Travel advisory from Foreign Ministry: Increased border controls in Russia, measures mainly target men aged 18 to 60

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) warns citizens of the Republic of Moldova about travel conditions to the Russian Federation, in the context of reported increased control measures at border crossings.

According to the institution, in recent times there has been a growing number of cases in which Moldovan citizens have been subjected to extensive checks and additional controls when entering the territory of the Russian Federation, and in some situations also in the Republic of Belarus.

The MFA notes that these measures mainly target men aged between 18 and 60, persons with recently issued passports, citizens who have previously traveled to Ukraine, as well as persons traveling alone or holding dual citizenship.

According to the information provided, citizens may be subjected to extensive checks lasting several hours, temporary retention of travel documents, as well as other additional checks at the border. There have also been reported situations in which Russian authorities request access to mobile phones and other electronic devices, as well as the completion of forms with personal data. In some cases, refusal of these requests may lead to a ban on entering the territory of the Russian Federation or to the application of administrative measures.

The MFA further notes that questions have been reported regarding professional activity, family, travel to other states, and opinions concerning the geopolitical context. At the same time, the institution announces that it has received information about cases in which persons held in administrative detention have been pressured to sign contracts for enlistment in the armed forces of the Russian Federation.

In this context, the MFA recommends that citizens of the Republic of Moldova carefully assess the necessity of traveling to the Russian Federation and inform themselves in advance about the conditions of entry and stay. Citizens who encounter difficulties are urged to contact the diplomatic missions or consular offices of the Republic of Moldova. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs specifies that it continues to monitor the situation.