Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Skopje, North Macedonia (March 16, 2020)
Location: North Macedonia
Event: The government of North Macedonia has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions, including possible border closures, airport closures, and mandatory quarantine, to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Currently, travelers who are not citizens of North Macedonia or who do not have legal residence in North Macedonia and who have been in high and medium risk countries are being barred from entering North Macedonia. Visit the website of the Ministry of Health of North Macedonia http://zdravstvo.gov.mk/korona-virus/ (in Macedonian) for their list of high and medium risk countries and additional information on these measures. Currently, the United States is considered a high risk country by the Ministry of Health. Travelers who have been in the United States in the past 14 days are being denied entry into North Macedonia.
Only American Citizen Services and emergency visa services are available at the U.S. Embassy in Skopje, North Macedonia due to the global outbreak of COVID-19.
The CDC has issued a Level 2 Global Travel Alert for coronavirus and the State Department currently recommends U.S. citizens reconsider travel abroad. See CDC information regarding high-risk traveler categories.
On March 14, the Department of State authorized the departure from any diplomatic or consular post in the world of U.S. personnel and family members who have been medically determined to be at higher risk of a poor outcome if exposed to COVID-19.
The government of North Macedonia has cancelled sporting events and public gatherings and closed schools, universities, and public institutions. Restaurants, cafes, and pubs are closed along with large shopping malls. Grocery stores, supermarkets, and pharmacies remain open, but may be operating with limited hours. Monitor local media and visit the Ministry of Health website http://zdravstvo.gov.mk/korona-virus/ for updated information.
The government of North Macedonia has implemented mandatory quarantine in the municipalities of Debar and Centar Zhupa in western North Macedonia. Transportation to or from these areas is restricted. Additional quarantines or travel restrictions on other regions and municipalities may be implemented with no or very little notice. Monitor local media and visit the Ministry of Health website http://zdravstvo.gov.mk/korona-virus/ for updated information.
Many countries around and near North Macedonia are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, or areas where cases have not been reported may restrict travel without notice. Travelers should monitor local media and check air carrier schedules for the latest updates. Travelers should work directly with the air carrier or travel agent to arrange or reschedule travel. Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of flight cancellations or additional travel restrictions to be implemented with little or no advance notice.
Please see our U.S. Travelers in Europe page for additional information on travel to and from Europe.
Actions to Take:
- Read the Centers for Disease Control’s and Prevention guidelines for the prevention of COVID-19 and information on health conditions in North Macedonia.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 https://mk.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/covid-19-information/ for information on conditions in North Macedonia.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s websiteon the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
- Consult the website of the Ministry of Health of North Macedonia (in Macedonian) for current measures being taken to manage COVID-19.
- North Macedonia’s Institute of Public Health recommends that travelers who feel ill following travel to countries with confirmed COVID-19 outbreaks or who were exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 should contact their local centers for public health by telephone prior to visiting a hospital or clinic. The Institute of Public Health has provided contact numbers along with other advice for travelers on their website.
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Skopje
Str. “Samoilova” Nr.21
1000 Skopje
Republic of North Macedonia
+389 2 310-2000
SkopjeACS@state.gov
https://mk.usembassy.gov/ - State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444 - North Macedonia Country Information
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