North Macedonia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for North Macedonia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated January 14, 2025
North Macedonia recorded 1.5 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is low by global standards. That places North Macedonia #128 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Europe average of 1.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.1 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.5 today). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates North Macedonia at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
1.5 /100k
Safety Rank
#68 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1998-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide has stayed rare over the past decade (1.1 per 100,000 in 2013, 1.5 today). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How North Macedonia Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In North Macedonia, the homicide rate for men is 2.2× higher than the rate for women — 2.1 vs 1.0 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for North Macedonia:
Read the country information page for additional information on travel to North Macedonia. If you decide to travel to North Macedonia: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency. Follow the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter . Review the Country Security Report for North Macedonia. Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler's Checklist .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for North Macedonia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 15, 2025).
Terrorism
: Terrorist groups wish to harm U.S. citizens abroad. They sometimes use knives, firearms, or vehicles to target crowds. Possible terrorist targets are: Public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebrations, etc.) Hotels, clubs, and restaurants Places of worship Schools Parks Shopping malls and markets Subways, buses, trains, and flights North Macedonia has not had any recent terrorist events. There were some significant terrorism-related arrests in recent years. There is concern about the heightened risk of radical extremists conducting lone-wolf terror attacks. Authorities in North Macedonia have determined that ISIS members and sympathizers are present within the country. For more information, see our Terrorism page.
Crime
: Violent crime against U.S. citizens is rare. Theft and petty street crimes occur in areas where tourists and foreigners gather. Do not leave anything of value in plain view in unattended vehicles. Lock the windows and doors of your house when not at home. Organized crime is present in North Macedonia. Violent confrontations between rival organizations occur on occasion. ATM use is generally safe. Take standard safety precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Pickpockets are a problem in crowded areas of Skopje. You should: Be aware of your belongings and surroundings. Know that pickpockets use various diversionary tactics to distract victims. They may use groups of children swarming the victim. If pickpocketed, report the crime to the police. Cancel your credit cards immediately.
Demonstrations
occur sporadically. They often result in traffic disruptions, particularly near the center of Skopje. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, or during major holidays or international events. Event demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. Always be aware of your surroundings. Follow the instructions of North Macedonia’s authorities. Find information about demonstrations in North Macedonia on the U.S. Embassy’s Security and Emergency Messages .
International Financial Scams
: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Victims of Crime
: U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for help. Report crimes to the local police at 112 (ambulance: 112) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(389) (2) 310-2000. Be aware that police and medical professionals may speak little or no English. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide information about the victim role during and after a local investigation. Provide a list of local attorneys. Provide our information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
Domestic Violence
: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for help.
Tourism
The regulation of the tourism industry is inconsistent. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are infrequent. Often, hazardous areas or activities lack proper signage. Staff training or certification by the host government or recognized authorities may be absent. In case of injury, suitable medical treatment is usually accessible only in or near major cities. First responders have limited ability to reach and provide immediate medical care outside of these areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to buy medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
North Macedonia Population & Demographics
Population of 1,824,359, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is North Macedonia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates North Macedonia at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in North Macedonia?
North Macedonia has an intentional homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #128 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for North Macedonia?
North Macedonia is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in North Macedonia compare to other countries?
North Macedonia's homicide rate of 1.5 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Europe average of 1.6.