Europe · Updated
As of September 2026, North Macedonia scores 78/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. The U.S. State Department rates North Macedonia Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Of the 4 North Macedonia destinations assessed, Bitola scores highest (80/100), while Tetovo scores lowest (76/100).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
North Macedonia · Assessed 23 September 2026
78
/ 100
Safer than ~84% of countries
What drives this score
01 · Official Guidance
Exercise Normal Precautions
“Read the country information page for additional information on travel to North Macedonia. If you decide to travel to North Macedonia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.”
Updated Tue, 14 Jan 2025
Full advisory →No advisory against travel
“Travel disruption The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. The EES may take each passenger extra time, so it is important to be prepared to wait longer than usual at EU country borders and allow more time for immigration controls if travelling to and from the Schengen area.”
Updated 2026-08-13T15:16:47Z
Full advisory →Exercise normal security precautions
“Canada's official risk level for North Macedonia: exercise normal security precautions.”
Updated 2026-09-09T09:13:44.0691686-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Mugging & robbery risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Pickpocketing & theft risk
City SignalCity Web Research
Visitor safety sentiment
City SignalCity Web Research
Robbery / mugging
LowArmed robbery against tourists is rare; incidents are mostly non-confrontational and occur in poorly lit areas of Skopje’s Cair municipality after dark.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are reported in Skopje Square, near the Vardar River, on public buses, and at Matka Canyon, especially during peak tourist hours.
03 · Environment
04 · Institutions
05 · Field Research
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Travelers consistently report feeling safe in North Macedonia, particularly in Ohrid and Skopje’s tourist zones, citing friendly locals and visible police presence; concerns center on petty theft and occasional scams rather than violence.
Yes — North Macedonia is generally safe for travelers, with low violent crime and stable conditions, though petty theft and scams require vigilance in tourist areas.
Official advisories from the US, UK, and Canada all recommend normal precautions, reflecting low homicide rates and no terrorism. Petty crime like pickpocketing occurs in crowded spots such as Skopje Square and buses, while scams include taxi overcharging and fake police checks. Visitors report feeling safe day-to-day, especially in Ohrid and Skopje’s Old Bazaar, but should avoid isolated areas at night and use metered taxis.
Recent developments
Common scams
Full briefing
North Macedonia remains a safe destination for travelers in September 2026, with official advisories from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada all recommending only normal precautions. The country benefits from low violent crime, no terrorism, and stable political conditions, supported by a homicide rate of just 1.5 per 100,000 and strong scores in conflict prevention and health infrastructure. While the overall safety environment is favorable, travelers should remain alert to petty crime and scams, particularly in urban centers like Skopje and popular sites such as Lake Ohrid.
On the ground, the most common risks involve pickpocketing and bag-snatching in crowded areas including Skopje Square, the vicinity of the Vardar River, public buses, and Matka Canyon — locations frequently mentioned in both travel guides and recent reports. Scams targeting visitors include taxi overcharging at airports and border crossings, fake police officers demanding immediate fines for minor or fabricated infractions, and card fraud at poorly monitored ATMs. These issues are typically non-violent and avoidable with basic precautions. Recent developments such as the launch of the 'Safe City' traffic fines app for foreign-registered vehicles (reported by Meta.mk in September 2026) indicate increased monitoring at borders, though no enforcement actions targeting tourists have been reported.
Traveler sentiment is largely positive, with visitors describing Skopje’s Old Bazaar and Ohrid as welcoming, walkable, and well-policed. Peaceful protests have occurred in Skopje, such as those in August 2026 in support of Iva Mihaylova (covered by БНР Новини), but these have not disrupted tourism or posed risks to visitors. To stay safe, use licensed taxis with meters or pre-agreed fares, keep valuables out of sight in busy areas, and verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an official before handing over money or documents. By exercising standard urban caution — especially at night in less-frequented neighborhoods like Cair — travelers can enjoy North Macedonia’s rich culture and natural beauty with confidence.
06 · Destinations
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07 · Questions
The U.S. State Department currently rates North Macedonia Level 1 of 4 — Exercise Normal Precautions. On our composite index North Macedonia scores 78/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 23 September 2026.)
Of the destinations we've assessed, Bitola currently scores highest at 80/100 (Safe). Tetovo scores lowest at 76/100.
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.
