North Macedonia Visa Requirements – Everything You Need to Know

Navigating North Macedonia visa requirements is essential for anyone planning a visit to this culturally rich and historically significant country. Understanding the necessary documentation and procedures can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable. In this guide, we’ll delve into the essential details you need to know before embarking on your journey to North Macedonia.

Do you need a Visa?

North Macedonia has bilateral visa agreements with a number of countries around the world, in addition to Citizens from EU Member States and those under the Schengen Agreement not requiring a visa to enter North Macedonia. As long as their stay is less than 90 days, in a 180 day period and they do not intend to take up paid employment.

North Macedonia Visa Free Countries

Although this information is correct at the time of writing, it is advisable to check this requirement before your travel dates.

There are additional exemptions for those with either temporary residence or permeant residence in an EU Member state, or those holding a Schengen, UK, Canadian or US visa. See details below:

• Non-EU nationals holding temporary residence in an EU Member State or a Schengen Agreement signatory country are permitted to stay for up to 15 days per entry into North Macedonia, with a cumulative stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Non-EU nationals with permanent residence in an EU Member State or a Schengen Agreement signatory country may stay for a maximum of 15 days per entry into North Macedonia, with a total stay not exceeding 90 days within any 180-day period.
• Third-country nationals holding valid visas for the United Kingdom (UK), Canada, the United States of America (USA), or a multiple-entry Schengen visa (type C) with validity extending at least 5 days beyond the intended stay in North Macedonia, are allowed a maximum stay of 15 days per entry into the country. Provided the total duration does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period.

Unfortunately if none of the above sets of circumstances apply, or if you are wanting to stay in North Macedonia longer than 90 days within any 180-day period, then you will need to apply for a visa.

Types of North Macedonian Visa

The two different types of visas for visiting North Macedonia, their application requirements and further information is detailed below.

Short-Stay and Transit Visa (C)

A Short Stay ‘C’ Visa allows the applicant to stay in North Macedonia for up to 90 days, or to transit through the country for up to 5 days. This is the most common type of visa required for those visiting North Macedonia as a tourist.

Long-Stay Visa (D)

A Long Stay ‘D’ Visa is required for those wanting to stay in North Macedonia for longer than 90 days, even where the applicant’s nationality are on the visa exempt list (as this is only valid for 90 days).

A Long Stay Visa, is a temporary residence and is granted to individuals who intend to stay in North Macedonia for; work, study, international exchange programmes, training purposes, volunteering, scientific research, medical treatment, nursing home accommodation, family or humanitarian reasons.

Temporary residence can also be granted to:

• Third country nationals with a close family member who is a citizen of North Macedonia
• Third country nationals originating from North Macedonia
• Children of third country nationals born in North Macedonia
• Nationals from OECD Member States who have purchased an apartment, house or other residence in North Macedonia, with a value of at least 40,000€

Anyone granted a Long Stay Visa, is only granted temporary residence for the specific purpose of declared on their application. Once this purpose has been fulfilled/completed, the validity of the visa ceases.

Applying for your North Macedonian Visa

If your need to apply for a visa, then you will need to contact the diplomatic consular representative for the Republic of North Macedonia in your home country, arranging an appointment via phone or email. Alternatively it is also possible to make visa applications through authorised travel agencies who will do this on your behalf.

Applications should be made at least 15 days before your planned travel dates, up to a maximum of 6 months prior.

The visa should be submitted in person, with exceptions granted to those with disabilities where this can be done by someone authorised to act on their behalf, and to children, where this can be done by a parent or guardian.

The documentation required for applicants include:

• Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended stay in North Macedonia.
• Travel insurance documents issues by an insurer in their county of residence.
• Invitation letter by a Macedonian citizen, or someone who has right to remain
• Proof of sufficient means to fund their stay in North Macedonia (bank or credit card statements).
• Passport style photo ( 3.5 x 4.5cm), in colour with a white background, clearly showing the applicants face.
• Proof of payment of the visa application fees ( 70€ adults, 35€ children aged 6-12)
• Completed visa application form

Dependent on the type of visa and the nature of the visit to North Macedonia, applicants may also be required to provide proof of employment, proof of enrolment in academic institution or details of visa sponsorship. These will however not be required for those seeking to visit North Macedonia for the purpose of tourism.

Now that you know everything about applying for your North Macedonia visa, check out our Skopje, Ohrid and Bitola travel guides for ideas when planning your visit.