Published: April 4, 2025
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
U.S. Embassy Skopje
21 Samoilova Street, 1000 Skopje
Telephone: +389 2-310-2000
Emergency Phone: +389-7041-5550
Hours: 0830 – 1630, Monday – Friday
OSAC Country Chapter
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.
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 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 such as Skopje Square, the vicinity of the Vardar River, large shopping areas, Matka Canyon, aboard public transportation (buses), and in restaurants.
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 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.
Nationwide crime statistics provided by the North Macedonia Interior Ministry (MOI) for 2024 reflect a general decline in property crimes such as theft, severe theft (characterized as theft involving use of a tool to break into a residence or vehicle), and robbery:
- Theft – 23% decrease with 2,227 cases (compared to 2,098 in 2023)
- Severe Theft – 11.4% decrease with 5,825 cases (compared to 6,575 in 2023)
- Robbery – 39% decrease with 179 cases (compared to 295 in 2023)
Trends among violent crime categories varied across North Macedonia in 2024:
- Murder – 13% decrease with 20 cases (compared to 23 in 2024)
- Attempted Murder – 116% increase with 52 cases (compared to 24 in 2023)
- Extortion – 16% decrease with 25 cases (compared to 30 in 2023)
- Rape – 6% decrease with 31 cases (compared to 33 in 2023)
- Blackmail – no increase or decrease with 21 cases (compared to 21 in 2023)
- Other Acts of Violence – 14% decrease with 55 cases (compared to 64 in 2023)
Domestic violence is a persistent and common problem in North Macedonia. Authorities reported 1,087 cases of domestic violence in 2024 (involving 1,108 perpetrators and 1,146 victims), comparable to 2023 statistics reflecting 1082 cases that year (involving 1,097 perpetrators and 1,123 victims).
Available figures related to child sexual abuse showed a 9% decrease in reported sexual assault incidents against juveniles under the age of 14 (31 cases in 2024, compared to 34 in 2023).
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. Reports of migrant smuggling decreased by 146% in 2024 (39 cases compared to 96 cases in 2023).
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for North Macedonia.
North Macedonia reported 9 cases of kidnapping in 2024, a decrease of 44% from 2023 when 13 cases were reported.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed 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. Though all threats were found to be false, local authorities responded to every threat and continue to investigate the threats’ origin.
The National Committee for Countering Violent Extremism and Countering Terrorism (NCCVECT) estimated that 143 citizens of North Macedonia (excluding children) traveled or attempted to travel to Syria or to Iraq, or both, to join terrorist groups in recent years. Of these 143 adults (133 males, 10 females), only four are believed to remain in a displaced persons camp in northeast Syria. By the end of 2023, North Macedonia had repatriated 19 displaced and 11 detained nationals from northeast Syria. Authorities assessed the terrorist threat level to be “medium,” considering the war in Ukraine, developments in the Middle East, and the presence of former ISIS members and sympathizers.
In 2023, the government adopted national counterterrorism and countering violent extremism strategies and their respective action plans, which focus on prevention, online radicalization to violence, “right-wing extremism,” reintegration, the need for specialized trainings for police officers and social workers, and updated strategic priorities, including the establishment of a database of returnees.
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.”
Protests & Demonstrations
Protests are common in North Macedonia and are frequent platforms for social or political movements. The U.S. Embassy recorded 22 demonstrations in Skopje in 2024, a decrease from 52 in 2023. Most of the events were politically (11) and financially (4) 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 and delayed issue of personal documents, which was mandatory due to the country’s name change. The financial protests were mostly organized by the various Trade Unions and students who requested salary increase and students’ payments, respectively. Groups supporting the victims in Gaza organized three events in 2024. Four protests were organized against the Government’s ignorance of the air pollution.
2024 was an election year in North Macedonia. Pre-election parties’ rallies numbered 30,000 supporters the most (VMRO-DPMNE’s pre-election rally). 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, government buildings located near the city center, approximately two kilometers from the U.S. Embassy.
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 arrest and detention of suspects based on evidence, and police generally followed this requirement. The law states prosecutors must arraign a detainee within 24 hours of arrest.
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.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in North Macedonia, review the local laws and circumstances on the 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, and police generally follow this requirement. The law states prosecutors must arraign a detainee within 24 hours of arrest. If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.
Cybersecurity
In the Western Balkans, the level of sophistication, persistence, and technical capability of cyber adversaries to attack critical infrastructure systems is on the rise.
In 2024, North Macedonia had documented 337 cybercrime offenses, compared with 293 in 2023; damage and illegal access to computer systems were the most common, with 179 reported cases (compared with 113 cases in 2023, reflecting a 36% increase). The government brought 28 criminal cases against individuals who used computers to distribute racist or xenophobic material (compared with 42 cases in 2023, reflecting a 75% decrease). There were 14 reports of production and use of fraudulent payment cards (compared with 10 cases in 2023, reflecting a 28% increase). In total, cyber related crimes in North Macedonia increased by 13% compared to 2023.
In North Macedonia from 2023 to 2024, 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.
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.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
