Planning a trip to North Macedonia? I’ll walk you through whether you need a visa, the types available, required paperwork, and recent policy tweaks you won’t find elsewhere. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for a smooth entry.
Who Needs a Visa to Enter North Macedonia?
North Macedonia divides travelers into two groups:
- Visa-exempt nationals (up to 90 days in any 180-day period)
- Nationals who must apply for a visa in advance
You can check your status on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visa information page. Citizens of over 80 countries enjoy visa-free entry to North Macedonia.
New Temporary Visa Policy for 2025
From January 1 to December 31, 2025, North Macedonia will offer expanded visa-free access to selected countries under a temporary arrangement published in Government Gazette No. 37/2024. If you hold a passport from one of those states, you can visit visa-free next year.
Types of Visas and When to Use Them
North Macedonia issues several visa categories:
- Tourist Visa (Type C) – Short visits for sightseeing, up to 90 days.
- Business Visa (Type C) – Meetings, conferences, or trade fairs.
- Airport Transit Visa (Type A) – Layovers at Skopje Airport.
- Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – Study, work, or family reunification (over 90 days).
Each visa’s cost and validity varies. You can find a full breakdown on VisaGuide.World’s North Macedonia visa guide.
Special Entry with a Schengen Visa
If you hold a multiple-entry Schengen C visa valid at least five days beyond your planned departure, you may enter North Macedonia up to 15 days per visit, not exceeding 90 days in any 180-day period, according to the Schengen C visa validity rules.
Application Process and Required Documents
Core Documents You’ll Submit
- Completed visa application form
- Passport-size photos (35×45 mm)
- Passport valid at least 90 days past arrival
- Proof of travel insurance covering €30,000
- Round-trip flight reservation
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
Passport Validity & Blank Pages
Your passport must bear at least one blank page for the entry stamp and remain valid for a minimum of 90 days beyond your arrival date.
Proof of Accommodation & Entry with ID Cards
If you don’t reside in North Macedonia, border officers may ask for a hotel booking or host invitation. Citizens of EU member states and Schengen signatories can enter using a national ID card alone.
Who Can Apply on Your Behalf
Applications are normally in person at a diplomatic mission. Exceptions allow proxies to submit on behalf of:
- Disabled applicants
- Public figures or other well-known individuals
Minors must have their visa application lodged in person by a parent or legal guardian.
Fees, Processing Time & Validity
- Standard short-stay visa fee: €60
- Diplomatic passports: usually exempt
- Processing time: 10–15 working days, can extend up to 30 days
- Type C validity: up to 90 days per entry within 180 days
Exact fees and times appear on the Ministry’s consular page.
Entry for Holders of EU/Schengen Residence Permits
If you have a valid temporary residence permit from an EU or Schengen country, you may visit North Macedonia for up to 15 days per entry, within a 90-day period in any 180 days, without an additional visa.
Your Path to a Hassle-Free Entry
You now know whether you must apply, which visa category fits your trip, and the extra requirements—like blank passport pages and accommodation proof—that can trip up your plans. With recent 2025 tweaks and Schengen-related shortcuts, you’re set to navigate North Macedonia’s entry rules without surprises.