Travelling on a North Macedonia passport
Holding a North Macedonia passport puts you in a genuinely solid position. Ranked 37th globally out of roughly 199 passports, you've got visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 120 destinations before you've filled out a single form. That's not a small number. In practical terms, it means Japan waves you through on arrival, Argentina doesn't ask for much beyond a return ticket, and most of Western Europe is open without paperwork. Where it gets complicated is the remaining 63 countries that want a full pre-arranged visa — plan those trips further ahead than you'd like to.
What this passport unlocks
Your passport earns its rank in Europe and South America. Austria, Andorra, Argentina — you're walking through those immigration lines clean. Japan is the headline win here; plenty of stronger passports don't get that. The 30 visa-on-arrival countries expand your options further, covering chunks of Southeast Asia and Africa without pre-trip admin. Then there are 38 destinations offering e-Visas, which means applying online before you fly rather than standing in a consulate queue. The gaps are real though. Antigua and Barbuda requires a full visa, which surprises people expecting easy Caribbean access. Algeria and Angola are locked behind paperwork too. Gibraltar — technically easier to reach geographically than many places — still asks North Macedonia holders to pre-arrange entry. Know these before you start booking connecting flights through them.
Visa categories at a glance
Visa-free entry (90)
- Japan
- Albania
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Austria
- The Bahamas
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bonaire; St. Eustatius and Saba
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Brazil
- ...and 78 more
Visa on arrival (30)
- Bangladesh
- Madagascar
- Armenia
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cape Verde Islands
- Comoro Islands
- Egypt
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iran
- Jamaica
- Jordan
- ...and 18 more
eTA / online authorisation (6)
- Sri Lanka
- Kenya
- Seychelles
- Israel
- St. Kitts and Nevis
- Palestinian Territory
e-Visa available (38)
- United Arab Emirates
- Azerbaijan
- Benin
- Gabon
- India
- Montserrat
- Pakistan
- Russian Federation
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Tajikistan
- Vietnam
- Uganda
- ...and 26 more
Practical travel tips for North Macedonia passport holders
The single biggest mistake is confusing an eTA with an e-Visa. An eTA — available for 6 countries — is a quick electronic link to your passport, usually approved in minutes. An e-Visa takes longer and involves uploading documents. Apply for both before you fly, never at the gate. For visa-on-arrival countries, carry passport photos and cash in the local currency or US dollars — card machines at immigration desks fail constantly. Airlines check your visa status before boarding, so have approval documents downloaded offline. If you're transiting through a visa-required country, even airside, research transit visa rules separately. They're different rules, and getting them wrong means getting turned around.
Frequently asked questions
How many countries can I travel to from North Macedonia without arranging a visa in advance?
As a North Macedonian passport holder, you can travel visa-free to 90 countries and territories. on top of that, you have access to 30 countries offering visa-on-arrival, 6 countries with eTA systems, and 38 countries with e-visa options, giving you access to a total of 164 destinations without needing to visit an embassy beforehand.
What's the difference between visa-free travel, visa-on-arrival, and eTA?
Visa-free travel means you can enter a country without any visa at all for a specified period; visa-on-arrival (VOA) requires you to obtain a visa upon arrival at the destination; and eTA (electronic travel authorization) is a pre-approved digital permit you obtain online before traveling. Each has different processing times and requirements, so it's important to check which applies to your destination.
What should I do if I'm denied entry or boarding with my North Macedonian passport?
If denied entry or boarding, request a written explanation from the airline or immigration officer, as you have the right to know the reason. Contact your nearest North Macedonian embassy or consulate immediately for assistance, as they can help clarify visa requirements, appeal the decision, or provide guidance on alternative travel arrangements.
How long should my North Macedonian passport be valid for international travel?
Most countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date, though some destinations may have different requirements. It's best to check the specific entry requirements of your destination country before booking, and consider renewing your passport if it doesn't meet this standard.
How might visa policies change for North Macedonian passport holders in the future?
Visa policies can shift based on factors like political stability, international relations, and reciprocity agreements between countries. As North Macedonia continues its EU integration efforts and strengthens diplomatic ties, visa access may expand; conversely, changes in global security policies or bilateral relations could affect travel privileges.