U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520 Consular Information Sheet

This information is current as of today,

Macedonia (Former Yugoslav Republic Of)

April 6, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Macedonia is a developing nation undergoing economic change. Conditions in tourist facilities vary considerably and may not be up to western standards.

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 1101 30th St. NW, Suite 302, Washington, D.C., 20007, telephone (202) 337-3063, fax (202) 337-3093, e-mail rmacedonia@aol.com, or the Macedonian Consulate General in Detroit, 2000 Town center, Suite 1130, Southfield, MI 48075, telephone (248)354-5537, fax (248)354-5538.

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.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY: 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.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: While the security situation in Macedonia has stabilized, occasional inter-ethnic and criminal violence remains a concern. The overall number of security incidents has diminished significantly since 2001. However, in the past year, acts of violence, such as bombings, have occurred in Skopje and other towns in Macedonia and have resulted in the injury and death of bystanders as well as property damage. 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

Landmines north and west of Kumanovo and unexploded ordnance in the former conflict area pose a potential threat. Americans electing to travel in these areas are encouraged to restrict movements to daylight hours, keep to hard-topped roads, and contact the Embassy’s Consular Section for up-to-date safety and security information.

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 1-800-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

CRIME INFORMATION: 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.

The loss or theft of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. 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.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State’s pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, http://travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C., 20402 via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: 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.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: Doctors and hospitals typically expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. 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, which would otherwise cost in excess of $50,000. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties, whereas travelers who have purchased overseas medical insurance have, when a medical emergency occurs, found it life-saving. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-800-394-8747) fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-800-232-3299, or by visiting the CDC’s Internet homepage at http://www.cdc.gov. For further information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int.ith.

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:

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Most major highways are in good repair, but secondary roads are poorly maintained, often unlit and are used by horse-drawn carts and livestock. Some vehicles are old and lack standard front or rear lights. Secondary mountain roads can be narrow, poorly marked, lack guardrails and quickly become dangerous in inclement weather.

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. For information on how to obtain a permit, please see http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html#permits.

In case of emergency, drivers may contact the police at telephone 192, the Ambulance Service at telephone 194 and Roadside Assistance at telephone 196.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific information concerning Macedonia driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Embassy of Macedonia at rmacedonia@aol.com. For additional information about road travel in Macedonia, see the U.S. Embassy home page at http://skopje.usembassy.gov.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service by local carriers at present, nor economic authority to operate such 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 international aviation safety standards for oversight of Macedonia's air carrier operations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet home page at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the Pentagon at 1-703-697-7288.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Macedonian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation or export from Macedonia of certain items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Macedonia for specific information regarding customs regulations. Customs regulations require that non-Macedonian citizens make a customs declaration upon entry into Macedonia when they bring more than 2,000 euros in cash or cash equivalent. Failure to complete such a declaration may result in the confiscation of any cash over that amount upon leaving the country.

Casual, non-business travelers with expensive lap-top computers, video cameras, extensive amounts of personal jewelry, etc., are advised that they should declare those items with Macedonian Customs upon entry to avoid problems and delays upon departure. Personal importation of duty-free liquor is limited to one liter. Two hundred cigarettes may also be imported without duty. Pets should have appropriate vaccination and/or health certificates. It is advisable to contact the Macedonian Embassy in Washington or Consulate General in New York for specific information regarding customs requirements. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at http://www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301htm.

Macedonian Customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call 212-354-4480, or send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling, which sometime 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 in Macedonia for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines. Under the Protect Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the U.S., for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens, to engage in illicit sexual conduct, sexually exploit children via pornography, the Internet or other means, with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: 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. Travelers are advised to avoid using credit cards due to numerous instances of credit card fraud.

CHILDREN’S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children’s_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizen Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

REGISTRATION AND EMBASSY LOCATION: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje and obtain updated information on travel and security for both Macedonia and bordering countries. The U.S. Embassy is located at Ilindenska bb, 91000 Skopje, tel. (389) (2) 3116-180, fax (389) (2) 3213-767. Registration forms are available on the Embassy's website, located at: http//skopje.usembassy.gov.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 4, 2003, to update sections on Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Medical Facilities, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, Criminal Penalties, Custom Regulations and Registration.

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