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Flights, Hotels & Travel Guide

Lake Ohrid's ancient shores, mountain scenery, and Balkan charm without the crowds. Get flights, travel tips, and essential info for North Macedonia.

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£1 MKD 70.90

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Weather & climate

Weather in North Macedonia

North Macedonia

22°

Overcast

Thu

11°

22°

Fri

13°

25°

Sat

12°

23°

Sun

10°

22°

Mon

8°

25°

Tue

11°

22°

Wed

10°

23°

SPF level in North Macedonia

Recommended: SPF 50

Spring

SPF 30

Summer

SPF 50

Autumn

SPF 30

Winter

SPF 15

Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.

Before you go

Entry requirements for North Macedonia

What British travellers need to know

Your passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the date you arrive in North Macedonia.

You can visit North Macedonia without a visa for stays of up to 3 months.

You must register with the local police within 48 hours of arrival, which is usually done by your hotel at check-in.

You must keep your police registration document with you until you leave the country.

If you hold a UK refugee travel document, you need a visa to enter North Macedonia.

Good to know:

Before travel, check with your airline about required forms for children travelling alone or with only one parent.

You must declare cash or foreign currency valued at 10,000 euros or more when entering North Macedonia.

Safety in North Macedonia

Tips when travelling

North Macedonia is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:

Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur in shopping and entertainment areas, so keep your belongings secure.

Carry a copy of your passport's photo page for identification instead of the original document.

Possession or use of illegal drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties including long jail sentences and heavy fines.

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

Driving fines can be issued for not using headlights, using a mobile phone, not wearing a seatbelt, or not carrying required safety equipment.

Bonus tips:

Exchange any unwanted Macedonian denars before you leave, as British banks do not exchange them.

Wildfires are possible from April to October, so avoid lighting fires or barbecues except in designated areas.

More information

Driving in North Macedonia

A UK driving license is valid for driving in North Macedonia. An International Driving Permit is recommended, but not legally required for stays up to 6 months.

Side of road

right

Motorway speed limit

130 km/h

Urban speed limit

50 km/h

Alcohol limit

0.05%

Remember: North Macedonia drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.

Health in North Macedonia

If you are a UK resident, remember to bring your UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. These cards allow you to access state-provided healthcare in North Macedonia on the same basis as a resident. However, GHIC/EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance, which can cover costs such as repatriation, private healthcare, and lost belongings. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance for your trip.

No vaccinations required

Generally, North Macedonia poses a low risk to travellers' health. Tap water is generally considered safe to drink in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended elsewhere. Food safety standards might be lower than in the UK, so exercise caution when eating from street vendors or smaller restaurants. Consider consulting your doctor or a travel clinic for personalized advice on vaccinations and health precautions before your trip.

Cards & payments

Card payments are becoming increasingly common in North Macedonia, especially in larger establishments, hotels, and restaurants in cities. However, it's still advisable to carry cash for smaller businesses, markets, and in rural areas.

Visa

High

Mastercard

High

American Express

Medium

Lost card? Call Visa: +1 303 967 1094

Tipping in North Macedonia

Tipping is appreciated in North Macedonia, especially for good service. While not obligatory, it's a common practice to round up the bill or leave a small percentage as a token of appreciation.

Restaurant

5-10% of the bill

Bar/Café

Round up the bill or leave a small amount (10-20 MKD)

Taxi

Round up the fare

Hotel Porter

20-50 MKD per bag

Hotel Housekeeper

20-50 MKD per day of stay

Tour Guide

5-10% of the tour price

Mobile & roaming

Since Brexit, the EU's 'roam like at home' policy no longer applies to UK mobile users in North Macedonia. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges before you travel, as costs can be significant. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for cheaper data and calls.

Local SIM

10GB for 300 MKD (~£4)

Network coverage

4G, 5G

Electrical in North Macedonia

Voltage

230V / 50Hz

Plug types

Type C, Type F

UK adapter needed

WiFi & internet

WiFi is available in most hotels, cafes, restaurants, and bars, especially in urban areas. Quality can vary.

Average speed

30 Mbps

Accessing the internet is relatively easy in North Macedonia. Many accommodations offer free WiFi. Mobile data is also reasonably priced if you opt for a local SIM card.

Emergency numbers

Universal emergency

112

Police

192

Ambulance

194

Fire

193

Save 112 in your phone before travelling.

Calling North Macedonia

Country code

+389

To call a Skopje number 071 123 456, you would dial 00 389 71 123 456.

The country code for North Macedonia is 389. The international exit code from the UK is 00. Mobile numbers in North Macedonia start with 7.

UK Embassy

British Embassy Skopje

комплекса City Garden, 12-ti sprat, ul. 8-ma Udarna Brigada br. 2, Skopje 1000, North Macedonia

Frequently asked questions

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.