A Russian-born bioinformatician and science communicator, Alexander Panchin, described to socialbites.ca that Moldova is effectively restricting entry for foreigners beyond himself. He suggested that the entry refusals may be connected to the European Political Community summit hosted in Chisinau. According to Panchin, a significant number of people are being turned away at the border. He recounted an incident where a visitor from South Africa could not accompany him to Moldova even though the traveler held a valid visa and all required documents. While Panchin did not provide a definitive explanation, he speculated that the summit held in the country recently could have triggered heightened security protocols. He stressed that the official reasons offered were vague, noting that border officials indicated the visit’s stated purpose did not appear justified. Amid this uncertainty, Panchin did not intend to take any formal action and hoped to board a later flight. He described the experience as highly uncomfortable, emphasizing that compliance with established rules did not prevent sudden, intrusive disruption. He added that the situation affected not just him but others as well. He stated that he had never visited Moldova before and did not expect any changes for his audience as a result of this trip. The biologist further explained that his plan was to deliver lectures across European countries, though specific dates remained unsettled due to a heavy workload and scheduling considerations.
On May 26, Panchin posted on his Telegram channel that his Moldova trip aimed to offer a few lectures but that border authorities refused his entry, directing him instead to Istanbul on the next available flight. Border guards maintained that the purpose of the visit had not been confirmed, even though Panchin said everything was in order according to his understanding. He acknowledged awareness of the reasons behind the border decision but expressed no ill will toward the officers and indicated that he would not attempt another visit to Chisinau in the near future. The episode, he noted, was a reminder of how quickly travel plans can be upended by security considerations, even when a traveler believes they have followed all procedures. In his view, the incident underscored the broader reality that international mobility can hinge on factors beyond a person’s control, influencing professional engagements and scholarly exchange across borders.