Skopje, 12 February 2024 (MIA) - The Macedonian embassies in Berlin and London have posted instructions on their official Facebook pages for citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia residing in a foreign country who have not obtained a new passport bearing the country's new name after the Feb. 12 deadline and intend to apply for a new passport in North Macedonia. According to the instructions, the citizens can return to the country with an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) which is valid for 30 days from the date of issue and serves only for returning to the country.   

The ETD issuance fee is EUR 30, the embassies' posts read. 

"We inform everyone who submits an application for a new travel document that the time for issuing a new passport from the day of application is on average 50-75 days, after which the passports can be collected in person at the diplomatic-consular office where they submitted the application. We note that passports bearing the old constitutional name "Republic of Macedonia" should not be cancelled when issuing travel documents. Documents needed to obtain an Emergency Travel Document: passport, completed application for an emergency travel document, two photographs and a consular fee of EUR 30," said the Macedonian Embassy in Berlin, Germany.

The Macedonian Embassy in London posted on Facebook that all Macedonian citizens residing in the United Kingdom and Ireland can apply for passport issuance at the Macedonian Embassy in London, by making an appointment, via email: london@mfa.gov.mk with subject "Renewal of travel document".

"Citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia residing in a foreign country who have not obtained a new passport bearing the country's new name after the Feb. 12 deadline and intend to apply for a new passport in the Republic of North Macedonia, can travel with an "Emergency Travel Document" issued by the MK Embassy in London. The Emergency Travel Document is a valid document and serves only for returning to the Republic of North Macedonia, while an application for the issuance of a new travel document (passport), bearing the new constitutional name "Republic of North Macedonia" should be submitted in the country. Passports bearing the old constitutional name "Republic of Macedonia" shall not be cancelled when issuing the travel documents," reads the Embassy's post.  

The post adds that the ETD is issued by making an appointment via london@mfa.gov.mk with the subject "Emergency Travel Document", preferably 1-2 weeks ahead of the trip to North Macedonia.

"Documents needed to obtain an Emergency Travel Document: passport, completed application for an Emergency Travel Document, two photographs and a consular fee of GBP 27. The Emergency Travel Document is issued on the day of application and is valid for 30 days from the date of issue," the Macedonian Embassy in London posted on Facebook. 

Photo: Macedonian embassies in Berlin and London Facebook