Packing list for North Macedonia, travel insurance for North Macedonia and taking your belongings

What to take to North Macedonia: brief

To pack and check:

• Documents: a passport valid until at least three months after the end of your stay. Check the current entry requirements for your nationality before departure. Also bring your travel insurance details and keep a copy of your documents both digitally and offline.
• Money: North Macedonia uses the Macedonian denar (MKD). In cities such as Skopje and Ohrid, you can pay by debit or credit card in many places, but cash is useful at markets, in small restaurants, for taxis and in remote villages. Euros or US dollars are handy as a backup, as you can exchange them if necessary.
• Clothing: summers are warm, especially in cities and around Lake Ohrid. Lightweight clothing and an extra layer for cooler evenings are useful. The weather can be changeable in spring and autumn, and winters are cold. During these seasons, bring plenty of suitable layers, a thick coat in winter, and a rain jacket or umbrella.
• Shoes: comfortable shoes for exploring cities. If you plan to hike in national parks or the mountains, bring sturdy hiking boots with good grip.
• Toiletries and personal care: sunscreen, your usual toiletries, and, if needed, aftersun lotion.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and a dry bag to protect your phone, camera, and documents.
• Insects and animals: insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin, and a tick remover if you plan to hike or spend time near the water in summer.
• Outdoor essentials: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a sun hat for summer, a warm hat and a buff for winter, and a small daypack. A scarf that covers your shoulders can be useful when visiting religious sites.
• Medication and travel first aid: personal medication, plasters, blister plasters, painkillers, and, if needed, oral rehydration salts (ORS) to prevent dehydration. A small first-aid kit and tick remover are useful if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type C and F sockets.

To consider:

• Swimwear for Lake Ohrid and other beautiful swimming spots.
• Binoculars for spotting birds and other wildlife.
• A headlamp for camping or if you plan to set off early in the morning.
• A microfibre towel.
• A good offline translation app, or better still, a little knowledge of Macedonian or Albanian.

Are there dangerous insects and animals in North Macedonia?

Are there mosquitoes in North Macedonia?

• Yes, mosquitoes are found in North Macedonia, especially during the warmer months and near lakes, rivers and other damp areas.
• For a city break, an extensive mosquito-protection kit is usually unnecessary. However, if you plan to camp, hike or spend long periods outdoors in summer, insect repellent is useful.
• Mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus, so keep up to date with current health advice.
• Read more about mosquitoes.
• Read more about the use of DEET, as well as other ways to protect yourself against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sand flies in North Macedonia?

• Sand flies occur in some areas of North Macedonia, especially in sheltered places and during warm periods.
• Some sand flies can transmit leishmaniasis, an unpleasant parasitic disease, although the risk is relatively low.
• Sand flies are most active around sunset and at night. Covering your skin and using insect repellent can help prevent bites.
• Read more about sand flies.
• Read more about protection against sand flies and sand fleas.

Are there ticks in North Macedonia?

• Yes, ticks are common in North Macedonia, especially in grassy areas, forests and other natural environments.
• Ticks in North Macedonia can transmit Lyme disease and other infections.
• Planning to hike, camp or cycle in the countryside? Wearing covering clothing and checking yourself for ticks afterward are important precautions. A tick remover is an essential addition to your packing list if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
• Read more about ticks.
• Read more about protection against ticks and leeches.

Can you buy DEET or other insect repellents in North Macedonia?

• Insect repellents are generally available at pharmacies and drugstores in larger cities. They can be harder to find in smaller villages.
• For a short city break, a small bottle of insect repellent should be enough. If you plan to hike or camp, bring enough with you or buy some locally. Check that the product is suitable for the insects you want to protect yourself against.

Can you buy or bring a joint or weed into North Macedonia?

• Cannabis is illegal in North Macedonia for recreational use, possession, and cultivation. Cannabis for medical or scientific purposes is permitted under strict regulations.
• Bringing weed, hashish, or cannabis products across the border can also lead to serious legal problems.