Travel Report for Macedonia (FYR)

Country Profile for
Macedonia (FYR)

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: August 16, 2006 16:19 EDT
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:40 EST

Macedonia (FYR)

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

A minor editorial change has been made in section 13 of this Travel Report.

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2. ATTENTION

The security situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has stabilized. Inter-ethnic conflicts and confrontations between criminal gangs have greatly diminished since 2001 and rarely occur now. Caution should be exercised when travelling in the following areas:
a) west of the Tetovo-Gostivar highway up to the Albanian border;
b) the Cair district of Skopje;
c) the area north of Skopje;
d) the north part of the Skopje-Tetovo highway up to the Kosovo border; and
e) north and west of Kumanovo up to the Kosovo and Serbian borders.

Political protests and roadblocks set up by striking workers sometimes occur. Avoid demonstrations and other large gatherings.

Canadians should exercise caution when travelling to the western border zone due to heightened criminal activity in the area. Canadians visiting Macedonia are strongly advised to register with the Consulate of Canada in Skopje (see below) or with Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country if they are going to be there for longer than three months. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Most Canadian visitors to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia do not experience problems. Petty crime is generally low, but theft is on the increase. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching occur, especially at Skopje's Petrovec Airport and Trgovski Centar, the main downtown shopping mall. Foreigners have been the target of muggings. Visitors should remain vigilant and avoid demonstrations. Ensure personal belongings, passports, and all other travel documents are secure.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Motorists should 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. Police routinely stop vehicles for inspection. Travellers may face delays at border crossings.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Macedonia is located in an active seismic zone, although serious earthquakes are rare. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Consulate of Canada in Skopje (see below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

Canadian citizens with dual nationality may be subject to compulsory military service and other obligations imposed by the Government of Macedonia. Such requirements may limit the ability of Canadian officials to provide consular services. Those who may be affected should inquire with the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia (see below). Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian citizens to foreign authorities at all times.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Do not take photographs of military or security installations.

Apart from designated crossing points, border areas are considered military restricted zones where travel is forbidden without official permission.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further information at the following address:

Macedonia - SKOPJE, Consulate of Canada
Address: Partizanski odredi 17-a, 1000 Skopje, Macedonia
Postal Address: Skopje, Macedonia
Tel.: 389 (2) 3225-630
After hours tel.: 389 (70) 204-319
Fax: 389 (2) 3220-596

The Embassy of Canada in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, has overall responsibility for consular services in Macedonia and may be contacted directly for assistance at the following address:

Serbia and Montenegro - BELGRADE, Embassy of Canada
Address: Kneza Milosa 75, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
Postal Address: Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro
Tel.: 381 (11) 306-3000
Fax: 381 (11) 306-3042
E-mail: bgrad@international.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Consulate of Canada in Skopje and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa at 00 1 613 996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Macedonia is 00 800-4277, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site (www.infocanadadirect.com).

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Conditions are subject to change.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Macedonia (FYR). The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Since January 15, 2003, visas must be obtained prior to arrival in Macedonia in order to avoid delays and difficulties on arrival.

Canadians may be required to show proof of sufficient funds, such as a valid major credit card.

Canadians travelling from Macedonia to Kosovo should enquire about multiple-entry visas for Macedonia. A multiple-entry visa is needed to return to Macedonia after travelling to Kosovo.

A visa to enter or return to Macedonia must be obtained before visiting Kosovo at the Macedonian Commercial - Economic Representative Office in Pristina at the following address: Str. 24 Maj No. 121, Pristina, Kosovo (Tel: 381 38 247 462, Fax: 381 38 247 463). Working hours are Monday to Friday from 11:00-12:00.

It is recommended that any Canadian travelling to Kosovo obtain a Macedonian multiple-entry visa in the event of an emergency road departure from Kosovo.

Canadians who enter Macedonia and stay in private accommodations must register with the police within three days of their arrival.

Canadians of Macedonian ancestry have encountered difficulties when travelling through Greece on their way either to or from Serbia and Montenegro. Any such difficulty should be reported to Foreign Affairs Canada in Ottawa (see contact numbers above).

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

An entry-exit document must be completed when entering Macedonia. The exit portion of this document must be presented upon departure. Loss of this form may result in delays upon departure.

To avoid difficulties upon departure, travellers carrying foreign currency or expensive jewellery or electronic equipment should make a customs declaration upon arrival in Macedonia. Failure to do so may result in the confiscation of currency.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Macedonia and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

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9. MONEY

The economy is cash-based. The currency is the Macedonian denar (MKD). Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. The euro (EUR) is the currency of choice, although U.S. dollars are also accepted. Foreign currency is readily convertible at all major banks and numerous exchange facilities. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and selected shops. However, credit-card fraud is common, and caution is advised when making credit-card purchases. Traveller's cheques are sometimes accepted in hotels and can be cashed at banks. ATMs are available in Skopje. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Macedonia (capital: Skopje) is located in southeastern Europe, bordering Serbia and Montenegro, Bulgaria, Greece, and Albania. Independence was gained from Serbia and Montenegro in 1991. The quality of tourist facilities varies considerably. Travellers should make their reservations prior to travelling to Skopje, Ohrid, and other locations. The official language is Macedonian.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Most medical facilities are poorly equipped, and specialized treatment may not be available. Maternity facilities are sometimes inadequate. Immediate cash payment is usually required for medical services.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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