State Department: FYROM - Consular Information Sheet, May 5, 1994

FYROM - Consular Information Sheet
May 5, 1994

Entry Requirements: U.S. citizens need a passport and can obtain entry permission at border points of entry. The FYROM does not have an embassy or consulate in the United States, but has a representative office at 1015 15th Street NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20005, telephone (202) 682-0519, where further information can be obtained.

Medical Facilities: Health facilities in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are limited. Medicines are in short supply. Doctors and hospitals usually expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Travelers have found that in some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. Further information on health matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers' hotline on (404) 332-4559.

Crime Information: Theft and other petty crimes are on the rise in the FYROM, but are still low by U.S. standards. Emergency police assistance can be obtained by dialing 92. Response time varies, but is generally considered to be effective.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington DC 20402.

Other Information: Westerners who travel to the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia can expect shortages of fuel, and in some cases, long waits for processing at the border. To date, the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina and tensions in parts of Serbia-Montenegro have not otherwise significantly affected the FYROM.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration: U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia-Montenegro or the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria can obtain updated information on travel and security in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

Embassy Location: The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia has been recognized as an independent country by the United States along with several other Western nations. However, although officially recognized by the United States, no full diplomatic relations between the FYROM and the United States have been established. In December 1993, the United States opened a liaison office in Skopje, which provides only emergency services to American citizens.

The U.S. Liaison Office is located at 27 Mart Street, No 5, Skopje, Macedonia. The telephone number is (389-91) 116-180, and the fax is (389-91) 117-103.

U.S. citizens seeking non-emergency assistance can contact the U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria or the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade, Serbia-Montenegro. The U.S. Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria is located at 1 Saborna, telephone (359-2) 88-48-01 through 88-48-05. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 1 Kapitan Andreev Street; the telephone numbers are the same. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade is located at Kneza Milosa 50; telephone (381-11) 645-655. It provides limited assistance to U.S. citizens because of conflict in the general area and reduced U.S. Embassy staffing.

No. 94-068

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 1993, to reflect the provisional use of the name "The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia," to indicate formal U.S. recognition, and to include the opening of the U.S. Liaison office in Skopje.