Macedonia Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Macedonia: Driving, Safety & Culture Tips

Flag of Macedonia
Info
Local Time
Weather

North Macedonia, a landlocked country in the Balkans, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Its capital, Skopje, features a blend of Ottoman, Byzantine, and modern influences, with landmarks like the Stone Bridge and the historic Old Bazaar.

The country is home to beautiful lakes, such as Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and rugged mountains perfect for outdoor activities. North Macedonian cuisine blends Balkan, Mediterranean, and Turkish flavors, with dishes like tavče gravče (bean stew) and ajvar (pepper spread). North Macedonia offers a captivating mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Current Time in
Loading...

Loading...
Loading...

Local Time in
Loading...

Loading...
Loading...

Current Weather in
Loading...

Loading...
Loading...

7-Day Forecast

Travel Documents Menu
Documents
Driving Menu
Driving
Currency Menu
Currency
Laws Menu
Legal
Safety Menu
Safety
Flights menu
Flights
Travel Documents Menu

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

  • Passport North Macedonia: EU, US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can enter with a passport valid for at least 3 months beyond their departure and stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. An ID card is sufficient for some nationalities, like EU citizens.
  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities, including those mentioned above, don’t need a visa for 90 days. North Macedonia is not in the EU or Schengen Area, so Schengen visas don’t apply. Check details on the North Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
  • Border Crossings: Borders with Serbia, Kosovo, or Albania are generally straightforward, but expect delays during summer tourist season, especially at the Greek border near Bitola. Carry your passport, as checks are common.
  • Health Entry Rules: No specific vaccinations are required, but travel insurance is recommended, as medical facilities can be limited outside Skopje. Check updates on the North Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • Driving Menu

    Driving in North Macedonia

  • Driving License: EU, UK, and US driving licenses are valid for 6 months. Non-EU/UK/US drivers should carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license, especially for car rentals.
  • Road Rules: Drive on the right. Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers. Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas like Skopje, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 120 km/h on motorways like the E75.
  • Road Conditions: Major roads like the E65 (Skopje to Ohrid) are in decent condition, but rural roads, especially in the Šar Mountains or near Mavrovo, can be narrow and poorly maintained. Watch for livestock on roads in rural areas like near Debar.
  • Toll Roads: Motorways like the E75 have tolls—around 60 MKD (€1) per section, payable in cash (MKD) or card. Keep small change handy, as some booths don’t accept cards.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). Fuel stations are common in cities but sparse in remote areas like Pelister National Park—fill up in Bitola or Prilep.
  • Useful Resource: For more driving information, visit the North Macedonian Ministry of Transport and Communications.
    • Currency Menu

    North Macedonia Currency

  • Macedonian Denar: The official currency is the Macedonian Denar (MKD), with the symbol ден. Banknotes come in 10, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, and 2000 Denar, while coins are 1, 2, 5, 10, and 50 Denar.
  • Currency Exchange North Macedonia: Exchange money at banks or authorized bureaus in Skopje for better rates—avoid street vendors to prevent scams. ATMs are widely available in cities but limited in rural areas like Krushevo.
  • Payment Methods: Cash is essential in rural areas and small shops, especially in regions like the Vardar Valley. Credit cards are accepted in Skopje hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites like the Ohrid Old Town.
  • Travel Tips: Tipping isn’t mandatory but appreciated—add 5-10% in restaurants if service isn’t included. Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas like Ohrid, but change will be in MKD. For current exchange rates, visit the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia website.
    • Laws Menu

    Legal Essentials for Traveling in North Macedonia

  • Local Laws North Macedonia: Drug laws are strict—possession or trafficking can lead to imprisonment. Smoking is banned in indoor public spaces, including bars and restaurants in Skopje.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing the name dispute with Greece (resolved in 2019) or ethnic tensions between Macedonians and Albanians insensitively, especially in mixed areas like Tetovo. Be respectful during Orthodox Christian events, such as at the Sveti Naum Monastery.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography is restricted near government buildings, military sites, and border areas, particularly near Kosovo or Albania. Ask permission before photographing locals, especially in traditional villages like Vevčani.
  • Duty-Free Limits: You can bring 1L of spirits and 200 cigarettes, but declare cash over €10,000. Prohibited items include narcotics, weapons, and unregistered cultural artifacts.
  • Religious Sites: Dress modestly when visiting churches like Saint Sophia in Ohrid or mosques in Tetovo—cover shoulders and knees; women may need a headscarf for mosques.
  • Complaints: Submit travel-related complaints to the North Macedonian Agency for Tourism Promotion and Support. For more information, visit the North Macedonian Agency for Tourism.
  • Emergency Contact: In case of legal issues, contact your embassy in Skopje. The general emergency number is 112.
    • Safety Menu

    North Macedonia Travel Safety

  • Crime North Macedonia: North Macedonia is generally safe, but petty theft like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas such as Skopje’s Old Bazaar or Ohrid’s lakeside—keep valuables secure.
  • Ethnic Tensions: Exercise caution in areas with ethnic tensions, like parts of Tetovo or Kumanovo, where Macedonian-Albanian relations can be sensitive. Avoid political discussions and steer clear of protests.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is safe in cities like Skopje but opt for bottled water in rural areas like Demir Kapija to avoid travelers’ diarrhea. Use insect repellent in summer near Lake Ohrid to prevent mosquito bites.
  • Hiking Safety: For trails in Galičica National Park or Mount Vodno, wear proper shoes due to rocky terrain. Wild boars and snakes are present in remote areas—stick to marked paths and travel in groups.
  • Medical Facilities: Hospitals in Skopje, like the Clinical Centre Mother Teresa, offer decent care, but rural areas lack advanced facilities. Pharmacies are common in cities; bring medications for remote travel.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 112 for general emergencies (police, ambulance, fire). For specific services, use Ambulance: 194, Police: 192, Fire: 193.
  • Natural Hazards: North Macedonia experiences occasional earthquakes, especially in the Skopje region (e.g., the 1963 quake). Wildfires can occur in summer in the Pelister area. Check safety updates on the North Macedonian Crisis Management Center website.
    • Flights menu

    Flying to North Macedonia