Ukraine to Romania?
 

Have heard horror stories about the border and the short stretch of 'Moldovia' that needs to be crossed. Details of $60 transit visas only available 600mile away e.t.c. e.t.c.

I hear things 'may have changed' as of January 1st this year, is this true? anyone gone through there recently? Is it that bad?

Roger.

Did a little trip round europe about 2 months ago. Went from Slovakia to Ukraine, down through Moldova into Tiraspol (transnistria?) and then back through Moldova into Romania. I didnt have any problems at any border crossings. Was never asked for insurance until I was travelling through Transnistria and then a smile got me through it. Had heard all sorts of horror stories before going about the borders, but didnt see any of it. One piece of advice, get your documents laminated. I used colour copies of originals and laminated them and they served well all the way through. Not even British customs on the way back noticed that they were not the genuine article.

Hi V2RJO,

I was there about 4 weeks ago so have relatively "up to date" info. My advice would definitely be to avoid Transnistria, unless you speak fluent Russian and don't object to being threatened in this language until you cough up some money. There are official borders with Moldova, which are handled very correctly, with necessary paperwork costing about EUR 8.00. See also:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...crossing-27801

Main change from 1st January 2007 is that you don't need a visa for Moldova.

Transinistra
 

Just don't go this way from Ukraine into Moldova it's just not worth the hassle. We went through it about a month ago and it was hassle central culminating in the exit border official insisting that we go back with him to the border to retrieve the bribe money we had overpaid on entry - we did not go back mind.

Hi Tina,

Which crossing point did you use and how long did it take? I crossed into Transnistria at Bender (Tighina) and it wasn't so bad, but it took me 2 hours and several bribes to get out of the country into Ukraine.

There are several routes through Moldova: You can go
- via Tiraspol (Transnistria) - (MD) - Galati (RO)
- via Udobne (UA) - Causeni (MD) - Galati (RO)
- via Bolgrad (UA) - (MD) - Galati (RO)

Most of the horror stories relate to Moldova's "Transnistria" province (the route via Tiraspol). Transnistria has declared itself independent from Moldova some 16 years ago. They are not under control of Moldovas Government. The Transnistrians may (or may not) ask you for extra bribe money. What's worse, if you enter Moldova through Transnistria, the Moldovans may treat you as an illegal immigrant. Another chance to spend some hefty bribe money.

If you go via Udobne or Bolgrad though, you should not have any problem.