Macedonia is located in Southeastern Europe, north of Greece.
Land in Macedonia is mountainous territory covered with deep basins and valleys; three large lakes, each divided by a frontier line; country bisected by the Vardar River.
Macedonian land covers an area of 25333 square kilometers which is slightly larger than Vermont
As for the Macedonian climate; warm, dry summers and autumns; relatively cold winters with heavy snowfall.
Macedonian(s) speak Macedonian 66.5%, Albanian 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8% (2002 census).
Macedonia gained its independence peacefully from Yugoslavia in 1991, but Greece's objection to the new state's use of what it considered a Hellenic name and symbols delayed international recognition, which occurred under the provisional designation of the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." In 1995, Greece lifted a 20-month trade embargo and the two countries agreed to normalize relations, although differences over Macedonia's name remain. The undetermined status of neighboring Kosovo, implementation of the Framework Agreement - which ended the 2001 ethnic Albanian armed insurgency - and a weak economy continue to be challenges for Macedonia.
At independence in September 1991, Macedonia was the least developed of the Yugoslav republics, producing a mere 5% of the total federal output of goods and services. The collapse of Yugoslavia ended transfer payments from the central government and eliminated advantages from inclusion in a de facto free trade area. An absence of infrastructure, UN sanctions on the downsized Yugoslavia, one of its largest markets, and a Greek economic embargo over a dispute about the country's constitutional name and flag hindered economic growth until 1996. GDP subsequently rose each year through 2000. However, the leadership's commitment to economic reform, free trade, and regional integration was undermined by the ethnic Albanian insurgency of 2001. The economy shrank 4.5% because of decreased trade, intermittent border closures, increased deficit spending on security needs, and investor uncertainty. Growth barely recovered in 2002 to 0.9%, then rose by 3.4% in 2003, 4.1% in 2004, and 3.7% in 2005. Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic stability with low inflation, but it has lagged the region in attracting foreign investment and job growth has been anemic. Macedonia has an extensive grey market, estimated to be more than 20 percent of GDP, that falls outside official statistics.
Macedonian natural resources include low-grade iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromite, manganese, nickel, tungsten, gold, silver, asbestos, gypsum, timber, arable land
landlocked; major transportation corridor from Western and Central Europe to Aegean Sea and Southern Europe to Western Europe
Macedonian religion is Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, other Christian 0.37%, Muslim 33.3%, other and unspecified 1.63% (2002 census).
Natural hazards in Macedonia include high seismic risks.
MacedoniaThis advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary, Local Travel, Road Safety and General section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
SUMMARY
- You should exercise caution if you intend to travel to the northern and western border regions of Macedonia. Please see the Local Travel section of this travel advice for more details.
- Macedonia shares with the rest of Europe a threat from international terrorism. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places visited by foreigners.
- Sporadic acts of violence do still occur in Macedonia, particularly in the north, but also including Skopje. Please see the Local Travel and Political Situation sections of this travel advice for more details.
- In August/September 2006) The Albanian political party, DUI, temporally blocked several main arterial roads in north eastern Macedonia. The roadblocks have been lifted but DUI have not ruled out holding similar protests again. If you visit this area you should be aware that this may considerably add to your journey time and you should consider alternative routes where possible.
- There is also the possibility that any future political protests could turn violent. You should exercise vigilance and caution and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
- Most visits to Macedonia are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance is for replacing lost and stolen passports.
- We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Macedonia. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Crime
Personal attacks against foreigners are extremely rare. However, since March 2006 there has been a number of small bombs exploding in central Skopje and some shooting incidents (principally in Cair and the Bit Pazar areas). These have usually been against targeted individuals. There is always, however, the possibility of foreigners being in the wrong place at the wrong time. You should therefore keep to the main areas and streets and be vigilant at all times. There have also been several reported case of foreigners being pick pocketed by gangs of children and bag snatchers in the main shopping and entertainment areas late at night. Foreign nationals appear to have been specifically targeted.
Credit card fraud is widespread and caution should be exercised when making a purchase using this method.
There has been no repetition in Skopje or elsewhere in Macedonia of the public demonstrations that took place against elements of the International Community during the 2001 crisis. However, acts of intimidation and harassment against nationals of western countries have been reported.
In the event of civil disorder, we advise British nationals to stay at home and restrict their movements as much as possible, especially after dark. Avoid crowds and demonstrations generally. Keep a low profile, vary times and routes of travel and ensure that travel documents are current. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
Political Situation
Macedonia Country Profile
Parliamentary Elections were held in Macedonia in July 2006. There was some local volatility during the campaign. Whilst not targeted at foreigners, it is possible that you may potentially be caught up in such activity.
In August and September 2006 the Albanian political party, DUI, temporally blocked several main arterial roads in north eastern Macedonia in protest at not being allowed to enter the coalition government. The roadblocks have been lifted but DUI have not ruled out holding similar protests again. If you visit this area you should be aware that this may considerably add to your journey time and you should consider alternative routes where possible.
There is also the possibility that any future political protests could turn violent..You should exercise vigilance and caution and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.
Following the serious inter-ethnic fighting in 2001, the situation in Macedonia has largely stabilised. But the situation is still unsettled and sporadic acts of inter-ethnic and intra-ethnic violence continue to occur. Shootings and other acts of violence have taken place in Skopje, Tetovo, Kumanovo and Gostivar in recent months. While none of these incidents or attacks has been aimed at British nationals or other members of the international community, British nationals living in or visiting Macedonia should exercise particular vigilance given the often indiscriminate nature of these incidents.
Local Travel
There are sometimes sporadic incidents of violence in the north-west of Macedonia, particularly in the town of Tetovo. These may continue. There have also been some reports, which are unconfirmed, that there may be attacks on main transport links.
In 2006 there were roadblocks in the north-east of Macedonia. See the Political Situation for more details. You should exercise caution when travelling in the northern and western regions of Macedonia. Travel should be restricted to primary roads and daylight hours only. A high level of vigilance should be maintained. Particular care should be taken due to the continuing threat from land mines and unexploded ordnance.
You should exercise caution when travelling to the area bordering Serbia. Apart from designated border crossings, the immediate border area is a military restricted zone. Permission must be obtained from the nearest Macedonian police station before travelling to this zone.
The border between Macedonia and Kosovo can be subject to closure at short notice to all traffic. If you intend to deliver humanitarian goods to Kosovo, in particular foodstuffs, from Macedonia you should take this into consideration. When the border is open, Load Carrying Vehicles transiting Macedonia to Kosovo may be subject to long delays before being permitted to cross. You should ensure that you have the proper customs documentation prior to arrival at any of the Macedonian border crossings.
Road Safety
You can drive in Macedonia with either a UK or International Driving Licence.
All vehicles must use side lights/ dipped headlights during the day.
It is illegal to use mobile phones whilst driving.
You should also be aware that the legal drink limit for driving in Macedonia is lower than in the UK
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Macedonia has brought in new laws requiring all vehicles to use side lights/ dipped headlights during the day.
It is illegal to use mobile phones whilst driving.
You should not take photographs of, or near, military or official installations.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
There is currently no requirement for holders of British passports to obtain visas for travel to Macedonia. However, the Macedonian government is considering the introduction of a reciprocal visa regime for those countries who require Macedonian citizens to obtain visas. This would include the UK. No decision has yet been taken on how or when the reciprocal visa regime will be introduced. Holders of UK Refugee Travel Documents travelling to Macedonia or transiting the country en-route to Kosovo, must obtain visas for travel to, or transit through, Macedonia.
If you plan to live in Macedonia you must register at your local police station within three to five days of arrival. Failure to do so may result in deportation.
There have been recent incidents in which Macedonian nationals who also hold dual nationality in another country, have been detained on the grounds that they have avoided military service in either the Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM) or in the former Yugoslav National Army (JNA). Dual British/Macedonian nationals visiting the country are advised to carry documents showing that they have completed their military service in either the ARM or JNA if applicable.
Dual nationals who have not completed military service in either the ARM or JNA are advised to check with their nearest Macedonian Embassy regarding their liability for this. You are advised to check with the nearest Macedonian Embassy for up to date information on visa requirements before you travel.
Single parent or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the London Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia: Macedonia Embassy.
HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling to Macedonia. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For information on health, check the Department of Health’s website at: DoH: Health Advice To Travellers.
NATURAL DISASTERS
Macedonia is in a seismically active zone. An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale occurred in July 2005 with Veles, south of Skopje as the epicentre. Smaller tremors occur periodically. Serious earthquakes are extremely rare, the last such occurrence being in 1963.
GENERAL
If things go wrong when overseas, please see: What We Can Do To Help
If you are visiting Macedonia for a period of two weeks or more, you are advised to register with the British Embassy, Skopje.
The British Embassy in Skopje no longer issues passports. Before setting off, you should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages. Applications for new passports are accepted in Skopje for forwarding to the British Embassy in Vienna for processing, but this may take up to 2-3 weeks. If a courier service is used to send the application to Vienna and for the new passport to be sent to Skopje, to have the passport issued more quickly, you will have to bear the costs.
Money
You must declare all foreign currency on arrival. Failure to do so may result in detention and forfeiture of funds when attempting to leave Macedonia.
Credit card fraud is widespread and caution should be exercised when making a purchase using this method.
ATMs are widely available in Skopje, less so in other main towns.
