Traveler Toolkit
North Macedonia Country Security Report
North Macedonia Country Security Report
Published: August 26, 2026
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State North Macedonia Travel Advisory and North Macedonia Country Information Page.
Embassy & Consulate Contact Information
21 Samoilova Street, 1000 Skopje
Telephone: +389 2-310-2000
Emergency Phone: +389-7041-5550
Hours: 0830 – 1630, Monday – Friday
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
The OSAC Country Chapter in Skopje is active.
Contact OSAC’s Europe team with any questions.
North Macedonia Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should exercise normal precautions in North Macedonia.
Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Skopje as being a MEDIUM-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia.
The general emergency line in North Macedonia is 112. Direct police line is 192. Review the U.S. Department of State’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.
Crime: General Threat
Violent crime against U.S. citizens is rare. The North Macedonia State Statistical Office maintains meticulous nationwide crime statistics. In 2025, the nation saw a 6.5 percent increase in the number of reported adult alleged perpetrators of crime, while there was a 7.7 percent decrease in indicted individuals and 5.7 percent decrease in convicted individuals. The majority of all reported adult alleged perpetrators involved property crimes, including theft, followed by traffic violations and fraud. Violent crimes, classified locally as “crimes against life and body”, made up 8 percent of all incidents. Notably, North Macedonia saw a decrease in the number of homicides in the country, from 21 in 2024, to 16 in 2025.
The primary crime concern within North Macedonia is petty crime, such as pickpocketing and other street crimes, particularly in areas frequented by tourists and foreigners. Remain particularly alert for pickpockets and other attempts to steal mobile phones, laptops, tablets, wallets, purses, bags or backpacks in public areas.
Criminal elements surveil parking areas for targets of opportunity and will break vehicle windows or open unlocked car doors to steal personal property when items are visible. Lock vehicles and ensure all items of value, to include bags and electronic items, are out of view. Travel in groups, carry only enough money/credit cards to make a purchase, maintain copies of credit cards and identity documents in a safe location, and be aware of surroundings. ATM use is generally safe; take standard safety precautions.
While larger stores and restaurants accept credit cards, carry cash in local currency (denar) for taxis and purchases in small establishments. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities prior to practicing or operating a business.
Domestic violence, sexual harassment, and other crimes targeting women are a persistent and common problem in North Macedonia. In 2025 there were in total 1195 criminal charges for domestic violence. These forms of crime make up roughly 12% of all crimes in North Macedonia, a rate that has remained steady for the past five years.
North Macedonia and the surrounding Balkan region continue to face challenges from corruption and from organized crime, particularly in connection with drug trafficking, money laundering, trafficking of migrants, extortion and property crimes, as well as fraudulent documents.
North Macedonia has taken some measures to increase border security, but illegal and/or unrecorded border crossings are still common. The vast majority of these crossings relate to the smuggling of humans, narcotics, or firearms.
Crime: Areas of Concern
The majority of petty crime in North Macedonia occurs in frequented tourist areas, including Skopje Square, in the vicinity of the Vardar River, large shopping areas, Matka Canyon, public transportation (buses), and restaurants.
There are no areas in the country that are restricted for U.S. Government employees.
Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, Taking Credit, and Our Two Cents: Petty Crime Basics and How to Minimize the Risk.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia.
Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed North Macedonia and the capital Skopje as being a MEDIUM-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia.
Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad and may attack with little or no warning. They are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attacks, such as knives, firearms, and vehicles, to target unprotected or vulnerable targets. They may target high-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.); hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists; places of worship; schools; parks; tourism infrastructure; shopping malls and markets; and public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights).
North Macedonia has not had any recent terrorist events, though there were some significant terrorism-related arrests in recent years. There are continuing concerns in the region of returning Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs) and the potential for radicalization to violence. North Macedonia authorities assess that ISIS members and sympathizers maintain a presence in North Macedonia. In 2023, during a six-month period, North Macedonia was subject to false bomb threats to local schools, transportation hubs, commercial centers, and hotels. A similar wave of bomb threats occurred in February of 2025 targeting numerous schools across Skopje, Kumanovo, Stip, Ohrid, and Tetovo. Though all threats were found to be false, local authorities responded to every threat and continue to investigate the threats’ origins.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Skopje as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
North Macedonia held presidential and parliamentary elections in April and May 2024, respectively. Voters directly elect their president for a five-year term from a single nation-wide constituency. International observers noted that election day was “calm and peaceful…despite the strong political polarization and fragmentation in North Macedonia.”
North Macedonia’s next parliamentary election cycle is expected in 2028, with presidential elections scheduled for 2029.
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests are common in North Macedonia and are frequent platforms for social or political movements. The U.S. Embassy recorded 239 demonstrations in Skopje in 2025, an increase from 22 in 2024. Most of the events were politically () and financially motivated, as they protested against the government’s poor economic and social measures. Politically inspired gatherings mostly targeted the government’s decisions over the betting houses, fire in Kochani. The financial protests were mostly organized by the various Trade Unions and students who requested salary increases and students’ payments, and low pensions respectively. Groups supporting the victims in Gaza organized two events in 2025.
Demonstrations in North Macedonia are generally peaceful, but protestors routinely block traffic near government buildings. The Interior Ministry deploys public order police equipped with water cannons to maintain peace, if necessary. Most demonstrations occur near, or in front of, parliament and government buildings located near the city center, approximately two kilometers from the U.S. Embassy.
Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
There are currently no known, specific, credible threats against U.S. nationals in North Macedonia. During political protests in previous years, some demonstrators and speakers made calls for specific U.S. officials to withdraw from North Macedonia, sometimes using violent or threatening language.
Law Enforcement
North Macedonia's law enforcement system is primarily overseen by the Ministry of Interior (MOI), which is responsible for maintaining public order, preventing and investigating crimes, and ensuring the safety and security of citizens. The MOI operates through several key agencies and units, each with specific roles and responsibilities.
- Public Security Bureau (PSB): The PSB is the main body within the MOI responsible for general policing duties. It includes various departments such as criminal investigations, traffic police, and public order units. The PSB works to prevent and investigate crimes, manage public gatherings, and enforce traffic regulations.
- Border Affairs Police: This division is responsible for securing North Macedonia's borders, preventing illegal immigration, and combating cross-border crime. The Border Affairs Police work in coordination with neighboring countries and international organizations to ensure border security.
- Criminal Police: The Criminal Police division focuses on investigating serious crimes, including homicides, drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime. They employ advanced forensic techniques and collaborate with other law enforcement agencies to solve complex cases.
- Local Police Stations: Local police stations are distributed throughout the country, providing community-based policing services. They handle routine law enforcement duties, respond to emergencies, and engage with local communities to address safety concerns.
- International Cooperation: North Macedonia's law enforcement agencies actively participate in international cooperation efforts, working with organizations such as INTERPOL, Europol, and the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). These collaborations enhance the country's ability to address transnational crime and improve overall security.
Overall, North Macedonia's law enforcement system is structured to address a wide range of security challenges, from everyday policing to specialized counter-terrorism operations. The MOI's various units and divisions work together to ensure the safety and security of the nation's citizens and maintain public order.
Police Response
The national police maintain internal security, including migration and border enforcement, and report to the Interior Ministry. The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The law requires that a judge issue warrants for detention of suspects based on evidence within the first 24 hours of the arrest, and police generally followed this requirement.
The police emergency line in North Macedonia is the EU standard: 112. Be aware that police and medical professionals may speak little or no English. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.
Transportation Security
Road Safety
Road conditions differ significantly from those in the United States. Unpredictable drivers, speeding vehicles, poor vehicle maintenance, uneven road surfaces, and poor lighting all contribute to precarious driving conditions. Drivers and passengers should always wear seatbelts. Drivers may not use a cell phone while driving.
U.S. nationals must carry a valid U.S. driver’s license in conjunction with an International Driving Permit to drive legally in North Macedonia. Driving is on the right side of the road. The maximum speed limit in populated areas is 50 km/h. Take care to comply with imposed safety restrictions such as maintaining proper speed and distance between vehicles. The maximum speed limit (if not posted) is 120 km/h (highway), 80 km/h (open road), 50 km/h (in towns), and 30 km/h (residential areas).
In February 2026, an automated electronic surveillance system, called the “Safe City” project, was deployed in Skopje, Tetovo, Kumanovo, and along major highways. The system will automatically detect, record, and issue electronic fines for a range of traffic violations, including speeding, running red lights, and illegal parking on streets. National expansion is anticipated at a later date.
Many vehicles are quite old by western standards. Horse-drawn carts, animals, and/or other objects are regularly visible on public roadways.
Use of headlights is mandatory day and night. Most major highways are in good repair, but secondary urban and rural roads vary widely in condition and lighting. Mountain roads can be narrow, poorly marked, and lacking guardrails, and can quickly become dangerous in inclement weather. Roadside emergency services are limited.
Emergency services are available using the following telephone numbers:
- Police assistance: 192
- Ambulance services: 194
- Roadside support: 196
Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.
Public Transportation Safety
Public transportation in Skopje is generally reliable. Pickpocketing is possible aboard buses. Taxis are generally safe. Use metered taxis to avoid conflicts about the fare. Rideshares do not operate in North Macedonia, but taxis can be called via local apps.
Aviation Concerns
North Macedonia has two international airports. Skopje International Airport (SKP) is located approximately 17 kilometers (11 miles) from Skopje. Security measures include passenger and bag screening that are on par with international norms. Ohrid “St. Paul the Apostle” Airport (OHD) is located approximately nine kilometers (6 miles) from the city of Ohrid. OHD is smaller than SKP, but provides an additional option for international flights. Each adheres to international air-safety standards. As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in North Macedonia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of North Macedonia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards.
Review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.
Maritime Security
North Macedonia is a landlocked nation.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in North Macedonia, review the local laws and circumstances on the U.S. Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia.
The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. The law requires that a judge issue warrants for arrest and detention of suspects based on evidence within 24 hours of the arrest, and police generally follow this requirement. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Health Concerns
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.
The medical emergency line in North Macedonia is 194 (+389 194 from a foreign cell phone). Medical care in North Macedonia varies in quality by location and provider. Skopje has four private hospitals that offer services ranging from cardiovascular surgery to pediatric intensive care. Quality of care is not equal to U.S. health care. Rheumatology, endocrinology, burn, and psychiatric services are either substandard or unavailable to non-citizens. Outside Skopje, medical care is substandard, except for trauma services in Ohrid. If you suspect a heart attack, explicitly request cardiac assistance. Ambulance services are available in Skopje and major tourist areas, such as Ohrid, though response times, equipment and staff training may be below U.S. standards.
In rural areas and small towns, ambulances are staged regionally and may be more than an hour away or unavailable when needed. Government-operated emergency services are substandard. Private emergency services in Skopje, operated by private institutions, meet high quality standards.
Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website. The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on health insurance overseas.
See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the U.S. Department of State’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.
Vaccinations
Travelers to North Macedonia should be up-to-date on vaccinations for Measles, and Hepatitis A&B.
Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.
Issues Traveling with Medications
A government formulary controls which prescription medications are available; the list does not include several medications available in most Western countries. If you bring in medicines intended for your own use, you need to carry with you a certificate issued by your health institution identifying the medicine and the patient, type of health condition; and the signature of your general practitioner as proof that the medicines you are carrying with you are for your own use. Check with the North Macedonia Customs Administration to ensure the medication is legal in North Macedonia.
Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.
Water Quality
Water quality varies; in major cities, tap water may be potable, but bottled or boiled water is recommended for consumption across the country.
In July 2026, it was reported the water in Gostivar was contaminated with coliform bacteria. As of the date of this report, more than 4,500 residents have sought medical treatment.
Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?
Natural Disasters
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Natural Disaster “N” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia, indicating that a natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
North Macedonia is at risk for various natural and man-made disasters, to include earthquakes and floods. Weather conditions and pollution can result in delayed and canceled flights during the winter.
Air pollution is a significant problem in certain areas around the country due to metallurgical plants. Skopje has severe air pollution problems every winter as a result of industrial emissions, smoke from wood-burning stoves, and exhaust fumes from old cars. In some cities, to include Skopje, Bitola, Kicevo, Tetovo, and Veles, particulate pollution exceeds acceptable norms more than 150 days per year. Particulates, especially PM 2.5 particles, cause significant health effects; exposure is likely to be more severe for sensitive populations, including people with heart and lung disease, children, and older adults.
Review OSAC’s report, Earthquake Preparedness Toolkit.
Cybersecurity
In North Macedonia, cybercrime remains a particular concern, as hacking and data breaches have increased worldwide. Cybercriminals use spam and phishing e-mails to compromise victim’s online accounts and steal personal information.
In 2025, North Macedonia documented 458 cybercrime offenses, compared with about 300 in 2024. A majority of these cases targeted individuals or small businesses in order to gain access to financial and personal information. In response to the continued rise in incidents, the Ministry of the Interior established a dedicated cybersecurity unit to identify and respond to cyber threats. The government also laid out “Cybersecurity Strategy 2025–2028”, a state-mandated strategy specifically mapping out protections for critical infrastructure like health, energy, and financial sectors.
Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage.
Counterintelligence Issues
North Macedonia continues to be a country targeted by foreign intelligence services as a current NATO member and former Soviet State.
Russia consistently targets North Macedonia with influence operations exacerbate ethnic tensions and to slow North Macedonia’s accession to the European Union. Most recently, pro-Russian party Levica was linked to covert funding mechanisms tied to Russian and Serbian intelligence services.
Import/Export Restrictions
North Macedonia’s customs authorities enforce strict regulations that require special licenses or permits for the exportation of items deemed to be of historical value or significance. Taking such items out of North Macedonia without the appropriate government-issued permit can result in arrest, monetary fines, and prison sentences. North Macedonia's Customs Administration provides more information on customs regulations.
There are no restrictions on the import or use of satellite phones or similar electronic devices.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.