North Macedonia

🇲🇰

Phone Code

+389

Capital

Skopje

Population

2.1 Million

Native Name

Северна Македонија

Region

Europe

Southern Europe

Timezone

Central European Time

UTC+01:00

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Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

North Macedonia (officially Republic of North Macedonia since February 2019, previously 'Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia' or FYROM) is a landlocked Balkan country bordered by Kosovo, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. Small nation (25,713 km², similar size to Vermont) with population 2.1 million. Part of Yugoslavia until independence 1991. Decades-long name dispute with Greece (which has northern region also called Macedonia and claims exclusive use of name) resolved in 2018 Prespes Agreement - agreed to 'North Macedonia' allowing NATO membership (2020) and progressing EU accession talks. Skopje, the capital, was hit by massive 1963 earthquake killing 1,000+, rebuilt with brutalist architecture. Controversial 'Skopje 2014' project added dozens of neoclassical facades and giant statues (Alexander the Great, Philip II) costing €500+ million - divisive kitsch. Visitors are drawn to Lake Ohrid (UNESCO World Heritage, one of Europe's oldest lakes, crystal clear, beach town Ohrid with Byzantine churches), Skopje's eclectic mix of Ottoman bazaar and modern statues, Matka Canyon hiking and kayaking, ancient Heraclea Lyncestis ruins, Stobi archaeological site, monasteries, and affordable wine country. North Macedonia offers budget-friendly Balkans experience with natural beauty, history, and quirky capital.

Visa Requirements for North Macedonia

North Macedonia offers visa-free entry to citizens of EU/EEA countries, United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many others for tourist stays up to 90 days within 180-day period (standard Schengen-style counting though not Schengen member). Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay. Entry straightforward at Skopje airport or land borders (common overland from Greece, Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Serbia). No entry stamp sometimes - automated gates. Those requiring visas apply through North Macedonian embassies. North Macedonia is EU candidate (granted candidacy 2005, negotiations delayed by Greece name dispute until 2018, formal talks began 2022) and NATO member (2020). Visa policies align with EU standards anticipating eventual membership. Very welcoming to tourists with simple entry process. Popular budget travel destination in Balkans alongside Albania, cheaper than Croatia/Slovenia. Safe, stable democracy since independence. Border crossings efficient.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days within any 180-day period; passport valid 3 months beyond stay; stamped at entry (though sometimes automated gates skip stamp); proof of accommodation/return ticket may be requested but rarely; cannot work; can extend via Ministry of Interior if needed; straightforward border crossing; common to combine with Albania, Kosovo, Greece overland trip.

For tourism or business for citizens of 60+ countries including EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan.

Visa (Embassy Application)

30-90 days typically; requires application form, passport, photos, travel insurance, hotel booking, return ticket, proof of funds; North Macedonia has limited embassy network - EU embassies sometimes represent; processing 5-15 days; fees vary; relatively few tourists require visas due to liberal visa-free policies; aligns with EU Schengen visa list.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, applied through North Macedonian embassy.

Residence Permit

1-5 years renewable; temporary residence permit categories: employment, self-employment, study, family reunification, retirement; attractive for retirees (affordable cost of living, €400-800/month budget); growing digital nomad interest; property ownership doesn't guarantee residence but helps; apply through Ministry of Interior; processing 1-3 months; growing expat community in Skopje and Lake Ohrid.

For long-term stays exceeding 90 days including retirees, remote workers, or property investors.

Important Travel Information

Name change (2019) ended Greece dispute: Decades-long dispute with Greece over 'Macedonia' name. Greece's northern region also called Macedonia (birthplace of Alexander the Great, Philip II). Greece claimed exclusive rights to name, blocked NATO/EU membership. 27-year dispute. 2018 Prespes Agreement: country renamed 'North Macedonia' (vs Greece's region 'Macedonia'). Allowed NATO membership (2020), unblocking EU talks. Greeks still sensitive - referring to country as 'Macedonia' in Greece can offend. Macedonians divided on name change. Important context for understanding recent history.

Lake Ohrid UNESCO World Heritage: Lake Ohrid (shared with Albania, 358 km², one of Europe's oldest lakes, 1-3 million years old) is North Macedonia's premier attraction. Crystal-clear water, mountains, Byzantine churches, medieval town Ohrid. UNESCO World Heritage for natural and cultural significance. St. Naum Monastery (10th century), Ohrid Old Town fortifications, Samuel's Fortress, Icon Gallery, Bay of Bones (reconstructed Bronze Age settlement). Swimming, boat trips, hiking. Cheaper than Mediterranean beaches. Budget €30-60/day. Peak season July-August crowded. Best May-June or September.

Skopje 2014 controversy: 2010-2014, government spent €500-700 million on 'Skopje 2014' project - adding neoclassical facades to buildings, 130+ statues and monuments (including giant Alexander the Great statue in main square), fountains, bridges with baroque decorations. Aim: promote Macedonian identity (claiming Alexander as Macedonian, angering Greece). Result: divisive kitsch. Critics call it Disneyland, waste of money (country is poor). Supporters say boosts tourism, national pride. Love it or hate it, Skopje is unique European capital. Central square packed with oversized bronze statues. Surreal experience.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Skopje
States & Regions in North Macedonia

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Hosted missions

Embassies in North Macedonia

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in North Macedonia
United States in North Macedonia

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