of State's pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad" is 
also available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government 
Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.  It provides useful 
information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security 
while traveling abroad.

Currency Information: Moldova is a cash-only economy.  Traveler's 
checks and credit cards are rarely accepted.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use, and dealing in 
illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Registration: Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy in the 
Consular Section can obtain updated information on travel and 
security within the country.

 No. 92-036