North Macedonia entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter North Macedonia. You must apply at a North Macedonian embassy or consulate before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa option as of 2026. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply before travel | You need a visa to enter North Macedonia. Apply at the nearest North Macedonian embassy or consulate before your trip. Processing takes 5–15 working days depending on the embassy.Check visa requirements | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in North Macedonia. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 3–6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from your host can speed up the border check. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can cover your stay. The official minimum is around €50 per day, but enforcement is loose — I've never been asked. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — apply in advance
Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa at the border. You must apply at a North Macedonian embassy or consulate before you travel. Processing takes 10–15 working days, so plan accordingly.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in North Macedonia, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before applying for the visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa at the embassy
Contact the North Macedonian embassy in Beijing or the consulate in Shanghai. If you're not near those cities, you may need to apply through the embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria. Submit the application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, and proof of funds. Pay the visa fee (around €35–€60 depending on type). Processing takes 10–15 working days.
2
Wait for visa approval
Once submitted, the embassy will process your application. You may be asked for an interview or additional documents. Track the status via the embassy's contact. Approved visas are usually valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
3
Arrive at Skopje International Airport
After landing, proceed to the immigration hall. Have your passport with the visa sticker, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer may ask about your travel plans. Expect a short queue — Skopje airport is small. After stamping, you're free to enter.
Download North Macedonia Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
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 date
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Must apply at North Macedonian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Suitable for multiple visits within validity.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (~$109 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Permit (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a North Macedonian employer. Requires work contract and approval from the Employment Agency.
student visa
Student Visa (Temporary Residence)
Duration of studies, renewable annually
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in accredited educational institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Temporary Residence)
1 year, renewable
€200 (~$218 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant financial contribution (minimum €40,000) to a North Macedonian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry tourist visa. | €60 (~$65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries within validity period. | €90 (~$98 USD) |
| Visa application service feeAdditional fee charged by visa application center. | €20 (~$22 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 (~$54 USD) per day, max €500 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Transit visa required
Chinese passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in North Macedonia, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid Schengen, US, UK, or Canadian visas may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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, varicella)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 advised; tap water is generally safe in cities.
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.
Ohrid
Police Station Ohrid – Foreigners Section
Partizanska bb, 6000 Ohrid
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles extensions for tourists in the Ohrid region.
Practical information for CN 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 = 53.1 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. North Macedonia does not offer visa on arrival for Chinese passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a North Macedonian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 10–15 working days. Apply at least 3–4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The North Macedonian embassy in Beijing (Chaoyang District) and the consulate in Shanghai accept applications. If you're in another country, you may need to apply through the nearest North Macedonian embassy (e.g., in Sofia, Bulgaria).
The fee varies by visa type — typically around €35 for a short-stay tourist visa, up to €60 for multiple entries. Check with the embassy for the exact amount.
Extensions are not generally available for tourist visas. You must leave before your visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you are transiting through Skopje Airport and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you do not need a visa. But if you need to leave the transit area, you must have a visa.
Have your passport with the visa sticker, your return flight ticket, hotel booking confirmation, and proof of sufficient funds (bank statement or cash). Travel insurance is also recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.