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Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:Ìý

• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• ²õ±ð±ðÌýgeneral advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read aboutÌýsafety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations andÌýget appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find outÌýmore aboutÌýFCDOÌýtravel advice.

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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizenâ€� passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.Ìý

The authorities in North Macedonia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the .Ìý

Passport validity requirements

To enter North Macedonia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date� at least 90 days after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.ÌýÌý

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.Ìý

Visa requirements

You can visit North Macedonia for up to 3 months without a visa.

If you plan to stay for longer, contact theÌý.Ìý

Travelling with children

Before you travel, ask your airline if you need to complete any forms for children travelling:

• alone
• with only one parent
• with an adult who is not their legal guardian

If you are travelling through (transiting) other countries, check travel advice for those countries for additional requirements.

UK refugee travel documents

If you hold a UK refugee travel document, you must have a visa to travel to North Macedonia. You also need a visa to travel through North Macedonia on your way to Kosovo. You can apply for a visa from theÌý.

Registering with the police

You must register with the local police in the town or city where you’re staying within 48 hours of your arrival in North Macedonia. If you’re staying in a hotel, staff will register you at check-in.Ìý

Keep the registration document with you until you leave North Macedonia. If you have registered with the police directly, you must de-register 24 hours before you leave the country. You can (in Macedonian).

If you do not register, you may face:

• a fine
• detention and a court hearing
• a restriction on returning to North Macedonia

Travelling to Serbia

Serbia has sometimes denied entry to people leaving North Macedonia with passport stamps from Kosovo.

Vaccine requirements

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see .

Customs rules

There are strict rules about . You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking money into North Macedonia

Declare foreign currency if the value is 10,000 euros or more when you enter North Macedonia. If you do not, customs officers may detain you and seize the cash when you try to leave.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice onÌýÌýand what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find outÌýhow to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in North Macedonia

Terrorist attacks in North Macedonia cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with local media reports and follow advice of the local authorities.

The authorities in North Macedonia have carried out raids against suspected terrorists. There’s a risk of terrorist attacks inspired by extremist ideology in North Macedonia.

Political situation

Occasionally there are protests which can cause disruption. Check local media for the latest information, be vigilant and avoid large crowds and gatherings.

If there is civil disorder, stay indoors when possible, especially after dark, and avoid crowds and demonstrations.

Crime

Attacks against foreign nationals are extremely rare.

Organised crime groups are active, particularly in northern areas near the border with Kosovo.

There are occasional shooting incidents, including in Skopje, but they are not targeted at foreign nationals. People sometimes fire guns when celebrating.

Protecting your belongings

There have been several cases of pickpocketing by gangs of children and bag snatching in the main shopping and entertainment areas late at night. Foreign nationals appear to have been specifically targeted. Make sure your personal possessions are secure.

Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a copy of the photo page for identification. If it is lost or stolen, report it to the local police andÌýcancel your passport immediately.

Laws and cultural differences

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to take photographs of any military installation or site of government or strategic importance.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are legal, but people in North Macedonia are not particularly open about them. LGBT+ bars and restaurants are not common. Read moreÌýadvice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

British banks do not exchange Macedonian denars, so exchange any unwanted denars before you leave. You should only change money through banks or official exchanges and not through street dealers. You will not be able to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in North Macedonia, see information on driving abroadÌýand check theÌý. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. You can get fines for:

• not using side lights or dipped headlights, including during the day
• using a mobile phone while driving
• not wearing a seatbelt, as both a driver and a passenger
• not having all the required safety equipment, including snow chains where conditions require them

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in North Macedonia. Unless you’re driving a rental car or have a residence permit, you’ll also need to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.ÌýÌý

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as at least 2 years of driving experience and a higher minimum age.ÌýÌýÌý

If you have an accident, do not move your vehicle until the police record the incident and allow you to move. In case of emergency, contact:

• police: 192
• ambulance: 194
• roadside assistance: 196

Drink-driving is a serious offence in North Macedonia. If you are tested and found to have 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (England’s limit is 80mg per 100ml), you may get a heavy fine and possible imprisonment.ÌýIf you’re a professional driver (for example, an HGV driver), any alcohol in your system can lead to arrest and a heavy fine.ÌýÌý

When travelling on major roads, you can pay the toll in Macedonian denars or in euros with cash or a credit card.

Driving standards

Driving standards and road conditions vary widely. Driving styles differ significantly from those in UK. Accidents are common. Always take care while driving or on foot.

Driving a British car in North MacedoniaÌýÌýÌý

If you are taking your own car, you must have:

• vehicle registration
• ownership documents
• valid insurance to drive in North Macedonia

Check your insurance covers you to drive in North Macedonia and you are able to show proof to border officials. A green card might be helpful to demonstrate you have the correct cover.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

Delays for lorries at borders

Lorries crossing the North Macedonia border may be subject to long delays. Make sure you have the proper customs documentation before you arrive at the border.

Air travel

From November to February there can be thick fog in Skopje and surrounding areas. There can be flight delays and diversions if fog affects visibility at Skopje airport.

You can find flight information on theÌýÌý·É±ð²ú²õ¾±³Ù±ð.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.Ìý

Wildfires

Wildfires are possible in North Macedonia from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. ÌýWildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:

• take care when visiting or driving through countryside
• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas
• not leave any rubbish

If you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur occasionally. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about .

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you haveÌýappropriate travel insuranceÌýfor local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 194 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks inÌý
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on theÌý

See , including:Ìý

• West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases
• air pollution

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of North Macedonia. Read more about .Ìý

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

¸é±ð²¹»åÌý.

Healthcare in North Macedonia

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals, which entitles you to free emergency treatment in North Macedonia.

Make sure you have adequate insurance. You may need to pay before getting some treatment. Familiarise yourself with your travel insurance policy and what it covers.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in North Macedonia where some staff will speak English.Ìý

Travel and mental health

¸é±ð²¹»åÌýFCDOÌýguidance on travel and mental health. There is alsoÌý.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in North Macedonia

Ambulance: 194

Police: 192

Roadside assistance: 196

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more aboutÌýchanging or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support fromÌýFCDO

FCDOÌýhas guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speakingÌý,ÌýÌý²¹²Ô»åÌýÌýin North Macedonia
• dealing with aÌýdeath in North Macedonia
• ²ú±ð¾±²Ô²µÌýarrested in North Macedonia
• getting help if you’re aÌývictim of crime
• what to do if you’reÌýin hospital
• if you’reÌýaffected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

°ä´Ç²Ô³Ù²¹³¦³Ù¾±²Ô²µÌýFCDOÌý

Help abroad �

SeeÌýÌýincluding in an emergency.Ìý

Help in the UKÌýÌý

You can call�FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad. �

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) �

Find out about call charges

Get travel advice updates �

Sign up to�get email notifications when this travel advice is updated. �

Follow FCDO:�

Risk information for British companies

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in North Macedonia on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.