North Macedonia entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian passport holders can enter North Macedonia without a visa for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This has been the case since 2024 and remains unchanged. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport just needs to be valid for the period you plan to stay in North Macedonia. No 6-month validity rule applies here. Airlines rarely check beyond the departure date, but carry a copy of your passport data page just in case. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from North Macedonia | Border officers at Skopje Airport and land crossings ask for a return or onward ticket. A bus ticket to Serbia or a flight to Istanbul works. If you're driving, show your vehicle registration and planned route out. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration rarely asks for this, but have a printed hotel confirmation or a signed letter from your host with their address and phone number. Airbnb bookings are fine — just make sure the host's contact info is visible. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers almost never check this for Bulgarian passport holders, but carry a bank statement or credit card showing at least €50 per day of your stay. Cash in euros or denars helps if you're crossing by land. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day you land in North Macedonia — not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
No visa needed — just your passport
Bulgarian citizens can enter North Macedonia visa-free for up to 90 days. No application, no fee, no paperwork. Just make sure your passport is valid.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
Whether you fly into Skopje International Airport or cross by land from Bulgaria (e.g., at Deve Bair or Delčevo), you'll join the queue for non-EU/non-Schengen passports. Bulgarian passports are processed quickly — no visa required.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport. The officer will check the validity (must be 6+ months from entry date) and stamp it. They may ask how long you're staying and where you're staying — have your accommodation address ready.
3
Answer any questions
Be ready to show your return ticket or onward travel proof if asked. Keep a screenshot on your phone. They rarely ask for proof of funds, but having a bank statement or credit card handy doesn't hurt.
4
Collect your passport and proceed
Once stamped, you're free to enter. The stamp shows your entry date and the maximum stay (90 days). Keep the stamp visible — you'll need it when you leave.
Download North Macedonia Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
For stays beyond visa-free period or if visa-free is not available.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Ideal for frequent visits; must leave and re-enter to reset stay.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Employment
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in North Macedonia. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Study
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
family reunification visa
Temporary Residence Permit for Family Reunification
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For spouses, children, or parents of a North Macedonian resident or citizen. Requires proof of relationship and adequate housing.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayApplied if you exceed the 90-day stay; no official maximum cap but may lead to deportation. | €50 per day (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry)For those who need a visa or want to stay longer; apply at embassy. | €60 (approx. $66 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; useful for frequent travelers. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through North Macedonia
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at North Macedonian airports, as they are visa-free for short stays.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsSkopje International Airport (SKP) · Ohrid St. Paul the Apostle Airport (OHD)
Health & vaccines for North Macedonia
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisModerate risk
Present in forested areas; vaccination recommended for hikers or campers.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions suffice; tap water is generally safe in cities.
Air pollutionModerate risk
Winter smog in Skopje can aggravate respiratory conditions; consider masks.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Skopje
Ministry of Interior – Department for Foreigners
Dime Anicin 2, 1000 Skopje
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Ohrid
Police Station Ohrid – Foreigners Section
Partizanska bb, 6000 Ohrid
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles basic immigration queries; for extensions, may refer to Skopje.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalSkopje
LanguageMacedonian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMacedonian denar (MKD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 52.97 MKD
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,FType C (two round pins) and Type F (two round pins with grounding clips)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is generally safe to drink in major cities, but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Bulgarian citizens can enter North Macedonia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just bring your valid passport.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The 90 days are counted from your first entry. If you leave and re-enter, the clock resets only after you've been outside the country for 90 days.
No. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days are up — contact the Ministry of Interior in Skopje.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter North Macedonia. If it's expiring sooner, renew it before you travel.
Not always required, but immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. It's safest to have a return or onward ticket booked and a screenshot saved on your phone.
Not typically asked for Bulgarian citizens, but it's a good idea to have a bank statement or credit card available just in case. No specific amount is required.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from re-entering North Macedonia, or both. The fine is usually around 50–100 EUR, but it's better to leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.