Security Message for U.S. Citizens: EU Association Agreement Protests

The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau informs U.S. citizens of possible protests throughout Chisinau and the country related to the signing of the Moldovan and European Union Association Agreement, which takes place on June 27, 2014.  Though none of the protests appear to be specifically anti-American, the Embassy would like to advise U.S. citizens living in Moldova to review their personal security posture and to exercise a heightened sense of vigilance.

The embassy reminds U.S. citizens that demonstrations and large events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational.  Avoid areas of demonstrations, and exercise caution if in the vicinity of any large gatherings, protests, or demonstrations.  Large public gatherings can affect all major incoming arteries to the city in which they occur.  Demonstrations in one city have the potential to lead to additional public rallies or demonstrations in other locations around the city and country.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.  Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Moldova to enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency.  If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current information on the situation in Moldova, neighboring Ukraine, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, the Worldwide Caution, and the Country Specific Information for Moldova.  For additional information, refer to “Traveler’s Checklist.”

Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions.  You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, to have travel information at your fingertips.

The U.S. Embassy in Chisinau is located at 103 Mateevici St., Chisinau, Moldova, tel (373-22) 408-300.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of urgent assistance, the emergency number for the U.S. Embassy is (373-22) 237-345/408-445.