Macedonian 66.5%, Albanian 25.1%, Turkish 3.5%, Roma 1.9%, Serbian 1.2%, other 1.8%

Macedonian Orthodox 64.7%, other Christian 0.37%, Muslim 33.3%, other and unspecified 1.63%

Macedonia is a parliamentary democracy that is steadily transforming its economy. Macedonia has maintained macroeconomic stability with low inflation, but it has lagged the region in attracting foreign investment and job growth has been anemic. Macedonia has an extensive grey market, estimated to be more than 20 percent of GDP that falls outside official statistics.

Army of the Republic of Macedonia (ARM): Joint Operational Command, with subordinate Air Wing (Makedonsko Voeno Vozduhoplovstvo, MVV), Special Force Command

Short trips for business or tourism: A valid passport is required for travel to Macedonia. A visa is not required for U.S. passport holders for tourist and business trips up to 90 days during a six-month period. Macedonia requires that all foreign citizens entering the country provide proof of health insurance at the port of entry. Entry stamps are issued at airports or land border crossing points, which grant permission to remain 90 days. All foreign citizens must register with local police within 24 hours of arrival. Those staying in private accommodations or renting an apartment should register in person at the police station nearest his/her place of residence, and should be accompanied to the station by the owner or landlord of the apartment. Hotels are responsible for the registration of foreign guests. Travelers who change addresses in Macedonia should notify the police station where they initially registered and re-register with the police station closest to the new place of residence. An unaccompanied U.S. citizen minor who enters Macedonia should be in possession of a notarized statement of consent from a parent or guardian to enter and stay in the country. The statement of consent must be certified by a competent authority of the country from which s/he arrives or by a diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Macedonia abroad NOTE: A U.S. citizen who possesses more than one passport is required to leave the country with the travel document used for entry into the country. Temporary residence: Individuals intending to work, study, or remain longer then 90 days in Macedonia must obtain an entry visa prior to their arrival in Macedonia. The practice of switching from tourist status to long-term status when already in Macedonia is no longer allowed. Those wanting to do so must leave Macedonia and apply for a long-term visa at a Macedonian Embassy or Consulate. American citizens resident in the United States may apply at the Macedonian Embassy in Washington D.C., located at 2129 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel.: (202) 667-0501; fax: (202) 667-2131; or visit the Embassy of Macedonia's website for more information. The passport should be valid for at least three months longer than the validity of the visa. For additional information about the conditions and procedures for visa issuance, the applicant may visit Macedonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website for a list of Macedonian Embassies and Consulates. Travelers should be aware that all border areas apart from designated border crossings are restricted zones. Presence in these zones is forbidden without prior official permission. Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information Sheet.

Airports:  17, Airports w/paved runways:  10

Skopje Alexander the Great Airport (SKP/LWSK)
Skopje Airport, Macedonia, S Petrovec, 1043 Skopje, REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA
Tel: +389 (0)91 148-300
Fax: +389 (0)91 148-3320
Website:  www.airports.com.mk or www.aero.com.mk
Customs, hours: 5:30-22:30 LCT
Tel: +389 (0)2 323-9956
Fax: +389 (0)2 323-9956

The security situation in Macedonia is stable, although occasional criminal violence does occur.  Americans should avoid areas with demonstrations, strikes, or roadblocks where large crowds are gathered, particularly those involving political causes or striking workers. Crime in Macedonia is low by U.S. standards and violent crime against Americans is rare. Organized crime is present in Macedonia, which occasionally results in violent confrontations between members of rival organizations.

Infant MR total:  9.81 deaths/ 1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL  73.97 years  (male 71.51/ female 76.62)

Required:  None

Recommended:  Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters:  DPT, MMR, poliovirus

Tickborne encephalitis, a viral infection of the central nervous system occurs in the southern part of the nontropical forest belt in Europe and Asia (to Pacific Ocean). A number of rickettsial infections also occur in this region. To prevent tickborne infections travelers should take precautions to prevent tick bites (see below).

Although many Macedonian physicians are trained to a high standard, and a number of well-equipped private clinics are available especially in Skopje, most public hospitals and clinics are not equipped and maintained at U.S. or Western European standards.  Basic medical supplies are usually available, but specialized treatment may not be obtainable.

Other infections that tend to occur more often in longer-term travelers (or in immigrants from the region) include tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C (especially in Romania), and cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis in parts of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan.

Country Calling Code:  +389

Internet Country Code:  .mk