Okay, so let’s talk about getting a visa for North Macedonia. I recently went through this whole process, and let me tell you, it was a bit of a journey. I thought I’d share my experience to maybe make it easier for anyone else thinking of visiting this beautiful country.
First off, I started by figuring out if I even needed a visa. Turns out, it depends on where you’re from and how long you plan to stay. I spent some time digging around online, and I found out that folks from the EU or Schengen Agreement countries are good to go without a visa,lucky them,but I had to go through the application process.
The application itself can be done online, which is pretty convenient. I found that I could apply no more than six months and at least 15 days before my planned trip. So, I marked my calendar and waited till the right time. You will have to fill in an online form, provide your passport details, travel dates, and the purpose of your visit. Oh, and you’ll also need a recent photo.I uploaded everything, double-checked all the info, and hit submit.
The waiting game began after that. And I have to keep checking my email and the application portal for updates. It says it usually takes a couple of weeks, but it can vary. Mine took a little bit longer, which was a little nerve-wracking, to be honest.I did it at least 15 days before the planned trip,so I was not very worried about it. But eventually, I got the good news – my visa was approved! A wave of relief washed over me, and I could finally start getting excited about my trip.
Once you get your visa, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you when you travel. I printed out a copy of my visa approval and kept it with my passport, just in case. I heard sometimes it will ask you to show it upon entry.
Here’s a quick rundown of what I did:
- Checked if I needed a visa based on my nationality.
- Waited until the application window opened.
- Filled out the online application form.
- Submitted the application and waited.
- Got my visa approved!
- Printed out the approval and kept it with my travel documents.
My Tips
Start early! Don’t wait until the last minute to apply. The earlier, the better, especially if there are any unexpected delays.
Double-check everything. Make sure all the information you provide is accurate and matches your passport. You don’t want any issues because of a simple typo.
Be patient. The processing time can vary, so try not to stress too much about it. Just keep an eye on your email and the application portal for updates.
Well, that’s my North Macedonia visa adventure. I hope this helps anyone planning to visit. It’s a really amazing place, and going through the visa process was definitely worth it. Good luck with your application, and happy travels!