Authorities urge travelers to check travel documents
As the summer season approaches, many Moldovans are planning vacations abroad. Authorities are reminding citizens to check the validity of their travel documents and the entry requirements for their destination country in advance. This will help avoid any potential issues when crossing the border.
The first step in planning a trip is to ensure that all necessary documents are valid, according to Ilona Railean, the head of the Strategic Communication Section at the General Inspectorate of Border Police (IGPF).
"We recommend that citizens check in advance to confirm that they have all their documents in order. First and foremost, this includes a valid passport, a driver’s license, a vehicle registration certificate, and a 'Green Card' insurance certificate for the destination country. Additionally, it is advisable to verify whether a visa is required for the country you plan to visit," stated Ilona Railean during the show "Buna Dimineata" on Moldova 1.
Travelers should ensure they check their passport validity well in advance of departure. Many countries do not permit entry to individuals whose passports will expire within the next three or six months.
"It is very important to verify the validity of your passport early, as many people tend to check their travel documents just a few days before departure or even at the border. We must understand that many countries do not accept passports that expire within three or even six months from the planned departure date", stated a representative from the IGPF.
Each country has its own entry requirements, so travelers should gather information from official sources before their trip. Depending on the destination, a visa, proof of accommodation, a return ticket, or evidence of sufficient financial resources may be necessary.
For those traveling by personal car, it’s essential to confirm whether payment for a vignette or other road taxes is required, emphasized Ilona Railean.
Traveling with minors also has specific requirements. According to the IGPF representative, each child must have their own valid passport. Additionally, border police may request documents that confirm the relationship between the child and the accompanying adult or the legal guardian.
"We recommend that parents carry the child's birth certificate or other documents that establish their familial relationship. If a minor is traveling with a person who is not a parent or legal guardian, a notarized consent declaration is required," Railean said.
Common irregularities detected at the border include expired passports, insufficient free pages for stamping, and failure to meet travel requirements for minors. Ilona Railean, a representative from the IGPF, emphasized that while public services are becoming increasingly digital, original travel documents must still be presented at border control.
"The digital version does not replace the physical document during border control. This is crucial for citizen safety, as it allows us to verify the authenticity of documents and prevent fraudulent use of identity or travel documents," concluded Railean.
