smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
| The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia overall | This Advice is current for Tuesday, 07 October 2008. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| North west region bordering Kosovo | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Civil Unrest/Political Tension (election related violence) and Entry and Exit Requirements (visa requirements). The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect your safety in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia because of the risk of civil unrest. Pay close attention to your personal security and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Despite a significant improvement in the security situation since serious inter-ethnic violence in 2001, occasional acts of inter-ethnic violence continue to occur. You should avoid demonstrations and protests as they may become violent. On 6 August 2007, two grenades were fired at a government building in Skopje.
There were a number of violent incidents in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on election day, Sunday 1 June, particularly in the north west of the country, including the capital Skopje. One person was killed and a number of people injured in incidents of intimidation and violence at polling stations. Tensions are expected to remain high. You should exercise caution when visiting these areas.
Region bordering Kosovo: We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the region bordering Kosovo, including adjacent areas of southern Serbia, because of the threat of inter-ethnic violence.
Following Kosovo’s declaration of independence from Serbia on 17 February 2008, the security situation in Kosovo, including areas bordering the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia could deteriorate rapidly . Political demonstrations can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. The border between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Kosovo is subject to closure to all traffic at short notice.
Tensions also exist between the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia's ethnic Macedonian and ethnic Albanian communities in the region. Isolated incidents of inter-ethnic violence continue to occur.
The immediate border areas beyond designated crossing points are restricted military zones. Landmines and unexploded ordnance are present in the mountainous areas bordering Kosovo. Photographs should not be taken at border crossings or in the vicinity of military zones.
Petty crime such as pick-pocketing and bag snatching occurs in large cities and at airports.
Credit card fraud is widespread in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Driving on rural roads may be dangerous because of poorly maintained roads and slow moving farm equipment. Roads may be shared with pedestrians and farm animals in rural areas. Drivers must have their vehicle headlights or parking lights turned on, even during day light hours.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is in an active seismic zone and is subject to earthquakes.
Information on natural disasters, including earthquakes, can be obtained from the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.
Bush and forest fires may occur during summer months (usually June to September). You should monitor local media reports for updated information.
If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.
Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas.
The economy is cash based with euros and US dollars widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or child care facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or child care facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select child care providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Childwise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include heavy fines and lengthy imprisonment.
Photography of military and police personnel, establishments, vehicles and equipment is prohibited.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
Conscription into military service was abolished in April 2006. However, dual national Australian/the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia males who have not completed military service in the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM) or in the former Yugoslav National Army (JNA) are advised to check with the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia before they travel. If you have completed your military service you should carry your discharge documents with you.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia or visit The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia website for the most up to date information.
From 23 May 2008 Australians are no longer required to obtain a visa before entering the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
You are required to declare all foreign currency on arrival in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Failure to do so may result in detention and forfeiture of undeclared funds.
Foreigners in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are required to register their place of residence within 24 hours of arrival. Registration is completed as part of check-in at hotels. Foreigners staying in a private home are required to register at the nearest police station within 3 days of arrival. Failure to do so can result in fines and delays in departure.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas.
The standard of medical facilities in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia is limited. Foreigners will be required to pay an up-front deposit for medical services. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities would be necessary. Costs for a medical evacuation could cost upwards of $A100,000.
Travel in forested areas in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia brings the risk of exposure to tick-borne encephalitis. Ticks are very common in country areas and are active from spring to autumn.
Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis and brucellosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We recommend that you avoid raw and undercooked food, and avoid unpasteurised dairy products. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
In rural areas it is recommended that all drinking water be boiled or that you drink bottled water.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Australia has a Consulate in Skopje headed by an Honorary Consul. The Consulate provides limited consular assistance which does not include the issue of Australian passports. You can obtain full consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Serbia.
Australian Embassy
13 Cika Ljubina 11000
Belgrade, Serbia
Telephone (381 11) 330 3400
Facsimile (381 11) 330 3409
Website: http://www.serbia.embassy.gov.au/
Contact details for the Consulate are:
Australian Honorary Consulate
Motiva, Londonska 11 B
Skopje,
The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Telephone (389 2) 306 1114
Facsimile (389 2) 306 1834
If you are travelling to the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency-whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
