North Macedonia: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
The country officially changed its name from Macedonia to North Macedonia in 2019, following a diplomatic agreement with Greece, so some older maps, documents, or booking systems may still show the previous name. It is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, although many nationalities can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
Skopje, the capital, combines Ottoman architecture with modern monuments, and Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the country's main natural attractions. The currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD) and the general emergency number is 112.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: North Macedonia is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area; many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but the requirement depends solely on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Care in Skopje is adequate, but limited outside the capital; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Visa-exempt nationalities can stay up to 90 days for tourism purposes. Everyone else must apply for a visa at the relevant consulate before traveling, since the country manages its immigration policy independently of the Schengen Area.
- Passport valid at the time of entry.
- Check whether your nationality is on the visa-exemption list.
- Some booking systems for flights or accommodation may still use the country's former name.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
Skopje has hospitals and private clinics of adequate quality, while medical services elsewhere in the country, including the Lake Ohrid area, are more limited. Care for foreigners is billed directly.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in North Macedonia; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives you a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transport and Currency
The currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD). Buses connect Skopje well with Lake Ohrid (about 3 hours) and with neighboring countries such as Greece, Albania, and Serbia.
When to Travel
Summer (June to August) is the best time for Lake Ohrid, with warm, dry weather. Spring and autumn offer milder temperatures for exploring Skopje and the national parks in the interior.
Travel checklist for North Macedonia
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to North Macedonia.
- Check the visa requirement for North Macedonia based on your passport: North Macedonia is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area; many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, but the requirement depends solely on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Care in Skopje is adequate, but limited outside the capital; travel insurance with 24-hour medical assistance is recommended.
- Save North Macedonia's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Denar macedonio (MKD)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to North Macedonia?
It depends on your passport: many nationalities enter visa-free for up to 90 days, while others must apply for one in advance.
What is the emergency number in North Macedonia?
112 works as the general emergency number nationwide.
Why did the country change its name?
In 2019 it officially adopted the name North Macedonia following a diplomatic agreement with Greece; some older documents still use the previous name.
What currency should I use in North Macedonia?
The Macedonian denar (MKD); the euro is not officially used but is accepted at some tourist-oriented businesses.
