Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Macedonia, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own, and criminal penalties vary from country to country. If you break local laws in Macedonia, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States. You can be prosecuted in the United States for engaging in sexual conduct with children or for using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country regardless of the legality of these activities under that country’s laws. Counterfeit and pirated goods are illegal in the United States, and if you purchase them in a foreign country, you may be breaking local law as well.

Arrest notifications in Macedonia: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in that country, others may not. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Macedonian customs authorities enforce strict regulations that require special licenses or permits for the exportation from Macedonia of items deemed to be of historical value or significance, such as old coins, archaeological artifacts, ancient pottery, artwork, and other items. Taking such items out of Macedonia without the appropriate government-issued permit can result in arrest, monetary fines, and prison sentences, if convicted. For more information on customs regulations for departing from and arriving in Macedonia, please refer to the Macedonian Customs Administration.

Taking photographs of anything that could be perceived as being of military or security interest may result in problems with authorities. Visitors should comply with "no photography" signs. If you are in doubt, ask for permission before taking photographs.

The local currency is the denar. While credit cards are accepted in larger stores and restaurants, we recommend having cash in local currency for purchases in small establishments.

If you are entering or exiting Macedonia by air or land with more than 10,000 euro in cash, or the equivalent in other currency, you must declare all currency upon entry or exit at the Macedonian Customs Office and present bank or other financial documentation showing the origin of the money. Customs officials will issue you a completed declaration form at the port of entry or exit. If you do not report this money, the Macedonian customs service may confiscate it and send you to court. Penalties typically include a fine and a requirement that violators pay a percentage of the undeclared amount to the Macedonian National Bank.

WOMEN TRAVELER INFORMATION: If you are a women traveling abroad, please review our travel tips for Women Travelers.

LGBT RIGHTS: A lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) center was vandalized several times in the past two years, and persons attending a LGBT event in October 2014 were attacked by masked individuals with bottles and stones. We advise exercising caution when attending LGBT events. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Macedonia, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices . For further information on LGBT travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY: While in Macedonia, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from in the United States. Macedonian law only requires that new buildings be made accessible to persons with disabilities. Most public buildings remain inaccessible, and inconsistent inspection has resulted in construction of new facilities that are not accessible for persons with disabilities. Public transportation for persons with disabilities is very limited.