Republic of North Macedonia

Republic of North Macedonia

Use Normal Level of Caution
Use High Level of Caution when visiting the following Cities: Gazi Baba and Gjorce Petrov

The Republic of North Macedonia is situated in southeastern Europe, north of Greece in the central part of the Balkan Peninsula, with a population of just over 2 million people. The government is a parliamentary democracy with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

Although Macedonia is a young state, the ancient Macedonian civilization thrived in this area between 7000 and 2500 BCE, peaking under Alexander III the Great. In 1912, Greece, Serbia, and Bulgaria joined with the Macedonians to defeat the Turkish army in Macedonia. Conflict over boundaries continued until after World War I when the present-day area of Macedonia was incorporated into the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes.

During World War II, Italy and Bulgaria occupied Macedonia. After the war, the country became one of the republics of the new Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia.

With the demise of communism in Eastern Europe late in the 20th century, Macedonia declared its independence from Yugoslavia in late 1991 while avoiding ethnic violence that plagued the Balkans in the early 1990s. However, Macedonia has a significant Albanian minority, and the independence of neighbouring Kosovo continues to create ethnic tension in the area.

Tourism is a promising area of growth for Macedonia’s economy. At this time, the country is an “unspoiled,” off-the-beaten-path destination for those interested in wine country, national parks and nature reserves, historical towns, churches, and monasteries.

Currency MKD: Macedonian denar
Language Maacedonian
Capital Skopje
Recent Alerts 1
Latest Alert July 20, 2021 - North Macedonia: Protest in Central Skopje on 20 July

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Republic of North Macedonia. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Macedonia through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Macedonia.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Republic of North Macedonia.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country. The vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country. The vaccination is recommended.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Republic of North Macedonia.

None required.

Safety and Security in Republic of North Macedonia

Emergency Numbers

192
194
196 Roadside assistance

Personal Safety

Most travellers to Macedonia have no safety or security problems. Violence related to organized crime does occur, especially in the northwest, but foreigners are not targeted.

Petty crime or other theft can occur anywhere. With respect to your personal safety, be cautious and always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep valuables secured and out of sight. Safeguard your important documents, such as your passport. Avoid walking alone at night. There have been reports of groups of children swarming and pickpocketing and snatching bags in crowded areas.

Secondary and rural roads may not be well lit or well maintained. Drivers may ignore rules of the road.

Political Unrest

There have been protests, some involving violence, in central Skopje and other towns in Macedonia. Minimize safety risk by avoiding public and political gatherings and demonstrations since even peaceful protests can quickly and unexpectedly escalate and become violent.

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