Is North Macedonia in the EU?

No. North Macedonia is an EU candidate country but has not joined the EU or the Schengen Area. Days there do not count toward your Schengen 90.

How long can I stay in North Macedonia?

British passports can stay up to three months, according to UK government advice. Other passports may have different terms, so check your own government's travel advice.

Does crossing from Greece to North Macedonia stop my Schengen count?

Yes, from the next day. The day you cross still counts as a Schengen day, but days spent in North Macedonia do not, and EES logs your exit and return.

Guide

Is North Macedonia in the Schengen Area?

No — North Macedonia is not in the Schengen Area or the EU. Days there do not count toward your Schengen 90 days in any 180.

In the Schengen Area: No

In the EU: No

Days count toward 90/180: No

Facts checked 5 October 2026. Entry rules change and differ by passport. Confirm them with the official source linked in each section, or your own government's travel advice, before you travel.

Do days in North Macedonia count toward the 90/180 rule?

No. North Macedonia is an EU candidate country but not a member of the EU or Schengen. It counts visitors' days under its own rules.

Sources: GOV.UK: North Macedonia entry requirements; European Commission: the Schengen Area

Visiting North Macedonia on a visa-free passport

British passports can stay up to three months. Register with the police within 48 hours; hotels normally do this. Check the rules for your own passport.

Source: GOV.UK: North Macedonia entry requirements

How EES applies

EES is not used in North Macedonia. Crossing from Greece or Bulgaria is a Schengen exit, logged by EES, and coming back is a new entry.

Source: EU: EES FAQ

Outside Schengen, next to Greece

Skopje and Lake Ohrid are within reach of northern Greece and Bulgaria, which makes North Macedonia a practical place to spend time outside Schengen.

For more places whose days do not count, and how long each lets you stay, see where to go when your Schengen days run out.

Source: GOV.UK: North Macedonia entry requirements

Check your own Schengen days

Whatever the answer for North Macedonia, your 90 days are counted across all 29 Schengen countries together, and each day looks back 180 days. Add your stays to see how many days you have used and the last day you can stay.

Count your days before you go

Add past stays and a planned trip. Stay180 shows days used in the last 180 and your leave-by date. Free, no account needed.

Open the Schengen calculator Plan a trip

Common questions

Is North Macedonia in the EU?: No. North Macedonia is an EU candidate country but has not joined the EU or the Schengen Area. Days there do not count toward your Schengen 90.
How long can I stay in North Macedonia?: British passports can stay up to three months, according to UK government advice. Other passports may have different terms, so check your own government's travel advice.
Does crossing from Greece to North Macedonia stop my Schengen count?: Yes, from the next day. The day you cross still counts as a Schengen day, but days spent in North Macedonia do not, and EES logs your exit and return.