North Macedonia

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:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

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 a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

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

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in 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

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

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, 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.

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. 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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases
• Ministry of Health in North Macedonia (in Macedonian and Albanian)

There’s no agreement between Australia and North Macedonia for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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 laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

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

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

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, 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 to have headlights or parking lights on at all times

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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