Macedonia 2008 Crime & Safety Report

Crime & Safety

Europe - Macedonia
13 Jun 2008

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Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Macedonia is a generally safe country with crime rates that are comparatively lower that many parts of the U.S. Violence against foreigners in Macedonia is rare, and the most common form of crime that foreigners encounter when visiting Macedonia is theft. Visitors should also exercise caution when driving in Macedonia as the primary safety hazard Americans face is on the roadways. Reckless driving has contributed to one of the world’s highest per capita fatality rates from motor vehicle accidents.

Political Violence

Macedonia’s political stability has markedly improved since the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement that ended ethnically-based hostilities in 2001. The European Union’s 2005 decision to grant Macedonia candidate status for membership was a formal recognition of the country’s efforts to maintain peace and stability. There are no specific terrorist threats against Americans in Macedonia. Public demonstrations and strikes that result in roadblocks are not uncommon occurrences and U.S citizens should avoid these demonstrations. 

Post Specific Concerns

Natural Disasters

Macedonia’s is located in a major earthquake region which creates the potential for a natural disaster. The last major earthquake occurred in 1963, resulting in significant property damage and loss of life. Major flooding outside of the capital city of Skopje occurs regularly, especially in southern Macedonia.

Driving

Macedonia’s rate of motor vehicle related fatalities is one of the highest in the world. This is due largely to driving at excessive speeds, reckless driving habits, lack of seatbelt use, and poor emergency medical response capabilities. Drivers should drive very defensively and exercise situational awareness when behind driving in Macedonia.

Police Response

The police generally are responsive to requests for assistance from foreign crime victims. Crime victims should contact the U.S Embassy Skopje at +389 2 311 6180 for assistance. Foreigners detained by the police should cooperate and demand to speak to a U.S Embassy representative. In the event of an emergency in Macedonia the police number is 192, fire emergency is 193, and ambulance is 194.

Medical Emergencies

Many Macedonian doctors are trained to Western standards. That being said, Macedonian medical institutions, hospital facilities, and clinics lack equipment and supplies. While basic supplies are usually available, U.S citizens may not be able to obtain specialized treatment. Visitors should also note that not all Macedonian ambulances have life-saving equipment and most can only transport a patient to an emergency room.

In the event of a life-threatening emergency, Austrian Air Ambulance (43-1-40-44) and Tyrolean Air Ambulance (43-512-22-4-22) , both based in Austria, can assist in a medical evacuation. For medical assistance in Macedonia the City Hospital, located at 11 Oktomvri Street in Skopje, can be contacted at 389 (0)2 313-0311. The Clinical Center is located on Vodnjanska Boulevard in Skopje and can be contacted at 389 (0)2 314-7147. Remedika, a new private clinic that largely follows western standards, located at 16th Makedonska Brigada 18 in Skopje can be reached at 389 (0)2 260 3100.  For a list of other medical service providers and pharmacies in Macedonia travelers should visit http://macedonia.usembassy.gov/medical_information.html .

Tips on How to Avoid Becoming a Victim

The most common crimes faced by visitors to Macedonia are pick pocketing and other crimes of opportunity. These forms of petty theft are particularly common in urban areas. Groups of street children will, on occasion, surround a tourist to beg for money while simultaneously relieving the individual of his or her wallet or other valuables. Americans rarely are the victims of violent crime in Macedonia, but guns and ammunition are common throughout the country.

U.S citizens should also be aware of organized crime groups that occasionally engage in turf battles or revenge-type actions in bars and other public venues. On occasion, these actions by organized crime groups have resulted in some injuries to innocent bystanders, so travelers should remain aware of their surroundings and on the look out for suspicious activity.

During major holidays, unregulated fireworks and gunfire can be heard throughout cities and the countryside alike. U.S citizens should remain alert to avoid the threats posed by fireworks and random gunfire during holidays. 

Credit card fraud is not uncommon in Macedonia, but credit cards can be used with relative security in larger Western-style establishments, such as hotels. However, credit cards are not recommended for use at smaller restaurants and shops. Valuables and credit cards should not be left unattended in hotel rooms or any other location. Doors and windows to hotel rooms and lodgings should be firmly secured when not in use. ATMs generally are safe to use a long as standard personal security precautions are exercised.

There are many private security services and guard companies in Macedonia, many of which cater to bars, clubs, and cafes. There are several larger, well-known guard companies used by foreign embassies and companies to provide quality security guard services. U.S visitors with security concerns could consider utilizing these security services while visiting Macedonia.

For Further Information

The U.S. Embassy Skopje is located at Bul. Ilinden bb 1000 Skopje and the switchboard number is 389 (0)2 311-6180 (press 0 for the operator). The Regional Security Office, Consular Section, and Commercial Section can be contacted through the switchboard number. During non-business hours, this phone number rings through to the Marine Security Guard on duty. In case of emergency, American citizens should call the switchboard number and ask that the call to be routed to the appropriate office or duty officer.

Americans living in or visiting Macedonia are encouraged to register with the Consular Affairs Section of the U.S. Embassy in the Macedonia and can obtain updated information on travel and security in the Lithuania by visiting the U.S Embassy website at http://macedonia.usembassy.gov/ .

Further information for travelers is also available from The U.S Department of State at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_956.html

OSAC Country Council Information

Macedonia currently does not have an OSAC Country Council. For information on how to start an OSAC Country Council in Macedonia, contact the Overseas Security Advisory Council in Washington D.C at 571-345-2223 or visit https://www.osac.gov/ . Macedonia does have a small American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) presence. AMCHAM can be contacted at 389 (0)2 321-6714.