North Macedonia
Warnings and insurance
Travel disruption
The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. The EES may take each passenger extra time, so it is important to be prepared to wait longer than usual at EU country borders and allow more time for immigration controls if travelling to and from the Schengen area.
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Get travel advice updates
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Update history
2026-08-13 16:16
New information on wait times if travelling to and from the Schengen area from North Macedonia (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2026-02-04 12:04
Removal of information around travel disruption at land border crossings.
2026-01-22 17:17
New information around travel disruption at land border crossings (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2025-12-10 13:23
New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2025-07-08 12:51
Removal of information about a widlfire which has closed the Blace – Hani I Elezit border crossing.
2025-07-07 22:13
Information about a widlfire which has closed the Blace – Hani I Elezit border crossing (Summary Page)
2025-07-01 16:26
Addition of information about bans on entering forest and wilderness areas during the summer months (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-06-04 17:12
Updated information on the risks of being involved with illegal drugs, including cannabis. This includes risk of arrest if you are found carrying drugs when transiting through the airport (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-06-04 15:00
Updated information on the risks of being involved with illegal drugs, including cannabis. This includes risk of arrest if you are found carrying drugs when transiting through the airport (‘Safety and security’ page).
2025-02-05 10:28
Updated information about the risks of terrorism in North Macedonia (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-08-14 09:41
Updated advice on wildfire risks (‘Safety and Security’ page).
2024-07-23 11:14
Updated information on political situation (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-07-03 12:21
This travel advice was reviewed for style and accuracy.
2024-01-29 16:14
Information about a possible increase in protests and political party campaigning as North Macedonia approaches it’s Presidential and Parliamentary elections (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-11-21 17:03
Updated assessment that terrorists are likely to try and carry out attacks in North Macedonia (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-11-21 12:01
Removal of information on the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier between North Macedonia and England.
2023-11-17 15:23
Information on the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier between North Macedonia and England (‘Warnings and insurance’ page).
2023-08-14 16:49
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-07-19 15:44
Information about the decreased terrorism risks to British nationals in North Macedonia (‘Summary’ and ‘Terrorism’ pages).
2023-06-22 10:34
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2022-12-23 18:05
Update information about recent bomb threats in North Macedonia; you should follow the directions of the local authorities (See ‘Terrorism’ page)
2022-07-07 18:43
Update warning about major demonstrations announced to take place in Skopje; you should check local media for the latest information, remain vigilant and avoid any demonstrations (‘Safety and security – Political situation page)
2022-05-03 16:38
Update to changes to COVID measures (‘Coronavirus’ page)