Not long ago, it was very simple for Russians to go to North Macedonia – it was enough to have a foreign passport and a return ticket. However, in 2022, the country’s authorities did not extend the visa-free regime for RF citizens, so a visa is now required for entry. In this article, we explain what types of visas exist, what documents are needed, and how the application process works.
Entry to North Macedonia: what has changed and which visa is required
North Macedonia is not part of the European Union or the Schengen area, but in March 2022, amid general European policy, visa rules for Russians tightened. If previously RF citizens could stay in the country without a visa for up to 90 days within a six-month period, after the cancellation of the visa-free regime, a visa is required.
North Macedonia has not banned issuing visas to Russians, so depending on the trip’s purpose, you can apply for one of the following national visas:
- Short-term visa (type C) – suitable for tourism, visiting relatives, business meetings. The stay is up to 90 days per 180-day period.
- Long-term visa (type D) – intended for study, work, family reunification, or long-term residence. Issued for over 90 days (usually up to a year).
Notably, although North Macedonia is not in Schengen, some Schengen visa categories are active. This is because Macedonia signed a unilateral decision on a simplified entry regime for tourists who have already passed checks and received permission to enter Schengen countries.
Thanks to this, the country can be visited with a valid multiple-entry (multi) Schengen visa category C or D, or a residence permit issued by a Schengen state. However, the stay duration is significantly limited to no more than 15 days per visit. Single-entry Schengen visas are not suitable for a trip to Macedonia.
Required Documents
Submitting a complete and correctly formatted document package is the key to successfully obtaining a visa to North Macedonia. The list may vary slightly, but in any case, you will need:
- Visa application form – the main document, which must be filled out without errors. All data must be reliable. The form can be downloaded from the consulate website.
- Foreign passport – must be valid for at least 3 months after the trip ends and have at least 2 blank pages.
- Copy of the internal passport – all pages with marks, including registration and marital status.
- Photos – 2 color photos 3.5×4.5 cm on a white background. The face must take up 75-80% of the image.
- Medical insurance – a policy with minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking, rental agreement, or invitation.
- Proof of financial solvency – bank statement, income certificate. Minimum 50 EUR per day.
- Employment certificate – document confirming job, position, and income.
- Tickets or itinerary – confirmation of round-trip booking.
Note that all documents must be translated into Macedonian or English and notarized if required.
Visa application procedure
The process generally looks like this:
- Determine visa type and prepare documents.
- Book an appointment at the Embassy of North Macedonia in Moscow.
- Submit documents personally or via an authorized representative.
- Wait for the application to be reviewed (usually up to 2 weeks).
- Collect the visa.
Visa Refusal: reasons and what to do
Refusals can happen due to:
- Incomplete document package.
- Unreliable information.
- Unconfirmed trip purpose.
- Lack of financial means.
If you need help with a visa for North Macedonia, the Belgamed company is ready to provide professional support. We guarantee an individual approach and minimization of time costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a visa needed if I have a Schengen visa?
Yes, but only a multi-Schengen visa used previously for a Schengen country allows entry for up to 15 days.
How much does a visa to North Macedonia cost?
Short-term C visa – 60 EUR, Long-term D visa – 70 EUR.
How long does it take?
Average 2-4 weeks.