Moldova And Romania Report High Border Activity In 2026

In the heart of Eastern Europe, border activity remains a daily barometer of regional movement, security, and shifting regulations. Over the past two days, both the Republic of Moldova and Romania have reported a flurry of crossings, denials, and enforcement actions—painting a vivid picture of the challenges and rhythms at the frontiers of the European Union and its neighbors.

On January 24, 2026, Moldova’s border crossing points recorded a staggering 48,008 person crossings and 11,221 vehicle crossings, according to Radio Chișinău. The busiest hubs saw thousands pass through: Chișinău International Airport led the way with 13,944 person crossings, followed by Leușeni (7,197), Sculeni (6,363), Palanca (3,500), and Otaci (3,222). These numbers reflect not only the country’s strategic position but also the persistent demand for movement between Moldova and its neighbors.

Yet, not every traveler made it through. In the same 24-hour period, Moldovan authorities refused entry to 13 foreign citizens. The reasons for these refusals were not specified in public reports, but such actions typically reflect a mix of documentation issues, security concerns, or non-compliance with entry regulations.

Border enforcement did not stop at entry refusals. Moldovan officials registered several notable violations within the same timeframe: two cases of illegal movement of goods and merchandise, two attempts to use false documents, five cases of non-compliance with stay and entry rules, and two attempts to violate border regime rules. These incidents, while not uncommon at busy crossings, underscore the ongoing vigilance required to maintain border integrity. Authorities continue to urge travelers to check conditions in advance, suggesting alternative crossing points such as Leova-Bumbăta or Cahul-Oancea instead of the crowded Leușeni-Albița, and Costești-Stânca or Lipcani-Rădăuți Prut as alternatives to Sculeni-Sculeni. For Palanca-Maiaki-Udobnoe, Tudora-Starokazacie is recommended. Real-time border conditions are available online, and travelers can reach the Border Police Green Line at 022 259 717 for assistance.

“Once you arrive at the border, please show patience, understanding, and respect toward the personnel on duty and other participants in traffic,” Moldovan border police advised, emphasizing the human element often lost in statistics.

On the other side of the Prut River, Romania’s borders have been just as busy. On January 23, 2026, Romanian border police processed approximately 56,900 people and over 12,400 vehicles at the country’s external borders, including those with Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, and at maritime and air entry points outside the Schengen area, according to the Romanian Border Police. Of these, 28,734 people and 6,039 vehicles entered Romania that day.

For Ukrainian citizens, the Romanian border has been a crucial gateway since the onset of the war in Ukraine. From February 10, 2022, through January 23, 2026, a total of 13,877,325 Ukrainian citizens entered Romania. This staggering figure highlights the country’s role as both a refuge and a transit point during one of Europe’s most significant humanitarian crises in recent memory.

To keep pace with this volume, Romanian authorities have leaned on technology. In the last 24 hours before January 23, 2026, they conducted over 14,000 checks using the eDAC application, a tool that connects mobile terminals to national and Schengen databases. These checks are crucial for verifying identities, spotting irregularities, and ensuring that those crossing meet all legal requirements.

But as with Moldova, not everyone gets a green light. In the same 24-hour period, entry was denied to 32 foreign citizens who did not meet legal conditions, and exit was refused to 5 Romanian citizens for a variety of legal reasons. The border police also recorded 38 illegal acts—17 crimes and 21 contraventions—at both official crossing points and the so-called “green border” areas. These offenses led to fines totaling 10,623 lei and the confiscation of goods worth approximately 9,018 lei, all in a bid to protect consumers and uphold the law.

“We are permanently on duty to facilitate border crossing for traffic participants and to provide support to citizens in any situation,” the Romanian Border Police stated, underscoring their commitment to both security and service.

The border landscape in Romania has also shifted in other ways. Since January 1, 2025, border controls at Romania’s internal borders with Hungary and Bulgaria have been eliminated, enabling seamless travel within the Schengen area. While this has streamlined movement, it hasn’t meant the end of border vigilance. Police retain the right to conduct occasional, random checks up to 30 kilometers from the border, using their mobile terminals for spot verifications and to prevent illegal activity. This balance—between openness and oversight—reflects the broader challenges facing the European Union as it manages the twin demands of free movement and security.

For travelers, all this means that preparation and awareness are more important than ever. Both Moldova and Romania encourage those planning to cross borders to check real-time information online, consider alternative routes to avoid congestion, and be ready for possible checks—even in areas where border controls have been relaxed. The Romanian Border Police’s “Trafic on-line” application, for example, offers up-to-date information on wait times at all major crossing points—an invaluable tool for anyone hoping to avoid long lines or unexpected delays.

Of course, behind the numbers and procedures are real people—families reuniting, workers commuting, refugees seeking safety, and officials striving to keep order. The daily ebb and flow at these borders is a testament to both the enduring ties and the persistent challenges that define the region. The statistics may be impressive, but the stories behind them are what truly matter, reminding all involved that every crossing is, at its heart, a human journey.

As border authorities in Moldova and Romania continue to adapt to changing circumstances, their efforts underscore the delicate balance between openness and oversight, hospitality and security—a balance that will remain at the forefront as Europe’s borders continue to evolve.