Moldova: Authorities tighten COVID-19-related international entry restrictions for travelers from eight African nations as of Nov. 30 /update 24

Event

Authorities in Moldova have tightened entry requirements for travelers arriving from eight southern African nations due to concerns over the Omicron strain of COVID-19. As of Nov. 30, the government is barring all foreign nationals arriving from South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Eswatini, or Malawi from entering Moldova. Permitted arrivals from these countries must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival; such persons may end the self-isolation period on the seventh day by testing negative for COVID-19.

International Travel Measures
Aside from the new measures targeting the Omicron virus variant, existing pandemic-related international travel restrictions remain largely unchanged. All international arrivals must present one of the following documents in order to enter the country:

• A certificate of COVID-19 vaccination

• Proof of recovery from the disease or the presence of COVID-19 antibodies

• A negative result from a PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure, or a negative result from an antigen test taken within 48 hours before departure.

Vaccination certificates become valid 14 days after the final dose was administered. Certificates of recovery are valid between 15 and 180 days after confirmation of infection. Certificates confirming the presence of COVID-19 antibodies are valid for 90 days from the date of the serological test.

Permitted travelers who are unable to meet these requirements must self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival with few exceptions; however, such individuals may leave isolation early by testing negative COVID-19 test no less than seven days after arrival.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities have extended the nationwide state of public health emergency (SoE) until at least Jan. 15 due to rising COVID-19 cases; the SoE was previously slated to expire Nov. 30. As part of their attempts to curb the recent surge in infections, officials will continue to enforce restrictions on the use of certain facilities and on indoor and outdoor mass events. Those over the age of 18 wishing to patronize restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, concert halls, and other similar facilities must present one of the following documents:

• A negative result from a PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours or a negative result from an antigen test taken within the previous 48 hours

• A valid certificate of full vaccination against COVID-19

• Proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the previous six months

• A valid certificate verifying the presence of COVID-19 antibodies.

Validity requirements for the above documents are the same as for needed to enter Moldova from foreign countries.

Most businesses are permitted to operate provided they adhere to social distancing and capacity requirements. Facemasks are mandatory in enclosed public spaces, on public transport, and at mass gatherings. Stricter measures may be enforced in areas with higher infection rates, including tighter limits on gatherings and reduced operating hours for certain sectors.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

Government of Moldova