The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Travel Information

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.