Europe
Is North Macedonia safe?
L1Exercise normal precautions
Is North Macedonia safe?
Safe for visitors; attacks on foreigners are extremely rare. Watch for pickpockets in central Skopje late at night, chaotic driving and heavy winter air pollution.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-01-13.
- Homicide rate: 1.5 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 5.1 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 192 · Ambulance 194 · Fire 193 · All emergencies 112.
- Solo women: Solo women rarely report problems; expect more conservative attitudes in villages. Taxis are cheap and a safe choice at night.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Severe winter smog in Skopje and Tetovo, roughly November–February
- Aggressive driving and poorly lit rural roads
- Pickpocketing and bag snatching in Skopje's nightlife areas
- Celebratory gunfire at weddings and holidays
Common scams
- Street money changers; use banks or official exchange offices
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
Safety by place in North Macedonia
Quick answers
Is North Macedonia safe for tourists?
Safe for visitors; attacks on foreigners are extremely rare. Watch for pickpockets in central Skopje late at night, chaotic driving and heavy winter air pollution.
Is North Macedonia safe for solo female travelers?
Solo women rarely report problems; expect more conservative attitudes in villages. Taxis are cheap and a safe choice at night.
What is the emergency number in North Macedonia?
Police 192 · Ambulance 194 · Fire 193 · All emergencies 112.
Safety by place
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- 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
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.