Do I need a visa for NORTH MACEDONIA?

The Republic of North Macedonia is a landlocked country in the Balkans, bordering Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, Greece, and Bulgaria. North Macedonia is an EU candidate country and a NATO member. Its visa policy closely mirrors that of the European Schengen Area, granting visa-free access to most nationalities that enjoy Schengen Annex II status, plus a number of additional bilateral arrangements. The Ministry of Internal Affairs oversees immigration policy.

2. Schengen Annex II — 90 Days Visa-Free

North Macedonia grants visa-free entry for up to 90 days within a 180-day period to citizens of all countries on the EU Schengen Annex II list, with a few exceptions. Turkey also enjoys 90-day visa-free access. This category covers most of the Americas, many Asian and Oceanian countries, and all Western nations.

Notable Visa-Free Countries — 90 Days (Schengen Annex II equivalent) • All European Union member states (EU nationals — ID card accepted) • Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia • Bahamas, Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei • Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador • Georgia (biometric passport only), Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong • Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Macao, Malaysia • Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand • Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru • Saint Kitts and Nevis, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles • Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand • Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom • United States, Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela

3. Exceptions to Schengen Annex II (Visa Required)

Despite being on the EU Schengen Annex II list, citizens of the following countries are NOT exempt from visa requirements for North Macedonia and must obtain a visa in advance:

Schengen Annex II Countries Still Requiring Visa for North Macedonia • Dominica • Grenada • Kiribati • Marshall Islands • Micronesia • Palau • Samoa • Saint Lucia • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines • Solomon Islands • Timor-Leste • Tonga • Trinidad and Tobago • Tuvalu • Vanuatu

4. Additional Visa-Free Access

Beyond Schengen Annex II, North Macedonia offers specific visa-free or simplified entry arrangements to several additional categories:

CategoryEntry ConditionDuration
EU/Schengen Type C visa holder or EU/Schengen residence permitValid visa/permit15 days
Canada, UK, or US visa holder (temporary provision)Valid visa — Jan 2023 to Dec 202515 days
UN travel document holdersLaissez-passerNo visa required
Georgia (biometric passport)Biometric passport only90 days within 180

5. Non-Ordinary Passports

Several countries enjoy visa-free access to North Macedonia exclusively for diplomatic, official, or service passport holders, reflecting bilateral agreements at government level.

Countries with Diplomatic/Official/Service Passport Agreements • Belarus (with tourist voucher or travel group requirement for ordinary passport) • China (public affairs passport only for ordinary; diplomatic/official visa-free) • Georgia (diplomatic only, non-biometric ordinary passports require visa) • India (diplomatic passport only) • Iran (diplomatic/service) • Indonesia (diplomatic/service) • Mongolia (diplomatic/service) • Peru (diplomatic/service)

6. Visa Application for Other Nationals

Nationals not covered by the above categories must apply for a visa at a North Macedonia embassy or consulate abroad. Short-stay (C) visas, long-stay (D) visas, and transit (A/B) visas are available depending on the purpose of travel. Applications typically require a valid passport, completed application form, photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, and supporting documents for the purpose of visit.

Visa Categories Available • Type A — Airport Transit Visa • Type B — Transit Visa • Type C — Short-Stay Visa (up to 90 days) • Type D — Long-Stay / National Visa (over 90 days)

7. General Entry Requirements

Standard Requirements for All Visitors • Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay • Valid return or onward ticket • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host letter) • Proof of sufficient funds (approx. EUR 50 per day) • Travel or health insurance covering North Macedonia • No prior deportation from North Macedonia or Schengen Area

8. Important Notes

North Macedonia continues its EU accession process, and its visa policy is expected to align further with Schengen rules over time. Visitors must register with local authorities within 24 hours of arrival if not staying in a registered accommodation. The temporary provision allowing Canada/UK/US visa holders to enter for 15 days is subject to renewal beyond December 2025.