Europe
Macedonia
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Still current at: 25 July 2008
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Updated: 11 July 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Entry Requirements (Travel to Serbia from Kosovo) section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
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Travel Summary
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There have been a number of violent incidents throughout Macedonia on Election Day (Sunday 1 June), particularly in the north west of the country. You should exercise particular caution when travelling to these parts of Macedonia and avoid large crowds, political rallies or demonstrations.
- You should exercise caution if you intend to travel to the northern and western border regions of Macedonia. Please see the Local Travel section of this advice for more details.
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There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
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Sporadic acts of violence do still occur in Macedonia, particularly in the north, but also including Skopje. Please see the Local Travel and Political Situation sections of this advice for more details.
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Most visits to Macedonia are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Macedonia in 2007 was as a result of an arrest or detention.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Macedonia. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
There is an underlying threat from international terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see Terrorism Abroad.
Crime
Personal attacks against foreigners are extremely rare. However, since March 2006 there has been a number of small bombs exploding in central Skopje and some shooting incidents (principally in Cair and the Bit Pazar areas). These have usually been against targeted individuals. There is always, however, the possibility of foreigners being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You should therefore keep to the main areas and streets and be vigilant at all times. There have also been several cases of foreigners being pick pocketed by gangs of children and bag snatchers in the main shopping and entertainment areas late at night. Foreign nationals appear to have been specifically targeted. You should ensure that your personal possessions are secure.
Credit card fraud is widespread and caution should be exercised when making a purchase using this method. The number of ATMs in Macedonia is increasing, making the withdrawal of local currency much easier.
There has been no repetition in Skopje or elsewhere in Macedonia of the public demonstrations that took place against elements of the International Community during the 2001 crisis. However, acts of intimidation and harassment against nationals of western countries have been reported.
In the event of civil disorder, we advise British nationals to stay at home and restrict their movements as much as possible, especially after dark. Avoid crowds and demonstrations generally. Keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel and ensure that travel documents are current. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad.
Political Situation
Macedonia Country Profile
Following the serious inter-ethnic fighting in 2001, the situation in Macedonia has largely stabilised, with Parliamentary elections passing off peacefully in July 2006.
Macedonia Country Profile
Following the serious inter-ethnic fighting in 2001, the situation in Macedonia has largely stabilised, with Parliamentary elections passing off peacefully in July 2006.
Parliamentary elections were held in Macedonia on 1 June 2008. Violent incidents in certain ethnic Albanian areas of the country occurred during the elections. Tensions will remain high in this post election period as re-runs are held in several municipalities in north western Macedonia and around Skopje. There will then follow a period of Coalition building.
Local Travel
There is a possibility of further violence following the elections on 1 June 2008, as re-runs are held in certain municipalities in north western Macedonia and some areas arond Skopje. During this time, you should exercise particular caution when travelling to these parts of Macedonia and avoid large crowds, political rallies or demonstrations (see the Political Situation section of this advice for further details).
Visitors to north west Macedonia should exercise particular caution as armed groups are known to operate there, and there are sometimes sporadic incidents of violence. While there is no evidence of foreigners being deliberately targeted, visitors to this region may find themselves the victims of local bandits or caught up in acts of violence. There have also been some reports, which are unconfirmed, that there may be attacks on main transport links.
You should exercise caution when travelling in the northern and western regions of Macedonia. Travel should be restricted to primary roads and daylight hours only. A high level of vigilance should be maintained. Particular care should be taken due to the continuing threat from land mines and unexploded ordnance.
You should exercise caution when travelling to the area bordering Serbia. Apart from designated border crossings, the immediate border area is a military restricted zone. Permission must be obtained from the nearest Macedonian police station before travelling to this zone.
The border between Macedonia and Kosovo can be subject to closure at short notice to all traffic. If you intend to deliver humanitarian goods to Kosovo, in particular foodstuffs, from Macedonia you should take this into consideration. When the border is open, Load Carrying Vehicles transiting Macedonia to Kosovo may be subject to long delays before being permitted to cross. You should ensure that you have the proper customs documentation prior to arrival at any of the Macedonian border crossings.
You should exercise caution when travelling to the area bordering Serbia. Apart from designated border crossings, the immediate border area is a military restricted zone. Permission must be obtained from the nearest Macedonian police station before travelling to this zone.
The border between Macedonia and Kosovo can be subject to closure at short notice to all traffic. If you intend to deliver humanitarian goods to Kosovo, in particular foodstuffs, from Macedonia you should take this into consideration. When the border is open, Load Carrying Vehicles transiting Macedonia to Kosovo may be subject to long delays before being permitted to cross. You should ensure that you have the proper customs documentation prior to arrival at any of the Macedonian border crossings.
Road Travel
You can drive in Macedonia with either a UK or International Driving Licence.
All vehicles must use side lights/ dipped headlights during the day.
It is illegal to use mobile phones whilst driving.
You should also be aware that the legal drink limit for driving in Macedonia is lower than in the UK.
Traffic in Macedonia is unpredictable and driving standards vary widely. You are advised to exercise caution at all times whilst driving.
For more general information see Driving Abroad.
Local laws and customs
Macedonia has brought in new laws requiring all vehicles to use side lights/ dipped headlights during the day.
It is illegal to use mobile phones whilst driving.
You should not take photographs of, or near, military or official installations.
For more general information for different types of travellers see Travel Advice Relevant to You.
Entry requirements
Visas
There is currently no requirement for holders of British passports to obtain visas for travel to Macedonia. Holders of UK Refugee Travel Documents travelling to Macedonia or transiting the country en-route to Kosovo, must obtain visas for travel to, or transit through, Macedonia.
Travel to Serbia from Kosovo
UNMIK exit/entry stamps were replaced by Republic of Kosovo stamps on 27 June 2008.
We are aware of recent incidents where foreign nationals, including those from the United Kingdom, are being denied entry into the Republic of Serbia from Macedonia if they hold these new border entry or exit stamps from Kosovo. We have requested clarification from the Serbian authorities over their immigration requriements. In the meantime we advise that persons travelling to Serbia who have new Kosovan stamps in their passports revise their travel plans and consider alternative arrangements until further notice.
Passport validity
There is no minimum passport validity requirement but you should ensure that your passport is valid for the proposed period of your stay.
Registering with the Police
If you plan to stay in Macedonia, even on holiday, you must register at your local police station within three days of arrival. If you are accommodated in a hotel, they should complete the process for you. Otherwise the onus is on you to register. Failure to do so may result in deportation.
Dual nationality
There have been some incidents in which Macedonian nationals who also hold dual nationality in another country, have been detained on the grounds that they have avoided military service in either the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM) or in the former Yugoslav National Army (JNA). Dual British/Macedonian nationals visiting the country are advised to carry documents showing that they have completed their military service in either the ARM or JNA if applicable.
The final intake of conscripts into the Macedonian Army was in April 2006. Since then military service in Macedonia has been abolished. However dual nationals who have not completed military service in either the ARM or JNA are advised to check with their nearest Macedonian Embassy regarding their liability for this. You are advised to check with the nearest Macedonian Embassy for up to date information on visa requirements before you travel.
Travelling with children
Single parent or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the London Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia.
Health
The UK and Macedonia have a reciprocal agreement for emergency care only. However, you would still need to pay some of the initial costs (usually between 50 and 100 euros). If the treatment is not deemed an emergency then you would be unable to claim anything back from the Macedonian authorities and you would be expected to pay the full cost of treatment. In order to receive treatment under the reciprocal arrangement you would need to show your British passport.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Macedonia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Macedonia and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see Travel Health.
Natural Disasters
Macedonia is in a seismically active zone. An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale occurred in July 2005 with Veles, south of Skopje as the epicentre. Smaller tremors occur periodically. Serious earthquakes are extremely rare, the last such occurrence being in 1963.
General
Insurance
You are strongly recommended to obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Macedonia. Medical insurance is recommended as you may need to meet the full costs of treatment (see Health section) or if you are treated at a private hospital, as many public hospitals are poorly equipped. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. For more general information see Travel Insurance.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
Registering with the British Embassy
If you are visiting Macedonia for a period of two weeks or more, you are advised to register with the British Embassy, Skopje, in person or online. The Embassy is located on the IZIIS compound, on the Vodno Hill about a 10 minute taxi drive from the centre. To register online: http://www.britishembassy.org.mk You may also wish to register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.
Passports
The British Embassy in Skopje no longer issues passports. Before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages. Applications for new passports are accepted in Skopje for forwarding to the British Embassy in Vienna for processing, but this may take up to 2-3 weeks. If a courier service is used to send the application to Vienna and for the new passport to be sent to Skopje, to have the passport issued more quickly; you will have to bear the costs.
Money
You must declare all foreign currency on arrival. Failure to do so may result in detention and forfeiture of funds when attempting to leave Macedonia.
Credit card fraud is widespread and caution should be exercised when making a purchase using this method.
ATMs are widely available in Skopje, less so in other main towns.
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contacts
Macedonia, Skopje, British Embassy
Address:
British Embassy
Salvador Aljende No. 73
Skopje 1000
Telephone:
(00) (389) (2) 3299 299
Fax:
(00) (389) (2) 3179 729
(00) (389) (2) 3179 726 Consular/Visa
Email: Consular.Skopj@fco.gov.uk
Office hours:
GMT:
Mon-Thurs: 0700-1530; Fri: 0700-1200
Local Time:
Mon-Thurs: 0800-1630; Fri: 0800-1300
Website: http://www.britishembassy.gov.uk/macedonia