The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. The EES may take each passenger extra time, so it is important to be prepared to wait longer than usual at EU country borders and allow more time for immigration controls if travelling to and from the Schengen area.
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in North Macedonia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Macedonian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter North Macedonia, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 90 days after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit North Macedonia for up to 3 months without a visa.
\n\nIf you plan to stay for longer, contact the Macedonian Embassy.
\n\nBefore you travel, ask your airline if you need to complete any forms for children travelling:
\n\nIf you are travelling through (transiting) other countries, check travel advice for those countries for additional requirements.
\n\nIf 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 the Macedonian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nKeep 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 register with the police online (in Macedonian).
\n\nIf you do not register, you may face:
\n\nSerbia has sometimes denied entry to people leaving North Macedonia with passport stamps from Kosovo.
\n\nFor details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s North Macedonia guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of North Macedonia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\nDeclare 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.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"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.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in North Macedonia cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks 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.
\n\nThe 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.
\n\nOccasionally there are protests which can cause disruption. Check local media for the latest information, be vigilant and avoid large crowds and gatherings.
\n\nIf there is civil disorder, stay indoors when possible, especially after dark, and avoid crowds and demonstrations.
\n\nAttacks against foreign nationals are extremely rare.
\n\nOrganised crime groups are active, particularly in northern areas near the border with Kosovo.
\n\nThere are occasional shooting incidents, including in Skopje, but they are not targeted at foreign nationals. People sometimes fire guns when celebrating.
\n\nThere 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.
\n\nKeep 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 and cancel your passport immediately.
\n\nIllegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.
\n\nAirports in North Macedonia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.
\n\nIt is illegal to take photographs of any military installation or site of government or strategic importance.
\n\nSame-sex sexual relationships are legal, but people in North Macedonia are not particularly open about them. LGBT+ bars and restaurants are not common. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nBritish 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.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in North Macedonia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s North Macedonia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. You can get fines for:
\n\nYou 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.
\n\nHire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as at least 2 years of driving experience and a higher minimum age.
\n\nIf 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:
\n\nDrink-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. If you’re a professional driver (for example, an HGV driver), any alcohol in your system can lead to arrest and a heavy fine.
\n\nWhen travelling on major roads, you can pay the toll in Macedonian denars or in euros with cash or a credit card.
\n\nDriving 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.
\n\nIf you are taking your own car, you must have:
\n\nCheck 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.
\n\nCheck if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.
\n\nLorries 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.
\n\nFrom 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.
\n\nYou can find flight information on the Skopje International Airport website.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nWildfires are possible in North Macedonia from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:
\n\nThe government commonly introduces a ban on entering forest and wilderness areas during summer months when the risk of wildfires is highest. Fines for non-compliance are severe. For further information seek local advice or contact Public Enterprise National Forests.
\n\nIf you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112.\n Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.
\n\nEarthquakes occur occasionally. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nDial 194 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip check:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in North Macedonia, including:
\n\nAltitude sickness is a risk in parts of North Macedonia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nThere is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals, which entitles you to free emergency treatment in North Macedonia.
\n\nMake 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.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in North Macedonia where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"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.
\n\nAmbulance: 194
\n\nPolice: 192
\n\nRoadside assistance: 196
\n\nContact 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.
\n\nFor 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.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe 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.
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