Border Crossings Surge In Romania And Moldova

Travelers heading to or from Romania and Moldova over the past two days have encountered a flurry of border activity, with tens of thousands of crossings, multiple violations, and a series of new measures aimed at keeping the flow of people and goods both secure and efficient. According to official data published by the Moldovan Border Police and the Romanian Border Police, the region’s border checkpoints have remained bustling hubs, reflecting both the everyday realities of cross-border life and the ongoing challenges of border security in Eastern Europe.

In the 24 hours preceding February 1, 2026, the Moldovan Border Police reported a total of 45,619 person crossings and 4,143 vehicle crossings at the country’s border points. The International Chișinău Airport led the way as the busiest crossing, registering 15,272 people, followed by Sculeni (5,903), Leușeni (5,025), Palanca (3,277), and Otaci (2,821), as detailed by Radio Chișinău. These numbers paint a vivid picture of the region’s mobility—whether for business, family, or the many other reasons people find themselves at a border.

Meanwhile, on January 31, 2026, the Romanian Border Police processed around 58,800 people and over 12,200 vehicles at the country’s external borders, which include Serbia, the Republic of Moldova, Ukraine, and international maritime and air routes outside Schengen, according to the official Romanian Border Police website. On the entry side alone, 29,207 people and 5,856 vehicles were cleared to enter Romania.

For Ukrainians, the border has been a particularly important crossing point in recent years. Since February 10, 2022, when Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, Romania has seen a staggering 13,915,985 Ukrainian citizens enter its territory up through January 31, 2026. The scale of this movement underscores both the humanitarian and logistical challenges faced by border authorities and the resilience of those fleeing conflict or seeking new opportunities.

But not everyone who attempts to cross is allowed through. In Moldova, 17 foreign nationals were refused authorization to enter the country on February 1, 2026, as reported by the Moldovan Border Police. In Romania, 20 foreign citizens were denied entry in the last 24 hours for failing to meet legal requirements, and four Romanian citizens were not permitted to exit the country for various legal reasons. These denials highlight the strict enforcement of border regulations, which authorities say are designed to maintain order and security.

The border police on both sides are also dealing with a steady stream of violations, ranging from minor contraventions to more serious crimes. In Moldova, the last day saw one case of illegal goods crossing, two cases involving the use of false documents, five instances of non-compliance with rules on stay and entry, and ten violations of border regime and crossing rules. No cases of illegal or attempted illegal person crossings were recorded in this period, according to the Moldovan Border Police.

Romania’s border regions saw even more activity: 52 illegal acts were registered in the last 24 hours, split between 20 crimes and 32 contraventions. Fines totaling 24,593 lei were issued, and goods worth approximately 85,900 lei were confiscated and removed from commercial circulation to protect consumers. The Romanian Border Police emphasized that they take “firm measures daily to detect and sanction illegal activities while facilitating border crossing.”

To keep up with the pace and complexity of cross-border movement, authorities are turning to technology. The Romanian Border Police reported conducting over 10,500 checks in the past 24 hours using the eDAC application, a tool that connects officers to national and Schengen databases. These checks are not limited to the actual border; since the removal of systematic border controls with Hungary and Bulgaria on January 1, 2025, movement within the Schengen area has become smoother, with only random and unsystematic controls up to 30 kilometers from the border. This approach, authorities say, allows for both free movement and the ability to respond quickly to suspicious activity.

For travelers, the practicalities of border crossing are never far from mind—especially when it comes to avoiding congestion. The Moldovan Border Police have recommended alternative routes to help travelers steer clear of busy checkpoints. For example, instead of the often-crowded Leușeni-Albița crossing, they suggest Leova-Bumbăta or Cahul-Oancea. For Sculeni-Sculeni, alternatives include Costești-Stânca or Lipcani-Rădăuți Prut. And for the Palanca-Maiaki-Udobnoe crossing, Tudora-Starokazacie is offered as another option. Real-time updates on border traffic are available at border.gov.md/camere-web, and the Moldovan Border Police Green Line (022 259 717) is open for additional questions.

Romania, too, offers digital tools for travelers: the Trafic on-line application at politiadefrontiera.ro/traficonline/ provides up-to-the-minute information about wait times at border crossings open to international traffic. In a region where border delays can mean missed flights, lost business, or family disruptions, these tools are more than just conveniences—they’re lifelines.

The authorities on both sides stress their commitment to balancing security with the need for smooth transit. The Romanian Border Police, for instance, state, “We are permanently on duty to facilitate border crossing for traffic participants and to provide support to citizens in any situation.” This pledge is echoed in Moldova, where the border police urge travelers to use alternative crossings and stay informed to avoid unnecessary delays.

Of course, the broader context cannot be ignored. The ongoing war in Ukraine, shifting migration patterns, and the integration of Romania into the Schengen area have all contributed to a dynamic and sometimes unpredictable border environment. The sheer volume of Ukrainian citizens entering Romania since 2022 stands as a testament to the region’s openness in the face of crisis, but also to the immense pressures placed on infrastructure and personnel.

As Europe continues to grapple with questions of mobility, security, and humanitarian response, the experience of Romania and Moldova offers a window into both the challenges and the possibilities of modern border management. With technology, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt, the region’s border authorities are aiming to keep pace with the times—one crossing at a time.

For now, the border remains a place of stories—of journeys begun, journeys interrupted, and the everyday work of keeping a continent connected and secure.