Travelling to Macedonia, Covid-19 rules and entry protocol
Travelling to Macedonia, Covid-19 rules and entry protocol!
Macedonia, this mountainous, landlocked country has so much to offer! There are quirky cities, gorgeous villages, interesting historic sites, majestic lakes, and beautiful mountains. And while some of the most beautiful places to visit in Macedonia rival those anywhere in the world, you’ll pay a fraction of what you would for a trip to similar spots in western Europe.
So whether you’re backpacking the Balkans or you’re just looking for a quick city break, don’t make the same mistake most travellers do and just hit Skopje or Ohrid. There are far too many unexpected and wonderful places to visit in Macedonia to give this country short shrift.
Below you will find the protocol of entering to Macedonia:
Entry to North Macedonia from 1 September
From 1 September, people aged 18 and over, entering North Macedonia will need to present either:
- a full vaccination certificate, or
- a negative PCR test made in the 72 hours before entering the country, or
- a certificate of recovery from COVID-19 in the last 45 days, counting from the day of recovery
- Citizens of North Macedonia and foreign nationals entering the country without a COVID-19 vaccination certificate, PCR test, or certificate of recovery from COVID-19 will be required to quarantine at home for seven days.
Foreign nationals transiting through the country will be able to do so within 5 hours with a previously signed statement of entry into the country which they will have to submit before the border control at the exit from the country.
To enter Skopje International Airport (including for a departing flight), people aged 18 and over are required to provide proof of vaccination with at least one dose, or a certificate showing you have recovered from COVID-19 within the past 45 days, or a negative PCR test made in the previous 72 hours, or rapid antigen test in the previous 48 hours.
The best places to visit once you are inside Macedonia
From small fishing villages to resort towns to interesting historic sites, these are our picks for the best places to visit in Macedonia.
Skopje
Most trips to Macedonia will start in Skopje, either landing at the airport or grabbing a bus from Sofia, Tirana, or Greece. Visitors will find that there are fantastic things to do here, but the real joy is simply strolling the quirky streets and enjoying the juxtaposition of the city’s delightfully slow pace with its urban atmosphere
Ohrid
The Jerusalem of the Balkans, many people have heard of Ohrid as an important cultural and religious city. But this UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth visiting for so many reasons. Yes, it is full of beautiful churches and monasteries, including the picture-perfect St. John at Kaneo, but it’s also just a fabulous lakeside town. Here you can mix your summer fun with cultural pursuits, making Ohrid the perfect all-around vacation destination.
Matka Canyon
The most popular day trip from Skopje is Matka Canyon. Easily reachable by taxi, bus, or car, you simply have no excuse not to take in this beautiful Macedonian natural wonder while in the city.
Matka Canyon is beloved by hiking enthusiasts, spelunkers, and photographers of all levels. While here you can go for a boat ride, visit the monasteries, swim, kayak, hike, or visit one of the caves.
These were the top places to visit in Macedonia and the protocol you must follow. Our TeStela Travel agents will help you with the necessary information if you are interested. Clic here for support.
The sources of the informations stated above:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/north-macedonia/entry-requirements
