North Macedonia:Visa Requirements

North MacedoniaLearn the visa requirements for this country. Last check:Last update:

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North Macedonia Visa Requirements Map

North Macedonia: Visa Requirements

Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.

Visa-Free Entry Requirements

  • The right to visa-free entry depends on the passport or travel document used, the basis of the exemption, and the permitted duration of stay. When the exemption regulation permits, entry may be made with a valid national identity card instead of a valid passport. A visa exemption also exists for holders of travel documents issued by the United Nations.
  • For exemptions based on a residence permit, a valid temporary or permanent residence permit must be carried at entry. Under this exemption, a maximum of 15 days may be stayed per entry, and the total stay may not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • For exemptions based on a multiple-entry short-stay visa of another country, the visa must be valid in the passport. The visa in question must remain valid for at least five more days after the end of the planned stay in North Macedonia. A maximum of 15 days may be stayed per entry, and the total stay may not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period.
  • The temporary visa exemption based on certain multiple-entry visas is valid from 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026. Under this arrangement, the visa must be affixed in the passport, remain valid for at least five more days after the planned stay, and the stay per entry must not exceed 15 days.
  • For other visa exemptions based on nationality, the permitted duration of stay is determined by the travel document used and the applicable bilateral or unilateral arrangement. The traveler should verify the duration of their exemption from the competent diplomatic mission before travel.
  • The exact minimum validity period required for a passport for visa-free entry is not specified definitively in the central official source. The number of blank pages required in the passport is also not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • A central document list applicable to everyone has not been published for visa-free travelers regarding a return ticket, accommodation reservation, daily minimum financial amount, period to be covered by bank statement, travel health insurance, and minimum insurance coverage.
  • An establishment offering paid accommodation service must notify the Ministry of Interior of the foreign traveler's accommodation within 12 hours from the start of the service. The accommodation of a foreigner staying with a private individual must be notified to the relevant police unit within 48 hours of their arrival.

Consular Visa Application Requirements

  • North Macedonia's consular visa system consists of type A airport transit visa, type C short-stay and transit visa, and type D long-stay visa.
  • The application must be made to the resident or non-resident diplomatic-consular mission of North Macedonia responsible for the applicant's region of residence. The application must be submitted no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the planned travel.
  • The applicant must normally appear in person at the mission. An authorized natural or legal person may exceptionally submit an application on behalf of a disabled applicant or a recognized person whose good faith is not doubted. The application of a minor must be submitted in person by a parent or legal guardian.
  • The visa application form must be filled in properly, legibly, and completely. The manner of signing the form and the language to be used are not specified definitively in the central official source. The current form and appointment method must be obtained from the diplomatic mission where the application will be made.
  • The applicant must present a recognized and valid passport or travel document. The document must be valid for at least three months after the validity period of the requested visa, have been issued within the last ten years, and contain at least two blank pages for visa processing.
  • One color photograph measuring 35 × 45 millimeters must be submitted. The photograph must have a white background and the applicant's face must be clearly visible. How recently the photograph must have been taken and the printing technique are not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • Which pages of the passport are to be photocopied is not specified definitively in the central official source. No central and universal rule has been published requiring a national identity card or a document showing legal residence in the country of application from all applicants. The mission may request a document confirming the residence authorization.
  • The applicant must submit documents proving the purpose of travel. The type of document may vary depending on the purpose of travel and may include an invitation letter, a document showing business relationship, an education document, a medical treatment document, a document showing family ties, or a letter from the relevant institution.
  • A document showing that accommodation is secured must be submitted. A hotel reservation, accommodation document provided by the host, or a valid guarantee or invitation letter may be used.
  • The applicant must prove that they have sufficient financial means to cover their stay in the country and their return to their home country or onward travel to a third country. A credit card or bank statement is accepted as financial proof. The number of months to be covered by the bank statement and the minimum balance required are not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • Documents showing travel arrangements, intention to return, or intention to continue to a third country must be submitted. The exact form of the flight, bus, or other transportation reservation may be determined according to the purpose of travel and the mission.
  • A guarantee letter issued by a natural person may be prepared by a citizen of North Macedonia or a foreigner with a right of residence in the country. An invitation letter for a business visit may be issued by a domestic or foreign legal entity registered in North Macedonia or by a state administration.
  • A guarantee or invitation letter may be used as proof of accommodation and financial sufficiency if it clearly states that the guarantor will provide accommodation, cover all expenses in the country, and assume the costs of the foreigner's departure from North Macedonia.
  • Guarantee and invitation letters prepared by a natural or legal person must be certified by a notary. Notarization is not required for an invitation letter issued by a state administration.
  • The applicant must present valid travel health insurance covering the entire duration of their stay in North Macedonia. The insurance must cover expenses that may arise due to repatriation for medical reasons, emergency medical assistance, and emergency hospital treatment. The minimum insurance coverage amount is not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • A short-stay C visa may be issued for the purpose of a short stay of up to 90 days. The general conditions for issuing the visa as single-entry or multiple-entry and the exact validity period are not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • The application fee for a type C short-stay or transit visa is 60 euros. For children between 6 and 12 years of age, the fee is 35 euros.
  • A type D long-stay visa may be requested after a positive decision by the Ministry of Interior on granting a temporary residence permit. The applicant must submit documents corresponding to the purpose of temporary residence.
  • A D visa may be used for employment, study, student exchange, specialization or vocational training, practical training, volunteering, scientific research, medical treatment, accommodation in a care institution, family reunification, and humanitarian purposes. The temporary residence granted must be used only for the approved purpose.
  • The fee for a type D long-stay visa is 70 euros. For children between 6 and 12 years of age, the fee is 35 euros. The exact validity period of the D visa, the number of entries permitted, and the maximum duration of stay it provides in the country are not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • The accepted payment method for the application fee and the method of currency conversion are not specified definitively in the central official source. The payment method must be confirmed from the diplomatic-consular mission where the application will be made.
  • The official processing time for a consular visa is not specified definitively in the central official source. The requirement to submit the application at least 15 days in advance does not mean that a decision will necessarily be rendered within 15 days.
  • The general application list does not explicitly require a biometric passport, machine-readable passport, fingerprints, facial biometrics, or a mandatory interview. The competent mission may request a personal interview or additional clarification depending on the nature of the application; no central procedure applicable to everyone has been published for this.
  • No general central rule has been published requiring that all documents be translated, legalized, or apostilled. Notarization is explicitly required for guarantee and private invitation letters. The translation or certification requirement for other documents may vary depending on the visa purpose and the mission where the application is made.
  • The application of a minor applicant must be submitted in person by a parent or guardian. No detailed central checklist applicable to all applications has been published regarding the birth certificate, consent of the other parent, custody decision, or documents showing family ties.
  • A vaccination certificate or general health report is not mandatory for all short-stay visa applications. For type D applications, additional health documents may be requested depending on the purpose of medical treatment or temporary residence.
  • Establishments offering paid accommodation service must notify the foreigner's accommodation within 12 hours. The residence of a foreigner staying in a private dwelling must be notified to the relevant police unit within 48 hours of arrival.

Transit Visa Requirements

  • North Macedonia applies two separate types of transit visa: type A airport transit visa for the international airport transit area, and type C short-stay and transit visa for passage through the country's territory.
  • A type C transit visa may be used for a transit stay of up to five days on the territory of North Macedonia. The exact duration permitted by the type A airport transit visa is not separately specified in the central official source.
  • A transit visa application must be submitted in person to the competent diplomatic-consular mission no earlier than six months and no later than 15 days before the planned journey. The application of a minor must be made in person by a parent or legal guardian.
  • The recognized travel document must be valid for at least three months after the transit period, have been issued within the last ten years, and contain at least two blank visa pages.
  • One photograph measuring 35 × 45 millimeters, in color, with a white background, and with the face clearly visible must be submitted. The date the photograph was taken and other printing characteristics are not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • The application form must be filled in properly and legibly. The method of signing the form is not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • Documents showing the transit route, means of transport, and intention to continue from North Macedonia to a third country must be submitted. Whether a document proving the right to enter the next country is required, if a visa or residence permit is needed, may be determined according to the route and the mission where the application is made.
  • Financial means sufficient to cover the expenses of the stay, return, or onward travel to a third country must be proven. A credit card or bank statement may be accepted. The minimum balance and the period to be covered by the bank statement are not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • Valid travel health insurance must be presented. The insurance must cover the entire planned transit period and medical repatriation, emergency health assistance, and emergency hospital treatment. The minimum coverage amount is not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • For a type C transit visa, a notarized guarantee or invitation letter is also included in the central list. How the document will be applied according to the nature of the transit journey must be confirmed from the diplomatic mission where the application will be made.
  • The fee for a type C transit visa is 60 euros. For children between 6 and 12 years of age, the fee is 35 euros. The payment method is not specified definitively in the central official source.
  • The separate document checklist, fee, validity period, and official processing time for the type A airport transit visa are not specified definitively in the central official source.
Population
1,804,063(2026 est.)
Official language
Macedonian, Albanian
Government type
Parliamentary republic
Continent
Europe
Capital
Skopje
Currency
Macedonian denari
Area
25,713 km²
Phone code
+389

North Macedonia: Key Destinations

Skopje, the capital and largest city, serves as the primary gateway for international visitors arriving by air or land. The city blends ancient history with modern development, featuring landmarks like the Stone Bridge and the Old Bazaar.

Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a major cultural and natural attraction, drawing travelers to its historic churches and crystal-clear waters. Bitola offers a glimpse into Ottoman-era architecture and the ancient site of Heraclea Lyncestis.

Most visitors begin their journey in Skopje before heading southwest to Ohrid for lakeside relaxation. From there, routes extend to Bitola or the wine regions of Tikveš, making a loop through the country's diverse landscapes.