North Macedonia

Demonstrations and protests

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Violent protests have occurred in Skopje and other major cities.

Inter-ethnic violence could happen anywhere.

Security in areas bordering Kosovo is volatile. Tensions exist between ethnic Macedonian and ethnic Albanian communities in the region.

• take care near the Kosovo border
• don't take photos near border crossings or military zones - see Local laws

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the media and other sources for possible action
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in North Macedonia. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. 

Targets have included:

• public transport hubs
• places of worship/religious sites
• sporting venues
• shopping areas
• places of mass gathering, including those popular with foreigners

Security services have disrupted planned attacks.

To stay safe from terrorism:

• avoid known terrorist targets
• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• monitor the media and other sources
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, happens in large cities and airports.

Credit card fraud is common.

To avoid being a victim of crime:

• take care of your belongings, especially in large cities and at airports
• carry bags and backpacks in front of you
• keep your credit card in sight when making purchases

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

North Macedonia experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

North Macedonia is in an active earthquake zone.

Bush and forest fires may occur during summer, from June to September.

Several large bushfires continue to burn throughout North and Eastern Macedonia. The following areas are particularly affected:

• Negrevo
• Kumanovo
• Stip

If you're travelling in North Macedonia, avoid areas where fires are present. Monitor local media for the latest information and follow the advice of local authorities.

Some parts of the country experience very low temperatures from October to March. Snow and ice can be a hazard.

The ability of local authorities to clear roads after heavy snowfall varies across the country.

If there's a natural disaster or severe weather:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• keep in contact with family and friends
• monitor local media and other local sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Make sure you have comprehensive travel insurance for the whole time you’ll be away. 

Confirm what your policy covers, including in terms of activities, care, and health and travel disruptions. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in North Macedonia. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Tick-borne encephalitis

There's a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in forested areas and fields.

Ticks are common in country areas from spring to autumn.

To protect yourself from tick-borne disease:

• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

During and after visiting forested areas:

• check your body for ticks
• remove ticks from your body as soon as possible, being careful to remove the whole tick

If you see any ticks, monitor the tick site for signs of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases occur in North Macedonia. These include:

• hepatitis
• measles
• brucellosis
• trichinosis
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or drink bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and uncooked food, including salads, pork and game
• avoid unpasteurised dairy products

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Government of the Republic of North Macedonia)
• Ministry of Health in North Macedonia (in Macedonian and Albanian)

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are limited.

You'll need to pay an up-front deposit for medical services.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Face masks are recommended in hospitals and aged care facilities.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences include heavy fines and long prison sentences.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Photography

It's illegal to photograph military and police:

• personnel
• establishments
• vehicles 
• equipment

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

North Macedonia recognises dual nationality.

If you have Macedonian heritage, you could be considered a national of North Macedonia.

By law, you may need to get a North Macedonia passport after you arrive.

Conscription was abolished in 2006. You may have other service duties.

Check with an Embassy or Consulate of the Republic of North Macedonia before you travel if:

• you're a male Australian-North Macedonia dual-national
• you haven't completed military service in the North Macedonia defence force or the former Yugoslav National Army

If you've completed military service, carry your discharge documents.

Get more details from:

• an embassy or consulate of the Republic of North Macedonia
• the Republic of North Macedonia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Macedonian)

More information:

• Dual nationals

Same-sex relationships are legal. There may be local sensitivities.

Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Visitor visas

You can stay for up to 90 days in a 6-month period without a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

You can also get details from the Republic of North Macedonia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Macedonian).

Entry and departure

North Macedonia's borders are open to Australians, and flights have resumed.

Entry requirements could change at short notice.

Transits through North Macedonia are permitted. If you're transiting through North Macedonia, you must sign a transit declaration on entry and leave the country within 5 hours.

Although the North Macedonia side of the border may be open, the other side may be closed, or authorities may not allow Australian citizens to enter. It's your responsibility to ensure you can enter the country you plan to travel to before entering North Macedonia.

Travelling with children

You'll need consent from one or both parents to enter or depart North Macedonia for:

• a child aged under 18 years who isn't travelling with both parents
• a North Macedonia citizen under 14 years old who isn't travelling with both parents

Parents need to sign a written statement.

Get it stamped by:

• local court authorities, or
• a representative from an embassy or consulate of the Republic of North Macedonia.

You must show the statement to North Macedonia border authorities if asked.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country, even if you're transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport isn't valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or Consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing an 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The official currency is the Denar (MKD). You can't change it outside North Macedonia.

Declare foreign currency over 10,000 euros or equivalent on arrival. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash. If you don't, you could be detained and your money confiscated.

The economy is mainly cash-based. Major hotels and large shops accept credit cards.

ATMs increasingly accept international bank cards.

Kosovo border region

Border crossings between North Macedonia and Kosovo may close at short notice.

Restricted zones exist around border crossing points with Kosovo. Check with local authorities or transport providers if you plan to cross there.

Mountain areas bordering Kosovo have landmines and unexploded remnants of war. Stick to roads and well-marked paths.

Seek local advice on how to minimise risks.

Driving permit

To drive in North Macedonia, you'll need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence, and
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Driving without an IDP could void your insurance.

Road travel

Driving in rural areas can be dangerous due to the following:

• poorly maintained roads
• slow-moving farm equipment
• pedestrians and farm animals on the roads
• poor driving habits

In winter, snow and ice can be a hazard for drivers.

The ability of local authorities to clear roads after heavy snowfall varies throughout the country.

Learn road rules before you drive. In North Macedonia, the law requires:

• you have headlights or parking lights on at all times
• you and your passengers wear seatbelts if the car has them

The blood alcohol limit for drivers is 0.05%.

Check if your travel insurance policy covers car, motorbike or other vehicle hire.

If riding a motorcycle, always wear a helmet.

More information:

• Driving or riding
• Travel insurance

Taxis

Use registered taxis and authorised limousines. Arrange these through your hotel.

Avoid hailing taxis in the street.

Sit in the back seat.

Public transport

Bus and rail services operate throughout the country.

Take care of your belongings to avoid petty crime.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check North Macedonia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 193.

Medical emergencies

Call 194.

Police

Call 192.

Roadside assistance

Call 196.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Skopje, headed by an Honorary Consul. It provides limited consular assistance and can't issue passports.

Australian Consulate, Skopje

Prashka 23
Skopje 1000
Phone: (+389 2) 3061 114

You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Serbia.

Australian Embassy, Belgrade

Vladimira Popovica 38-40, 8th floor
11070 Belgrade, Serbia

Phone: +381 11 330 3400
Website: serbia.embassy.gov.au
Email: belgrade.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Serbia

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia