If you are under 18 years old, and you are traveling from Ukraine to Moldova on your own, or with someone that it is not your parent, get to know the processes at the border and how to prepare your trip.
I’m under 18 and I’m traveling to Moldova with an adult who is not my parent. What do I need to bring with me?
You should bring any identity document (for example, your birth certificate, your international passport, your national passport/ID). It should be original documents (paper copies), electronic copies are not accepted.
If possible, before your journey, your parent(s) should prepare a power of attorney document giving the adult who you are traveling with temporary legal guardianship. The power of attorney document should be signed by your parent(s) and notarized by a public notary. If notarization is not possible, the document can be certified by the Ukrainian local Guardianship and Custody Body.
What if I arrive to Moldova and I don’t have an identity document or a power of attorney document?
If you don’t have all the necessary documents the Border Police will refer you to the Guardianship Authority in Moldova. The Guardianship Authority will conduct an assessment to better understand your situation, to decide if it is safe for you to remain with the adult you are traveling with, and to generally make sure you are safe. As part of their assessment, they will speak with you, the adult traveling with you, and if possible, your parents (by phone).
While the Guardianship Authority is conducting their assessment, in most cases, you will be allowed to remain with the adult you traveled with in the border area. This assessment might be quick (less than one hour) or might take a few hours.
If your situation is more complicated, it is possible the assessment takes a few days. The Guardianship Authority will make sure you have a safe place to sleep.
If the Guardianship Authority determines that it is safe for you to remain with the adult you are traveling with, they will grant you authorization to leave the border area, together with this person.
While it is not common, if the Guardianship Authority determines that it is not safe for you to remain with the adult you are traveling with (for example, if they suspect you are being trafficked or at imminent risk of abuse), they will take immediate action to ensure your safety. A social worker will identify a foster family or other care arrangement for you to stay in temporarily, while they attempt to speak with your family to identify a longer-term care arrangement.
What if I am 16 or 17 years old, and Ukrainian authorities allow me to exit Ukraine alone, without an adult? What will happen when I arrive in Moldova?
If you are younger than 18 years old and you arrive in Moldova without an adult, the Border Police will seek the intervention of the Guardianship Authority (see details in question #2).
The Guardianship Authority will not deny you entry to the country, but you should know that you will not be able to travel freely within the country or to exit Moldova without an adult. The Guardianship Authority will work with you to identify the best option for you, based on your situation.
For example, if you have a relative in Moldova with whom you wish to be reunited, the Guardianship Authority will assess the situation of that person, and if they feel that your relative’s home is a safe place for you, they will help reunite you with your relative. If you do not know anyone in Moldova, the Guardianship Authority will place you in a foster family or other care arrangement while they figure out the best longer-term solution for you. They will make sure to consult you, and, if possible, your parent(s).
What if I want to travel to Moldova alone, but I want to join an adult relative who already lives in Moldova?
In this case, your adult relative should come to the border crossing point to meet you. If your relative does not have a power of attorney document for you, the Guardianship Authority will do an assessment to make sure it is safe for you to live with them. If they determine that it is safe, your relative will need to sign a document accepting temporary responsibility for taking care of you in Moldova.
In case your relative is not at the border when you arrive, the Guardianship Authority will make sure you have a safe place to wait until your relative arrives to pick you up.
I’m under 18 and I want to fly alone to another country, but I will need to transit through the Chisinau airport. Can I do this?
No. The same procedures that apply to land borders also apply to the airport. You will not be allowed to fly out of Moldova if you are not accompanied by an adult who has legal responsibility for you (such as a power of attorney document).
If you arrive in Moldova without an adult, or with an adult that does not have documentation to show s/he has been granted temporary legal guardianship, the Border Police will notify the Guardianship Authority, who will come to assess your case and ensure your safety.
You may need to wait in Moldova while the Guardianship Authority assesses your situation and figure out the best way to help you. If needed, the Guardianship Authority will make sure you have a place to sleep (you will be allowed to remain with your caregiver if you are traveling with an adult, unless they suspect you are unsafe with this person).
I am a teenager and want to exit Moldova to travel to Romania by myself. Am I allowed to do this?
No. If you wish to exit Moldova, you must be accompanied by an adult. If you arrive at the Moldova/Romanian border alone, the Border Police will refer you to the Guardianship Authority, who will assess your situation and make sure you have a safe place to stay in Moldova.
I have more questions. Who can I ask?
There are many places you can get information!
You can contact UNHCR ([email protected]) if you need assistance or call the Refugee Response Green Line for free: 0 800 800 11, if you are abroad, call: +373 22 780 071.
You may also visit Moldova For Peace: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dopomoha.md/
If you are already in the country, the Moldovan Guardianship Authority in the town you are living in can provide support, particularly if you need help with documents.