MFA: Moldova remains safe for foreigners, including Russians
The Foreign Ministry in Chișinău says the Republic of Moldova poses no security risks for foreign visitors, after diplomacy issued a travel alert for Russian citizens on January 16.
“The Republic of Moldova is a safe country for visitors. No security risks justify travel alerts such as those issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. Moldovan authorities enforce national legislation without discrimination toward all foreign citizens, including citizens of the Russian Federation, in line with international standards and with respect for fundamental human rights,” said Tatiana Barac, head of the Public Diplomacy, Strategic Communication, and Media Relations Service at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The MFA representative stressed that authorities in Chișinău reject attempts to misrepresent realities in the Republic of Moldova.
On January 16, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official warning for Russian citizens planning to visit the Republic of Moldova, citing alleged risks and problems encountered at the Moldovan border. The Moscow institution claims reports of numerous cases of discrimination, unjustified treatment, and inappropriate behavior toward Russian citizens entering Moldovan territory by representatives of Moldovan authorities.
In a press release, the ministry states that upon arrival at Chișinău International Airport Eugen Doga, holders of Russian passports, frequently undergo humiliating checks and extensive inspections.
According to the institution, travelers often wait for hours in the transit area without basic comfort conditions or the ability to communicate with the outside world.
Russian diplomacy also refers to extreme situations in which Russian citizens allegedly spent more than two days at the airport before authorities denied them entry on what it calls invented grounds.
The Russian ministry accuses Moldovan authorities of arbitrary application of the law, forced detentions at the border, and criminal prosecution without convincing evidence. It also claims that departure procedures from Chișinău face artificial delays, causing boarding delays.
Another issue raised in the statement concerns the refusal of Moldovan authorities to allow Russian embassy staff access to Russian citizens. According to the release, authorities ignore requests from the Russian diplomatic mission, effectively preventing the provision of consular assistance.
