Briefing de orientación en Macedonia del Norte

Macedonia del Norte obtuvo su independencia de Yugoslavia de forma pacífica en 1991 con el nombre de «Macedonia». Grecia objetó el nombre del nuevo país, alegando que implicaba pretensiones territoriales sobre la provincia griega del norte de Macedonia, y el retroceso democrático durante varios años frenó la trayectoria del país hacia la integración euroatlántica. Inmediatamente después de que Macedonia declarara su independencia, Grecia trató de bloquear sus gestiones para ingresar en la ONU si se utilizaba el nombre «Macedonia». El país fue finalmente admitido en la ONU en 1993 como «La ex República Yugoslava de Macedonia», y al mismo tiempo aceptó entablar negociaciones patrocinadas por la ONU sobre la controversia del nombre. En 1995, Grecia levantó un embargo comercial que había durado 20 meses, y ambos países acordaron normalizar sus relaciones, aunque la cuestión del nombre siguió sin resolverse en medio de las negociaciones en curso. Como medida provisional, Estados Unidos y más de 130 países más reconocieron a Macedonia con su nombre constitucional, República de Macedonia.

Los agravios de la población albanesa étnica por las supuestas desigualdades políticas y económicas se intensificaron hasta convertirse en un conflicto armado en 2001, que finalmente condujo al Acuerdo Marco de Ohrid, negociado a nivel internacional, que puso fin a los combates y estableció directrices para las enmiendas constitucionales y para nuevas leyes que reforzaron los derechos de las minorías. En 2018, el Gobierno aprobó una nueva ley de lenguas, que elevó la lengua albanesa a la condición de lengua oficial a nivel nacional y mantuvo la lengua macedonia como única lengua oficial en las relaciones internacionales, pero las relaciones entre macedonios étnicos y albaneses étnicos siguen siendo complejas.

En 2018, Macedonia y Grecia firmaron el Acuerdo de Prespa, en virtud del cual Macedonia se comprometió a cambiar su nombre por el de Macedonia del Norte, y el acuerdo entró en vigor el 12 de febrero de 2019. Macedonia del Norte ingresó en la OTAN en 2020, tras modificar su constitución según lo acordado, y en 2022 abrió las negociaciones de adhesión a la UE después de que Bulgaria hubiera vetado el proceso durante dos años por disputas relativas a la identidad, la lengua y la historia. Las elecciones legislativas y presidenciales de 2014 desencadenaron una crisis política que se prolongó durante casi tres años y que se agravó en 2015, cuando el partido de la oposición comenzó a difundir grabaciones de conversaciones interceptadas que, según se alegaba, revelaban una corrupción gubernamental generalizada y abusos de poder. El país sigue enfrentándose a desafíos, entre ellos la plena aplicación de las reformas para superar años de retroceso democrático, el impulso del crecimiento y el desarrollo económicos, y la lucha contra la delincuencia organizada y la corrupción.

Occasionally there are protests which can cause disruption. Check local media for the latest information, be vigilant and avoid large crowds and gatherings.

If there is civil disorder, stay indoors when possible, especially after dark, and avoid crowds and demonstrations.

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.

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Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in North Macedonia

Terrorist attacks in North Macedonia cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings and keep up to date with local media reports and follow advice of the local authorities.

The authorities in North Macedonia have carried out raids against suspected terrorists. There’s a risk of terrorist attacks inspired by extremist ideology in North Macedonia.

Political situation

Occasionally there are protests which can cause disruption. Check local media for the latest information, be vigilant and avoid large crowds and gatherings.

If there is civil disorder, stay indoors when possible, especially after dark, and avoid crowds and demonstrations.

Crime

Attacks against foreign nationals are extremely rare.

Organised crime groups are active, particularly in northern areas near the border with Kosovo.

There are occasional shooting incidents, including in Skopje, but they are not targeted at foreign nationals. People sometimes fire guns when celebrating.

Protecting your belongings

There have been several cases of pickpocketing by gangs of children and bag snatching in the main shopping and entertainment areas late at night. Foreign nationals appear to have been specifically targeted. Make sure your personal possessions are secure.

Keep your passport in a safe place and carry a copy of the photo page for identification. If it is lost or stolen, report it to the local police and cancel your passport immediately.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in North Macedonia have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras in secure areas

It is illegal to take photographs of any military installation or site of government or strategic importance.

LGBT+ travellers

Same-sex sexual relationships are legal, but people in North Macedonia are not particularly open about them. LGBT+ bars and restaurants are not common. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Money

British banks do not exchange Macedonian denars, so exchange any unwanted denars before you leave. You should only change money through banks or official exchanges and not through street dealers. You will not be able to exchange Scottish or Northern Irish banknotes.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in North Macedonia, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s North Macedonia guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of. You can get fines for:

• not using side lights or dipped headlights, including during the day
• using a mobile phone while driving
• not wearing a seatbelt, as both a driver and a passenger
• not having all the required safety equipment, including snow chains where conditions require them

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in North Macedonia. Unless you’re driving a rental car or have a residence permit, you’ll also need to have the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP). You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.  

Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as at least 2 years of driving experience and a higher minimum age.   

If you have an accident, do not move your vehicle until the police record the incident and allow you to move. In case of emergency, contact:

• police: 192
• ambulance: 194
• roadside assistance: 196

Drink-driving is a serious offence in North Macedonia. If you are tested and found to have 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood (England’s limit is 80mg per 100ml), you may get a heavy fine and possible imprisonment. If you’re a professional driver (for example, an HGV driver), any alcohol in your system can lead to arrest and a heavy fine.  

When travelling on major roads, you can pay the toll in Macedonian denars or in euros with cash or a credit card.

Driving standards

Driving standards and road conditions vary widely. Driving styles differ significantly from those in UK. Accidents are common. Always take care while driving or on foot.

Driving a British car in North Macedonia   

If you are taking your own car, you must have:

• vehicle registration
• ownership documents
• valid insurance to drive in North Macedonia

Check your insurance covers you to drive in North Macedonia and you are able to show proof to border officials. A green card might be helpful to demonstrate you have the correct cover.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

Delays for lorries at borders

Lorries crossing the North Macedonia border may be subject to long delays. Make sure you have the proper customs documentation before you arrive at the border.

Air travel

From November to February there can be thick fog in Skopje and surrounding areas. There can be flight delays and diversions if fog affects visibility at Skopje airport.

You can find flight information on the Skopje International Airport website.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Wildfires

Wildfires are possible in North Macedonia from April to October due to the dry and hot weather.  Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:

• take care when visiting or driving through countryside
• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas
• not leave any rubbish

The government commonly introduces a ban on entering forest and wilderness areas during summer months when the risk of wildfires is highest. Fines for non-compliance are severe. For further information seek local advice or contact Public Enterprise National Forests.

If you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes occur occasionally. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 194 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip check:

• the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s North Macedonia guide
• where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in North Macedonia, including: 

• West Nile virus and other mosquito-borne diseases
• air pollution

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of North Macedonia. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro. 

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in North Macedonia

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals, which entitles you to free emergency treatment in North Macedonia.

Make sure you have adequate insurance. You may need to pay before getting some treatment. Familiarise yourself with your travel insurance policy and what it covers.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in North Macedonia where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.