Visa-Free Countries for North Macedonia: A Comprehensive Guide

North Macedonia, a small Balkan nation with a rich history and diverse culture, offers its citizens a passport that provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to numerous countries worldwide. This article explores the visa-free travel opportunities available to North Macedonian citizens, providing essential information for travelers, businesspeople, and anyone interested in global mobility.

Current Passport Ranking

As of 2024, the North Macedonian passport ranks 42nd in the world according to the Henley Passport Index[1]. This ranking is shared with Montenegro, Nicaragua, and Tuvalu. North Macedonian citizens can access 128 countries and territories without obtaining a visa in advance or by obtaining a visa upon arrival.

Visa-Free Travel in Europe

Schengen Area

North Macedonian citizens enjoy visa-free access to the Schengen Area, which comprises 26 European countries. Travelers can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or transit purposes[1]. The Schengen countries include:

• Austria
• Belgium
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hungary
• Iceland
• Italy
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Netherlands
• Norway
• Poland
• Portugal
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Non-Schengen European Countries

Several European countries outside the Schengen Area also offer visa-free access to North Macedonian passport holders:

• Albania (90 days)
• Andorra
• Bosnia and Herzegovina (90 days)
• Bulgaria (90 days)
• Croatia (90 days)
• Cyprus (90 days)
• Georgia (90 days)
• Kosovo (90 days, ID card valid)
• Moldova (90 days)
• Monaco
• Montenegro (90 days)
• Romania (90 days)
• San Marino
• Serbia (90 days)
• Vatican City

Visa-Free Travel in the Americas

North and Central America

North Macedonian citizens can visit several countries in North and Central America without a visa:

• Antigua and Barbuda (eVisa required)
• Bahamas (3 months)
• Barbados (90 days)
• Dominica (21 days)
• Dominican Republic (90 days)
• El Salvador (180 days)
• Guatemala (90 days)
• Haiti (90 days)
• Honduras (90 days)
• Nicaragua (90 days)
• Panama (90 days)

South America

In South America, North Macedonian passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to:

• Argentina (90 days)
• Bolivia (Online Visa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Brazil (90 days)
• Chile (90 days)
• Colombia
• Ecuador (90 days)
• Peru (183 days)
• Suriname (90 days)

Visa-Free Travel in Asia

East and Southeast Asia

Several countries in East and Southeast Asia offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to North Macedonian citizens:

• Hong Kong (14 days)
• Indonesia (Visa required, but often available on arrival)
• Japan (90 days)
• Laos (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Macau (90 days)
• Malaysia (30 days)
• Philippines (Visa required, but often available on arrival)
• Singapore (30 days)
• South Korea (Visa required, but often available on arrival)
• Taiwan (90 days)
• Thailand (Visa required, but often available on arrival)
• Vietnam (eVisa, 90 days)

South and Central Asia

In South and Central Asia, North Macedonian travelers can visit:

• Armenia (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 120 days)
• Bangladesh (Visa on arrival, 30 days)
• India (eVisa, 60 days)
• Kazakhstan (eVisa)
• Kyrgyzstan (60 days)
• Maldives (Free visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Nepal (Online Visa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
• Sri Lanka (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 60 days / 30 days)
• Tajikistan (eVisa, 60 days)
• Uzbekistan (eVisa, 30 days)

Middle East

In the Middle East, North Macedonian passport holders can access:

• Bahrain (eVisa, 14 days)
• Iran (eVisa, 30 days)
• Israel (3 months)
• Jordan (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Lebanon (Free Visa on arrival, 1 month)
• Oman (Visa not required / eVisa, 14 days / 30 days)
• Qatar (30 days)
• Turkey (90 days)

Visa-Free Travel in Africa

North Macedonian citizens can visit several African countries without obtaining a visa in advance:

• Botswana (eVisa, 3 months)
• Cape Verde (Visa on arrival)
• Comoros (Visa on arrival, 45 days)
• Egypt (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Ethiopia (eVisa / Visa on arrival, up to 90 days)
• Gabon (eVisa, 90 days)
• Guinea (eVisa, 90 days)
• Guinea-Bissau (Visa on arrival, 90 days)
• Kenya (Electronic Travel Authorisation, 90 days)
• Madagascar (Visa on arrival, 60 days)
• Malawi (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
• Mauritania (Visa on arrival)
• Mauritius (Visa on arrival, 60 days)
• Morocco (Visa required, but often available on arrival)
• Mozambique (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Rwanda (30 days)
• Senegal (Visa required, but often available on arrival)
• Seychelles (Electronic Border System, 3 months)
• Sierra Leone (eVisa, 3 months)
• Somalia (Visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Tanzania (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
• Togo (eVisa, 15 days)
• Tunisia (3 months)
• Uganda (eVisa, 3 months)
• Zambia (eVisa / Visa on arrival, 90 days)
• Zimbabwe (eVisa, 3 months)

Visa-Free Travel in Oceania

In Oceania, North Macedonian passport holders can visit:

• Cook Islands (31 days)
• Fiji (Visa required, but often available on arrival)
• Micronesia (30 days)
• Niue (30 days)
• Palau (Free visa on arrival, 30 days)
• Papua New Guinea (eVisa, 60 days)
• Samoa (60 days)
• Tuvalu (Visa on arrival, 1 month)
• Vanuatu (Visa required, but often available on arrival)

Important Considerations for Travelers

1. Passport Validity: Ensure your North Macedonian passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

2. Purpose of Travel: Visa-free access is typically granted for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Working or studying may require additional permits.

3. Length of Stay: Adhere to the specified duration of stay for each country to avoid overstaying and potential penalties.

4. Entry Requirements: Some countries may require proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, or travel insurance, even for visa-free entry.

5. eVisa and Visa on Arrival: While many countries offer these options, it’s advisable to check the official government websites for the most up-to-date information and to apply in advance when possible.

6. Reciprocity: Visa policies can change based on diplomatic relations. Always verify the current requirements before travel.

7. Health Requirements: Some countries may require proof of vaccination or health insurance for entry.

Passport Validity: Ensure your North Macedonian passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date.

Purpose of Travel: Visa-free access is typically granted for tourism, business meetings, or transit. Working or studying may require additional permits.

Length of Stay: Adhere to the specified duration of stay for each country to avoid overstaying and potential penalties.

Entry Requirements: Some countries may require proof of onward travel, sufficient funds, or travel insurance, even for visa-free entry.

eVisa and Visa on Arrival: While many countries offer these options, it’s advisable to check the official government websites for the most up-to-date information and to apply in advance when possible.

Reciprocity: Visa policies can change based on diplomatic relations. Always verify the current requirements before travel.

Health Requirements: Some countries may require proof of vaccination or health insurance for entry.

Conclusion

The North Macedonian passport offers its holders significant global mobility, with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 128 countries and territories. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of the visa-free travel opportunities available to North Macedonian citizens. However, as visa policies can change, it’s crucial to consult official sources or the embassy of your destination country for the most current and accurate information before planning your trip.

Whether you’re a tourist exploring new cultures, a businessperson seeking international opportunities, or simply curious about your travel options, understanding your visa-free travel privileges as a North Macedonian citizen can help you make informed decisions and streamline your global adventures.

Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_citizens_of_North_Macedonia [2] https://getgoldenvisa.com/passport/north-macedonia [3] https://visaguide.world/europe/north-macedonia-visa/ [4] https://www.latitudeworld.com/passport-index/north-macedonia-passport/ [5] https://www.henleyglobal.com/passport-index [6] https://www.passportindex.org/passport/north-macedonia/ [7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_citizens_of_North_Macedonia