Macedonia
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Hotel Super 8
Bul. Krste Misirkov no.57-3/1Skopje
Hotel De Koka
Goce Delcev 5 StreetSkopje
Hotel Solun
10 Nikola Vapcarov Str.Skopje
Bushi Resort & SPA
Samuilova str.Skopje
Ibis Skopje City Center
Orce Nikolov Br 55Skopje
Hostel 42
Boulevard Ilinden 42Skopje
Hotel Anja
Kej 13 Noemvri bbSkopje
Opera House Hotel Skopje
Street 1737 number 24Skopje
Macedonia most commonly refers to:
- North Macedonia, a country in southeastern Europe, known until 2019 as the Republic of Macedonia
- Macedonia (ancient kingdom), a kingdom in Greek antiquity
- Macedonia (Greece), a former administrative region, spanning today three administrative subdivisions of northern Greece
- Macedonia (region), a geographic and historical region that today includes parts of six Balkan countries (see map)
Macedonia, Makedonia, Makedonija, or Makedoniya may also refer to:
Exercise normal security precautions
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.
Crime
Petty crime (pickpocketing, purse snatching) occurs, especially in Skopje’s main downtown pedestrian zone, the Ramstore Mall, the Trgovski Centar shopping mall and Alexander the Great, Airport. Foreigners have been the target of muggings. Remain vigilant at all times.
Occasional acts of inter-ethnic violence can occur.
You should exercise a high degree of caution when travelling to the western border zone due to heightened criminal activity in the area.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations and political protests occur in Skopje and other towns, and striking workers may set up roadblocks. Avoid all demonstrations, protests and large gatherings, as they have the potential to suddenly turn violent. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
Road travel
Exercise caution when travelling by road, especially after dark. Secondary roads are poorly maintained and lack adequate lighting. In mountainous areas, most roads lack guard rails and are little more than dirt tracks above deep gorges. Ice and snow make driving hazardous in winter. Farm equipment and stray animals pose additional risks.
Travellers may face delays at border crossings. Apart from designated crossing points, border areas are considered military restricted zones where travel is forbidden without official permission.
Public transportation
Consult our Transportation Safety page in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.
Fraud/scams
Credit-card fraud is common. Pay careful attention when your card is being handled by others during payment processing.
See our Overseas Fraud page for more information on scams abroad.
General safety information
Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.
Emergency services
Dial 192 for the police, 193 for firefighters, 194 for an ambulance and 196 for roadside assistance.
Health
- Measles: Global Update - January 28, 2014 19:56
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination.
Rabies
Rabies is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in Southern Europe, food and water can also carry diseases like hepatitis A. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in Southern Europe. When in doubt, remember…boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers’ diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in Southern Europe, certain insects carry and spread diseases like Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, leishmaniasis, Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and West Nile virus.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats. Some infections found in Southern Europe, like rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Medical services and facilities
Most medical facilities are poorly equipped, and specialized treatment may not be available. Immediate cash payment is usually required for medical services.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
You are subject to local laws. Consult our Arrest and Detention page for more information.
Illegal activities
Do not photograph border crossings and military or security installations.
Homosexuality
Homosexuality is not widely accepted in Macedonia.
Driving laws
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Drivers and passengers must wear seatbelts at all times. All vehicles must use side lights/dipped headlights during the day. The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited.
Police routinely stop vehicles for inspection.
Customs
To avoid difficulties upon departure, travellers carrying foreign currency, expensive jewellery or electronic equipment should make a customs declaration upon arrival in Macedonia.
Money
The currency of Macedonia is the Macedonian denar (MKD).
The economy is cash-based. The euro (EUR) is the currency of choice, although U.S. dollars are also accepted. Automated banking machines (ABMs) are available in Skopje and are becoming increasingly widespread throughout the country.
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and shops, except in some small grocery stores. Traveller’s cheques are sometimes accepted in hotels, but are readily convertible at banks. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all major banks and at numerous exchange facilities.
When crossing one of the external border control points of the European Union (EU), you must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. This does not apply if you are travelling within the EU or in transit to a non-EU country. For more information on the EU legislation and links to EU countries’ sites, visit the web page of the European Commission on cash controls.
Climate
Macedonia is located in an active seismic zone, although serious earthquakes are rare. Take note of the contact information of the Consulate of Canada in Skopje in the event of an emergency.