Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Customs regulations
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required for Non diplomatic moves
- Copy of passport
- Macedonian ID card (temporary acceptable)
- Pro-forma invoice
- Request for temporary import (issued from the employer in Macedonia for Customs)
- Letter of employment (must show duration of stay)
- Detailed packing list
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / convention marchandises routiers (CMR) / air waybill (AWB)
- Lease agreement, including address of temporary residence
- Import permit for certain items mentioned below
- Customs export declaration from previous export (returning residents)
- Import protocol from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Diplomatic ID card (diplomats)
Specific Information
- An import permit from the Ministry of Environment is required for electronic items such as televisions, DVD players, and refrigerators.
- Food items, drinks, and pharmaceuticals will generate Customs inspections and require an import permit will be required.
- It is strongly advised that non-diplomats do not ship these items.
- Food items must be sent separate from household goods and personal effects.
- Import duties and taxes calculation for non-diplomatic moves:
- Declared value of the goods + cost for transport x 25% = DUTIES
- On this total amount (value + transport + 25% duties) +18% = VAT
- VAT + duties = total import duties and taxes
Same-sex relationships aren’t illegal, but Macedonians/citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia are not particularly open about the issue and there are few bars and restaurants which are LGBT friendly. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Taking photographs of any military installation, establishment or site of government or strategic importance is prohibited.
An importer/exporter in North Macedonia is responsible for providing the required import/export documentation, which consists of common trade, transport and customs documentation, as well as certificates of origin and certificates of quality control and licenses. Service providers are not subject to customs regulations, but foreign trade transactions are subject to a documentation fee of one percent.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
- Full duties are payable on imports of food items and drinks.
- Percentages depend on the type of food or drink.
- Animal based products such as cheese, etc. (permission is required)
- The following items may qualify for free import within the limits indicated:
- Distilled alcoholic beverages over 22% (1 L)
- Distilled alcoholic beverages under 22% (2 L)
- Wine (2 L)
- Perfume (50 ml)
- Residents can import up to 1kg in animal based products such as white and yellow cheese and delicatessen.
• All plant or plant products being imported into the country will require a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin.
• Products of animal origin with a total weight exceeding 1 kg cannot be brought in Macedonia without a certificate confirming that they have been inspected by the Veterinary and Sanitary Inspectorate.
• Cats, dogs and other animals being imported into Macedonia will require a veterinarian health certificate proving the animal’s lack of infection or contamination
Free import of goods intended for personal use:
Tobacco products:
- 200 cigarettes; or
- 100 cigarillos; or
- 50 cigars; or
- 250 grams of pipe or cigarette tobacco;
Alcoholic beverages:
– 1 liter of spirits over 22%; or
– 2 liters of alcoholic beverages less than 22%; and
– 2 liters of wine ;
The above applies for passengers over 18 years old.
Perfume and other goods:
- 50 milliliters of perfume;
- 250 milliliters of eau de toilette;
Residents of North Macedonia (Rep.) are allowed to import other goods of non-commercial nature (souvenirs, gifts and goods for personal use) up to a total value of EUR 350.-
Prohibited Items
- Weapons, explosives and ammunition
- Plant and plant products (permission is required)
- Animals and animal products (permission is required)
- Pornographic materials
- Counterfeit goods
- Tires
- Food
- More than 1 L alcohol for non-diplomatic shipments
- Cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos for non-diplomatic shipments
Chemicals, weapons, ammunition, pesticides, agricultural products, and some other categories of products may require import licenses from the responsible ministry. Visit the Customs Administration website for details.
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Original sales certificate / purchase invoice
- Certificate for standard EUR 3
- OBL / CMR / AWB
Specific Information
- Vehicles must be less than 10 years old and in the possession of the owner of the goods at the time of importation.
- All vehicles must be equipped with catalyst system.
- The taxes for non-diplomat shipments and temporary import are charged at the same rate as personal effects (3% of total calculated taxes per month); a bank guarantee is required.
- The details of the vehicle must be shown on the OBL (model, type number of chassis, vehicle identification number, type of fuel, year of production, engine capacity, number of doors, color, engine number, etc.).
- An import permit from the Ministry of Environment is required for electronic items such as televisions, DVD players, printers, laptops, ice conditioning, and refrigerators.
Pets
Documents Required
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Owner’s passport copy
- Pet’s passport
- Microchip
- Health certificate
Specific Information
- Vaccination record must include up to date vaccines and microchip number.
- Rabies vaccine has to be at least 30 days and maximum of 12 months old at time of travel.
- 30 days after rabies vaccination a rabies blood test has to be arranged and rabies blood test (RNATT) certificate obtained.
- The test must be carried out on a sample collected by an authorized veterinarian at least 30 days after the date of vaccination and not less than 3 months before the date of movement.
- The test must measure a level of neutralizing antibody to rabies virus in serum equal to or greater than 0.5 IU/ml;
- The test must be performed in an approved laboratory.
- Documents must show that animal is free from infection or contamination.
- Microchips must be implanted before rabies vaccination.
Arms and Ammunition regulations:
Import of arms and ammunition is prohibited. Exempt are holders of permit/authorization by the Ministry of Interior.
Wild Fauna and Flora:
The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES.
For further details please refer to CITES: www.cites.org .
Additional Information on regulations:
Import of plants, flowers, fruit and vegetables is subject to authorization by the Phytosanitary Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Economy.
Import of medicines is subject to authorization by the Bureau for Drugs (Ministry of Health). Not applicable to medicines intended for personal use if holding prescription from General Practitioner.
Pets:
Cats and dogs must be accompanied by a pet passport and health certificate issued by an authorized vet at country of departure.
Baggage Clearance regulations:
baggage is cleared at the airport of final destination in North Macedonia (Rep.).
Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside North Macedonia (Rep.).
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Residents and Non-residents:
Local currency (Macedonian Denar-MKD) and foreign currencies: up to EUR 10,000.- or equivalent. Amounts exceeding EUR 10,000.- must be declared on arrival.
Currency Export regulations:
Residents: Local currency (Macedonian Denar-MKD) and foreign currencies: up to EUR 2,000.- or equivalent. Amounts between EUR 2,000.- and EUR 10,000.- must be declared on departure. Passengers must hold receipt from a bank or exchange office proving withdrawal from personal foreign currency account, issued not more than 90 days prior to departure date. Export of amounts exceeding EUR 10,000.- or equivalent is prohibited.
Non-Residents: Same regulations as for import apply, but the amount exported cannot exceed the amount declared to customs on arrival.
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Airport Tax
No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to North Macedonia
There is no requirement for passengers arriving from the UK to self-isolate. No PCR test is required. You may still need to self-isolate for health reasons (if you have coronavirus, if you have had contact with someone with coronavirus, of if you are waiting for the outcome of a PCR test).
All land border crossings in North Macedonia are open for movement of passengers and vehicles. However neighbouring countries may have different entry and exit restrictions on their side of the border. Please check before travelling.
Skopje International Airport and Ohrid Airport “St. Apostle Paul” are open and commercial flights have resumed, but with reduced schedules.
Some border crossings in neighbouring countries are still closed or subject to entry requirements. It is your responsibility to ensure that you can enter the next country on your journey. Check country-specific FCDO Travel Advice for details.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
British passport holders don’t need a visa to travel to North Macedonia for up to 3 months.
Holders of UK Refugee Travel Documents travelling to North Macedonia or transiting the country en-route to Kosovo, must obtain visas for travel to, or transit through, North Macedonia from the Embassy of North Macedonia in London.
If you plan to stay for longer than 3 months, contact the Embassy of North Macedonia in London.
Unaccompanied minors (children under 18) must have a letter of consent from their parents or guardian. Failure to do so may result into refusal of entry and deportation.
Passport validity
Passports and other documents accepted for entry must be valid for a minimum of 90 days from the arrival date.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from North Macedonia. However, they must have at least 3 months validity.
Registering with the police
You must register with the local police in the town/city where you’re staying within 24 hours of your arrival in North Macedonia, unless you’re in a hotel in which case you will be registered automatically when checking in. You should retain the registration document as proof of registration until your departure from North Macedonia.
If you don’t register you may receive a fine of between 600 and 1,000 Euros, and be detained or face a court appearance (which may include a restriction on your ability to return to North Macedonia).
Travel to Serbia
Foreign nationals, including those from the United Kingdom, have sometimes been denied entry into the Republic of Serbia from North Macedonia if they hold entry/exit stamps from Kosovo.
Safety and security
Crime
Personal attacks against foreigners are extremely rare. Organised criminal groups are active, particularly in northern areas the border with Kosovo. Shooting incidents, including in Skopje do sometimes occur, but are not targeted at foreigners. Gunfire can also be heard as part of a celebration. You should be vigilant at all times.
There have been several cases of pick pocketing by gangs of children and bag snatches 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.
In the event of civil disorder, stay indoors as much as possible, especially after dark, and avoid crowds and demonstrations.
Keep your passport in a secure place and carry a copy of your passport data page for identification. If your passport is lost or stolen report it immediately to the local police and the British Embassy Skopje on +389 (2) 3299 299 or [email protected].
Political situation
Political rallies and demonstrations occur in Skopje and cities across North Macedonia, usually with notice and permission from the authorities. You should check local media for the latest information, be vigilant, and avoid any large crowds and gatherings.
Local travel
Travel near the border with Kosovo should be restricted to primary roads and daylight hours only.
Lorries transiting North Macedonia borders may be subject to long delays before being allowed to cross. Make sure you have the proper customs documentation before arrival at the border.
Between November and February, Skopje and surrounding areas can experience thick fog. This can sometimes cause delays or diverted flights if visibility at Skopje airport is affected. Updates of arrivals and departures, as well as delays and cancellations due to weather conditions can be found on the Skopje airport website.
Road travel
You can drive in North Macedonia with either a UK licence or International Driving Permit (IDP).
Driving is on the right. Road conditions and driving standards vary widely. Driving styles differ significantly from those in UK. There are frequent accidents. Take care at all times while driving or on foot.
By law all vehicles must use side lights / dipped headlights during the day, and at night, on all roads. Not doing so will result in a fine of 15 euros during daytime and 35 euros at night time.
It’s illegal to use mobile phones while driving. If caught you’ll be fined 40 euros.
It’s a legal requirement for drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. Not doing so will result in fines; 40 euros for drivers, 50 euros for passengers.
Road speed limits in North Macedonia are as follows: 130 km/h on highways, 110 km/h on roads reserved for motor vehicles, 90 km/h on other roads and 50 km/h on roads in built up areas. When travelling on major roads, you can pay the toll fare in Macedonian denars or in Euros by using cash or a credit card, Euro coins are also accepted.
The legal drink/drive limit in North Macedonia is lower than in the UK. The blood alcohol limit is 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood or 0.5 per millilitre. Drink driving whilst over the limit can result in heavy fines and the possibility of arrest. There is a policy of zero tolerance for professional (eg HGV) drivers.
If you are taking your own car, you must have vehicle registration/ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy. If you do not have a green card valid for North Macedonia you will be charged a cash border insurance fee, the price of which depends on your vehicle. You should confirm that your insurance company recognises that your policy covers North Macedonia.
In case of emergency, drivers may contact the police (telephone 192), the ambulance service (telephone 194), or roadside assistance (telephone 196).
In the event of an accident, don’t move a vehicle until the police have recorded the incident and allowed you to do so.
See the AA and RAC guides to driving in North Macedonia.
Rivers and lakes
According to checks conducted by the State Sanitary and Health Inspectorate, the water in Ohrid, Prespa and Dojran lakes are suitable for swimming, recreation and water sports.
However the rivers Vardar and Treska as well as Lake Treska are rated below the level suitable for swimming.
