North Macedonia

Quick Overview

Capital: Skopje
Population: 2.074 million
Official languages: Macedonian, Albanian
Time zone: Central European Standard Time, Central European Summer Time
Emergency #: 112
Vaccinations required: No
Risk of malaria: No
Climate Info

North Macedonia: Travel Health Information

North Macedonia is known for its long and diverse history, as well as its natural landscapes. Visitors can experience the country’s mix of Greek, Roman, and Ottoman heritage and enjoy numerous outdoor activities such as a hike in Golem Grad National Park – the former summer retreat of the king.

Healthcare

The standards for patient care and medical services in North Macedonia may differ from your home country. North Macedonia has both a public and private healthcare sector, with public health centres throughout the country. There is a very high patient-to-healthcare provider ratio in North Macedonia, so wait times for care in public facilities may be long and will typically vary between urban and rural regions. Health care providers are not always trained to a sufficient international standard, and access to quality care may be limited to urban areas. Healthcare costs in private facilities are typically very high and may be limiting for some patients.

In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in North Macedonia typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation to Western Europe may be required for complex emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in North Macedonia.

Pharmacies and medications

Prescriptions for medicines must be obtained by a local doctor, but certain medicines (such as insulin and statins) must be prescribed by a local specialist. A shortage of medicines in the public system can lead to high costs.

If you are travelling with medication, check with North Macedonia’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.

Road safety

Major roads in North Macedonia are generally well maintained but road quality varies by region. Travellers should be cautious of poorly lit roads. Seat belts are required for the driver and passengers of a vehicle at all times. Helmets are recommended for cyclists.


  • Country Reports. Traffic and Road Conditions in Macedonia.
  • Goce Trpkovski. North Macedonia Fails to Lower Road Death Rate. Balkan Insight. (2019).
  • Neda Milevska Kostova, Snezhana Chichevalieva, Ninez A. Ponce, Ewout van Ginneken, Juliane Winkelmann. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia: Health system review. European Observatory. (2017).
  • Pamela Mason. Pharmacy in Macedonia. The Pharmaceutical Journal.
  • World Health Organization. Primary health care organization, performance and quality in North Macedonia. World Health Organization. (2019).
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