Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to 

Macedonia, certain categories of traveller may require enhanced security.

 

Crime

 

Personal attacks against foreigners are extremely rare. Organised criminal groups are active, particularly in the north of Macedonia near 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.

 

 

Local Travel

 

Travel near the border with Kosovo should be restricted to primary roads and daylight hours only.

 

Lorries transiting 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

 

Driving is on the right. Road conditions and driving standards vary widely. Driving styles differ significantly from those in other countries. There are frequent accidents. Take care at all times while driving or on foot.

 

You can drive in Macedonia with either an EU licence or International Driving Permit.

 

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 45 Euros.

 

It’s illegal to use mobile phones while driving. If caught you’ll be fined 45 Euros.

 

It is a legal requirement for drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts. Not doing so will result in fines; 45 Euros for drivers, 50 Euros for passengers.

 

Road speed limits in Macedonia are as follows: 130 km/h on highways, 110 km/h on roads reserved for motor vehicles and 60 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 Macedonia is lower than in  other countries.. 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 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 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 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.

 

Local laws and customs

Same-sex relationships aren’t illegal, but Macedonians are not very open about the subject and there are few bars and restaurants which are LGBT friendly.

 

Taking photographs of any military installation, establishment or site of government or strategic importance is prohibited.

 

Money

The official currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and shops, and ATMs increasingly accept international bank cards. Foreign banks do not exchange Denars so you may wish to exchange any unwanted Denars before you leave Macedonia. You should only change money through banks or official exchange offices and not through street dealers. 

 

You must declare any cash amount of foreign currency greater than EUR 10,000 on entry into Macedonia. Failure to do so may result in detention and forfeiture of funds when attempting to leave Macedonia.

 

ATMs are widely available in Macedonia.

 

Health

The health system in all parts of Macedonia is suffering from widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials and you may need to pay some of the initial costs (usually between 50 and 100 Euros). If the treatment is not deemed an emergency then you will have to pay the full cost yourself. Make sure you have adequate travel and medical insurance.

 

Mosquito-borne diseases including West Nile virus are present in Macedonia

 

Visas

 

EU passport holders do not need a visa to travel to Macedonia for up to three months.

 

If you plan to stay for longer than three months, contact the Macedonian Embassy 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

 

Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from 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 are staying within 24 hours of your arrival in Macedonia, unless you are in a hotel in which case you will be registered automatically on checking-in.

 

If you don’t register you may receive a fine of between 600 to 1,000 Euros, and be detained or face a court appearance (which may include a restriction on your ability to return to Macedonia).

 

Travel to Serbia

 

Foreign nationals, have sometimes been denied entry into the Republic of Serbia from Macedonia if they hold entry/exit stamps from Kosovo.