North Macedonia Travel Safety

Road safety

Road conditions vary throughout the country. Secondary roads are poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting. In mountainous areas, most roads lack guard rails and are little more than dirt tracks above deep gorges. Ice and snow make driving hazardous in winter. Farm equipment and stray animals pose additional risks. Exercise caution when travelling by road, especially after dark. Dial 196 for roadside assistance.

Precautions

Foreigners have been the target of muggings. Remain vigilant at all times. Be particularly careful around groups of street children, who sometimes gather around their victim to ask for money as one of them pickpockets them. Occasional acts of inter-ethnic violence can occur. You should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to the western border zone due to heightened criminal activity in the area.

Identification

You must carry adequate identification at all times and present it to local authorities upon request. A photocopy of your passport identification page is acceptable. If not carrying your passport with you, ensure to leave it in a secure location.

Taxis

Taxis are widely available and are a reliable mode of transportation. To avoid being overcharged, obtain a price estimate in advance and ensure that the taxi driver is using the meter.

Public transportation

Public transportation is not reliable.

Women's safety

Macedonia is generally safe, women travelling alone should maintain personal security awareness. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Women, particularly foreigners may be subject to unwanted male attention and catcalls in certain places. Be vigilant if approached by strangers seeking assistance and exercise increased caution throughout your travel.

Fraud

Credit-card fraud is common. Pay careful attention when your card is being handled by others during payment processing.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs, especially in Skopje main downtown pedestrian zone, shopping malls and the Skopje Alexander the Great Airport.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

LGBT

Same-sex relationships aren't illegal, but Macedonians/citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia are not particularly open about the issue and there are few bars and restaurants which are LGBT friendly. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.

Illegal or restricted activities

Do not photograph border crossings, government buildings and military installations without prior approval, ask permission from local authorities before taking photographs of these locations.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, however, it is 0% for new and professional drivers. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines or jail. Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times. All vehicles must use side lights/dipped headlights during the day. The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited. Police routinely stop vehicles for inspection. In the event of an accident, you must call the police and not move the vehicle until the police have allowed you to do so.