Moldova issues Russia travel alert over army enlistment pressure
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) advises citizens of the Republic of Moldova who plan to travel, transit, or stay in the Russian Federation to exercise caution. Recently, there has been an increase in the number of cases where Moldovan travelers face extensive checks and additional control measures when crossing the borders of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. The authorities recommend carefully evaluating the necessity of such trips and adhering to official travel guidelines.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the reported situations primarily involve men aged between 18 and 60 who hold recently issued passports, have traveled to Ukraine, travel alone, or also possess Russian citizenship.
The ministry specifies that citizens of the Republic of Moldova may be subjected to extended checks and interrogations lasting between 3 and 12 hours. Additionally, travel documents may be temporarily detained during these procedures.
Russian authorities may also request individuals to sign documents related to the processing of personal data and grant access to mobile phones, computers, or other electronic devices. The MFA press release indicates that there have been cases where refusal to sign these documents resulted in denial of entry into the Russian Federation or the imposition of administrative measures.
Reported actions include examining, copying, or downloading data from electronic devices, as well as photographing and fingerprinting. Furthermore, some individuals have reported being asked to undergo polygraph testing.
During checks, citizens may be questioned about their professional activities, family members, residence, travel to other countries (including Ukraine), and their opinions on the war in Ukraine or other political topics. Non-compliance with authorities' requests may result in denial of entry into the Russian Federation or other penalties under local law.
The MFA also warns of potential significant delays that could result in missed flights or transport connections, without issuance of supporting documentation.
Additionally, the ministry has received information about instances in which individuals held in administrative detention were pressured to sign enlistment contracts with the Russian Federation's armed forces.
In light of these concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises citizens of the Republic of Moldova to carefully assess the necessity of traveling to the Russian Federation. Citizens are encouraged to inform themselves about entry and stay conditions and to consult the official travel recommendations published by the ministry.
Those encountering difficulties are urged to contact the nearest diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Moldova as soon as possible. The MFA assures that it will continue to monitor the situation and keep citizens updated on any relevant changes regarding travel and stay conditions in the Russian Federation.
