Lipcani & Rădăuți-Prut Border Crossing

Approximate Border Location

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Border Countries

🇲🇩 Moldova
🇷🇴 Romania

Border Cities

🇲🇩 Lipcani

🇷🇴 Rădăuți-Prut

Coordinates

48.25°N, 26.90°E

Border Type

Land crossing via road

Operating Hours

Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Wait Times

15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles

Peak Times

Mornings (7-10 AM)

Crossing Types

Pedestrians, vehicles

Daily Crossings

~2000 travelers/vehicles

Languages Spoken

Romanian/Moldovan

Currency Exchange

Limited near Lipcani (MDL, RON)

Connectivity Options

Basic 3G coverage

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Accessibility Features

Ramps, assistance

Safety Information

Rural, minimal crime

Emergency Contacts

🇲🇩 112 🇷🇴 112

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Google Maps Location

About Lipcani & Rădăuți-Prut

A Bridge of Reconnection

The border crossing between Lipcani in Moldova and Rădăuți-Prut in Romania is a powerful symbol of reconnection. The bridge that spans the Prut River here is not an ancient structure but a modern one, rebuilt and reopened in 2010. The original bridge, like so many others along this river, was destroyed during World War II, and for decades, the communities on either side were severed from one another. To cross here is to travel over a bridge that represents the healing of historical wounds and the renewed commitment to connection between Moldova and Romania. It is the northernmost crossing between the two countries, a quiet, local checkpoint that serves the communities at the very tip of Moldova, near the tripoint with Ukraine.

Operational Details

This checkpoint connects Moldova’s Briceni District with Romania’s Botoșani County. It is a smaller crossing with restricted operating hours, typically from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is designed for passenger cars and pedestrians, and the absence of heavy freight traffic ensures a peaceful and unhurried atmosphere. Verifying the current operational hours before you travel is absolutely essential, as schedules for such remote crossings can change, and arriving to find it closed would mean a very long detour to the next nearest crossing at Costești-Stânca. Its purpose is to serve local needs, not long-distance transit.

Before Crossing

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A History of Destruction and Rebirth

The history of this crossing is a dramatic story of destruction and rebirth. The original bridge at Lipcani was built during the interwar period when the entire region of Bessarabia was part of Greater Romania, facilitating easy travel and trade. In 1941, the retreating Soviet army destroyed it to slow the advance of Axis forces. For the entire duration of the Cold War and for nearly two decades after Moldova’s independence, there was no bridge here. The river formed an impassable barrier. Families were separated, and local economies were cut off from their natural counterparts just across the water. After years of negotiations and joint efforts, funded in large part by the European Union, a new bridge was finally constructed, and the border point was officially reopened in 2010. This event was a major celebration for the local communities, a tangible sign of reintegration and renewed hope.

Border Crossing Procedure

The border crossing procedure is simple and reflects the low volume of traffic. As Moldova is a non-EU country, you will undergo full customs and immigration checks upon entering Romania. The process involves two small, functional checkpoints on either side of the Prut bridge. You will first complete exit formalities with the Moldovan border police at Lipcani. After crossing the modern, two-lane bridge, you will arrive at the Romanian checkpoint at Rădăuți-Prut for a full EU entry inspection by the Poliția de Frontieră. You will need a valid passport, vehicle registration, and international insurance (Green Card). The process is typically very quick and personal, a far cry from the long queues and impersonal nature of the major southern crossings.

The Surrounding Region

The surrounding region is one of rolling agricultural hills and small villages. On the Moldovan side, Lipcani is a small town with a history as a local Jewish shtetl, known for its literary connections. It is located in a unique geographical position, wedged between the Prut River (the Romanian border) and the Dniester River (the Ukrainian border). The area is known for the Emil Racoviță Cave, one of the largest gypsum caves in the world, located near the village of Criva. On the Romanian side, Rădăuți-Prut is a small communal village. The crossing’s main value is providing access to the northernmost part of Romanian Moldavia. It is the closest entry point for those wishing to explore the famous painted monasteries of Bucovina, which are a UNESCO World Heritage site, although this still requires a significant drive to the southwest through the city of Suceava.

Practical Travel Information

Practical planning is crucial for this remote route. The crossing is reached by secondary roads on both sides. These roads are paved but may not be in perfect condition, so a cautious driving pace is recommended. You must have the required vignettes: the Romanian `rovinietă` and the Moldovan road use vignette. Both can be purchased online. The official currencies are the Moldovan Leu (MDL) and the Romanian Leu (RON). There are no services like currency exchange or petrol stations at the border itself. You must take care of these necessities in larger towns like Briceni in Moldova or Darabani in Romania. This is a route that requires you to be self-sufficient.

Final Considerations

The Lipcani–Rădăuți-Prut crossing is a route for the traveler who appreciates the symbolism and history of a place. It is a peaceful, scenic passage through the beautiful countryside of northern Moldova. Its limited hours and remote location make it unsuitable for those on a tight schedule, but for those exploring the northern regions of both countries, it offers a unique and meaningful experience. It is a border crossing that tells a powerful story of separation and reunification, a tangible symbol of the enduring bonds that cross rivers and transcend history, and a testament to the positive impact of modern cross-border cooperation.

See other crossings between Moldova and Romania

See other crossings between Moldova and Romania