Travel Advisory
Please check your government's official travel advisory before departure. Situations can change rapidly.
Safety Level
Official risk level and travel advisories
North Macedonia is generally safe and welcoming for travellers. Tourist areas like Ohrid and Skopje are calm; watch for pickpockets and bag snatching in crowds.
- Overall risk
- Low; a friendly Balkan country with hospitable locals
- Main concern
- Petty theft and pickpocketing in busy spots
- Emergency number
- 112 (unified emergency)
- North Macedonia sees little serious crime against visitors. Stay alert in crowded markets, bus stations and around Skopje's Old Bazaar, and keep valuables secure.
Danger Zones & Areas to Avoid
Regions with poor security or restricted access
There are no no-go areas for tourists. Use normal caution in poorly lit areas at night and near the northern border regions.
- No-go areas
- None for typical travellers
- At night
- Take care in unlit backstreets of larger towns
- Skopje, Ohrid, Bitola and Matka Canyon are safe to explore. Keep to well-lit central areas after dark and avoid any political rally or large gathering.
Natural Disaster Risks
Earthquakes, typhoons, floods, and other hazards
North Macedonia lies in a seismic zone; earthquakes are possible (Skopje suffered a major quake in 1963). Also prepare for hot, dry summers and changeable mountain weather.
- Earthquakes
- Real risk; know basic quake safety
- Summer
- Heatwaves and wildfire risk in dry spells
- Mountains
- Rapid weather changes and winter snow
- The country is seismically active, so familiarise yourself with basic earthquake precautions. In summer, stay hydrated during heatwaves and heed fire warnings; in the mountains and around Ohrid, weather can change quickly.
Health & Disease Risks
Endemic diseases and hygiene concerns
Healthcare is adequate in Skopje but limited elsewhere. Tap water is generally safe in cities, though many visitors prefer bottled water.
- Healthcare
- Best in Skopje; private clinics recommended
- Tap water
- Usually safe in towns; bottled water common
- Emergency
- 194 for ambulance, 112 unified
- Public hospitals can be basic outside the capital; serious cases may need transfer to Skopje or abroad. No special vaccinations are required for typical travel; carry personal medication with a prescription.
Crime & Scam Trends
Common crimes and scams targeting tourists
Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in crowded areas of Skopje and around tourist spots in Ohrid. Watch for taxi overcharging and card skimming.
- Main risk
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in crowds
- Scams
- Unmetered taxis, inflated fares, ATM skimming
- Advice
- Use reputable taxis and guard your PIN and cards
- Violent crime against tourists is rare. Agree taxi fares or insist on the meter, use ATMs inside banks where possible, and keep bags closed and in front of you in busy places.
Political Situation & Protests
Political instability and potential demonstrations
North Macedonia is a stable parliamentary democracy. The long-standing name dispute with Greece was settled by the 2018 Prespa Agreement, with the country officially renamed the Republic of North Macedonia in 2019.
- Government
- Parliamentary democracy; NATO member and EU candidate
- Name
- Officially Republic of North Macedonia since 2019
- Demonstrations
- Occasional and usually peaceful; avoid them
- The name dispute is a settled, neutral fact and no political stance is needed. Occasional demonstrations occur in Skopje and can cause traffic disruption; avoid large gatherings and follow local media and official advice.
Local Laws & Prohibitions
Important local laws and penalties for travelers
Carry ID at all times. Drug offences carry heavy penalties, drink-driving limits are strict, and photographing military or police sites is prohibited.
- ID
- Carry your passport or a copy; police may ask
- Drink-driving
- Low legal limit, strictly enforced
- Photography
- Avoid military, police and border sites
- Penalties for drug offences are severe. Dress modestly when visiting mosques, churches and monasteries around Ohrid. Currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD); traffic drives on the right, and mains power is 230V with Type C/F plugs.
Emergency Contacts
Police, ambulance, and fire department numbers
Dial 112 for the unified emergency line. Direct numbers are 192 police, 194 ambulance and 193 fire.
- Unified emergency
- 112
- Police / Ambulance
- 192 / 194
- Fire
- 193
- The 112 line connects to all emergency services; English is not always spoken, so having an interpreter or app can help. The country code is +389.
Embassy & Consulate Info
Location and contact details of your embassy
No embassy or consulate information is available for your selected nationality in this country.
Travel Insurance
Recommended coverage and tips for choosing a policy
North Macedonia is outside the EU, so an EHIC/GHIC is not valid. All travellers should carry comprehensive travel insurance with medical cover.
- EHIC/GHIC
- Not valid; North Macedonia is outside the EU
- Recommended
- Comprehensive insurance with medical and repatriation cover
- Include
- Hiking, watersports at Ohrid and winter activities if relevant
- You will usually need to pay for treatment upfront and claim back later, so keep all receipts. Ensure your policy covers medical care, emergency repatriation and any adventure activities you plan.