Moldovan Foreign Affairs Ministry's Crisis Cell activated amid escalating tensions in Middle East; urgent recommendations for citizens, embassies' contact details

The Foreign Affairs Ministry (MAE) of Moldova announces that, in the context of the substantial deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East, the Crisis Cell has been activated and is continuously monitoring developments in the region, coordinating the activity of Moldova’s diplomatic missions.

The authorities are providing updated information and recommendations for Moldovan citizens located in the states affected by the military tensions.

In the State of Israel, against the backdrop of ongoing airstrikes, citizens are urged to remain in bomb shelters, strictly follow the instructions of the local authorities, and not leave protected areas until an official announcement is made. Temporary interruptions in communications are possible. For consular assistance, citizens may contact the Embassy of Moldova in the State of Israel at +972 52 778 9772 and +972 52 278 7326 or at tel-aviv@mfa.gov.md.

In the State of Qatar, the airspace is closed. The MAE recommends avoiding crowded areas, public demonstrations and the proximity of government buildings, military facilities and law-enforcement institutions, as well as considering shelter-in-place measures at home. Citizens may contact the Embassy of Moldova in the State of Qatar (also accredited to the State of Kuwait) at +974 3377 3417 or at doha@mfa.gov.md.

In the United Arab Emirates, airspace is affected, and citizens are advised to constantly check the status of their flights with airline operators and to follow the instructions of local authorities. The Embassy of Moldova in the United Arab Emirates (also accredited to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Kingdom of Bahrain) can be contacted at +971 50 916 0778 or abudhabi@mfa.gov.md.

In the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan–Iran land border remains closed for regular passenger crossings, and emergency exits are possible only through prior institutional coordination. The MAE recommends avoiding travel to Iran. Citizens currently on Iranian territory are urged to identify available exit routes and to contact diplomatic missions in advance. Flights are affected and air evacuations are possible only through approved corridors. The Embassy of Moldova in the Republic of Azerbaijan (also accredited to the Islamic Republic of Iran) can be contacted at +994 50 228 51 35 or baku@mfa.gov.md.

In Turkey, flights to Iran are temporarily suspended, and the Turkey–Iran land border remains open, but with tightened controls and possible significant delays. For the time being, there is no official announcement regarding the complete closure of the border. For additional information, citizens may contact the Embassy of Moldova in the Turkey at +90 541 687 21 04 or ankara@mfa.gov.md.

In general, the MAE recommends avoiding non-essential travel to affected areas, checking flight status before going to the airport, avoiding sensitive locations (government buildings, military facilities, law-enforcement institutions), keeping identity documents at hand and following exclusively official sources of information.