Europe
North Macedonia
Inexpensive and relaxed, with Lake Ohrid, Skopje's old bazaar and quiet mountains. Winter smog in Skopje, slow intercity transport and a small scene outside the capital are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa80 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyMKDUS$1 ≈ ден54.28Details
- Price level37%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType C, F230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 192 · Ambulance 194 · Fire 193 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water in Skopje and Ohrid is spring-fed and safe.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalConservative society; LGBTQ+ life is discreet with few venues.Details
- Internet58 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 165 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightCarry a 1968 IDP alongside a non-EU licence. Dipped headlights are mandatory, even in daytime.
Where to go in North Macedonia
2 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit North Macedonia
May–June and September for Skopje and hiking; July–August suits Lake Ohrid swimming but is hot and busy. Skopje's winter smog is worst December–January.
Good to know
Entry
- Outside Schengen; visa-free visitors can stay up to 90 days, counted separately from Schengen.
- Register with police within 48 hours (hotels do it) and keep the slip until you leave. If you registered yourself, de-register before departure.
- Serbia has refused entry to travellers coming from North Macedonia with Kosovo stamps in their passports.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Skipping police registration can bring fines, detention or a re-entry ban
- Photographing military or government sites is illegal
- Driving without dipped headlights, day or night, brings fines
Etiquette
- Say 'North Macedonia'; identity disputes with Greece and Bulgaria are touchy
- Cover shoulders in churches and monasteries, including around Ohrid
- Coffee meetings run long; don't rush them
Tipping
Round up or leave about 10% in restaurants; not expected in cafés.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: North Macedonia
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia
- Speedtest Global Index: North Macedonia
- EF English Proficiency Index 2025: North Macedonia
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.