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Macedonia Consular Information Sheet
November 14, 2005
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Macedonia is a developing nation undergoing
economic change. Conditions in tourist facilities vary considerably
and may not be up to Western standards. Read the Department of State
Background Notes on Macedonia at
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/26759.htm.
ENTRY AND EXIT REQUIREMENTS: U.S. citizens need a passport to enter
Macedonia. A visa for Macedonia is not required for tourist/business
purposes for stays up to 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days,
American citizens need to obtain the appropriate visa at a Macedonian
Embassy or Consulate prior to their trip. Additional information on
entry requirements may be obtained from the Macedonian Embassy at 129
Wyoming Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone (202) 337-3063, fax
(202) 337-3093, or the Macedonian Consulate General in Detroit, 2000
Town Center, Suite 1130, Southfield, MI 48075, telephone (248)
354-5537, fax (248) 354-5538. See our Foreign Requirements brochure
for more information on Macedonia and other countries. Visit the
Embassy of Macedonia web site at www://macedonianembassy.org or
http://www.mfa.gov.mk/default_en.asp for the most current visa
information.
Foreigners, including American citizens, who enter Macedonia and will
stay in private accommodations, are required to register with the
nearest police station within three days. Foreigners staying in hotels
are not required to register, as the hotel is responsible for
registration with the police. Persons who overstay their visas should
contact the Ministry of Interior in Skopje to obtain an exit visa;
failure to do so may result in difficulties in departing the country.
Travelers should be aware that all immediate border areas apart from
designated border crossings are military restricted zones. Presence in
these zones is forbidden without prior official permission.
Read our information on dual nationality and the prevention of
international child abduction at http://travel.state.gov/
travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1496.html.
For customs Information see http://travel.state.gov/travel/
cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1468.html.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: While the security situation in Macedonia is
stable, occasional inter-ethnic and criminal violence remains a
concern. The overall number of security incidents has diminished
significantly since 2001. Travelers should be alert for unusual
behavior and other possible indicators that something out of the
ordinary is in progress. Acts of intimidation and violence against
American citizens have not occurred recently but remain possible.
Americans should avoid demonstrations and other sites, such as
roadblocks, where large crowds are gathered, particularly those
involving political causes or striking workers.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should
regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov where current Worldwide Caution Public
Announcements, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.
Up to date information on security conditions can also be obtained by
calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. or, for callers outside
the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-541-4444. These
numbers are available from 8:00a.m. to 8:00p.m. Eastern Time, Monday
through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility
for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general
information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect
themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State's
pamphlet: A Safe Trip Abroad at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.
CRIME: Crime in Macedonia is low by U.S. standards; however,
incidents of theft and other petty crimes do occur, and travelers
should take the same precautions they would take in any unfamiliar
environment. Criminal inter-gang rivalries and individuals associated
with organized crime, particularly in western Macedonia, have been the
source of periodic violent confrontations resulting in serious injury
and even death to innocent people.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you are a victim of a crime
while overseas, in addition to reporting to the local police, please
contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The
Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find
appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and
explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and
prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local
authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local
criminal justice process and find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victim's of Crime at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies_1749.html.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Although Macedonian
physicians are trained to a high standard, most hospitals and clinics
are generally not equipped and maintained at U.S. or Western European
standards. Basic medical supplies are available, but specialized
treatment may not be obtainable. Travelers with previously diagnosed
medical conditions may wish to consult their physician before travel.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe
food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for
international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the
CDC's internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information
about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health
Organization's (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further
health information for travelers is available at
http://www.who.int/ith.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans
to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling
abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it
will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.
Please see our information on medical insurance overseas at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1470.html.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S.
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from
those in the United States. The information below concerning
Macedonia is provided for general reference only, and may not be
totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:
Driving safely in Macedonia requires good defensive driving skills.
Drivers routinely ignore traffic regulations, and often drive through
red lights and stop signs, and turn left from the far right hand lane.
These driving practices cause frequent traffic accidents. With a
rate of 7.8 deaths per million kilometers driven, drivers, passengers
and pedestrians in Macedonia are over seven times more likely to die
from a traffic accident than if they were in the United States.
Macedonia is currently one of the highest ranked countries in the
world for per capita traffic related fatalities.
Driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are generally
posted. Americans driving in Macedonia should possess a valid
American driver's license and an International Driving Permit. Most
major highways are in good repair, but secondary urban and rural roads
are poorly maintained, often unlit and used by horse-drawn carts and
livestock. While driving, it is not unusual to come across dead
animals, rocks, or objects that have fallen from trucks. Some
vehicles are old and lack standard front or rear lights. Secondary
mountain roads can be narrow and poorly marked, lack guardrails, and
quickly become dangerous in inclement weather. Overall, public
transportation in Macedonia is dilapidated. Roadside emergency
services are limited.
In case of emergency, drivers may contact the police at telephone 192,
the Ambulance Service at telephone 194, and Roadside Assistance at
telephone 196.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1179.html or visit
Macedonia's National Tourist Office website at: http://
www.skopjetourism.org.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air
service between the United States and Macedonia, the U.S. Federal
Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Macedonia's Civil
Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation
safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's
internet web site at
http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: In addition to being subject to all Macedonian
laws affecting U.S. citizens, dual U.S./Macedonian nationals may be
subject to Macedonian laws that impose special obligations. Male
Macedonian citizens are subject to compulsory military draft
regulations. If such persons are found guilty of draft evasion in
Macedonia - or draft evasion from the former Yugoslavia prior to 1991
- they are subject to prosecution by Macedonian authorities. Those
who might be affected should inquire at a Macedonian Embassy or
Consulate outside Macedonia regarding their status before travel.
Macedonian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations
concerning temporary importation or export from Macedonia of certain
items, including items deemed to be of historical value or
significance. Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived
as being of military or security interest may result in problems with
authorities. If in doubt, please ask permission before taking
photographs. Macedonia has a cash based economy. The local currency
is the denar. Few establishments accept dollars, credit cards or
travelers' checks.
Please see our information on customs regulations at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1468.html.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is
subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ
significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the
protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties
for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for
similar offenses. Persons violating Macedonian laws, even
unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for
possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs in Macedonia are
severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and
heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or
disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime,
prosecutable in the United States.
For more information visit
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1467.html.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of
children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of
Children's Issues website at:
http://travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.
REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in
Macedonia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Skopje
through the State Department's travel registration website:
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp, and to obtain
updated information on travel and security within Macedonia.
Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S.
Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the
Embassy to contact them in case of an emergency. The U.S. Embassy in
Skopje is located at Ilindenska bb, 1000 Skopje, tel. (389) (2)
311-6180, fax (389) (2) 321-3767, email: [email protected].
Registration forms are available on the Embassy's website, located at:
http://skopje.usembassy.gov.
* * *
This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 25, 2005 to
update sections on Entry and Exit Requirements and Aviation Safety
Oversight.
*********************************************************** See
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html for State Department
Travel Warnings |