Macedonian nationals can travel to Kosovo without the obligation to present a negative PCR test, while the obligation remains in place for entry to Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina, according to Sunday’s revised decision of the Government due to developments in the epidemiological situation.

“The Government of North Macedonia informs citizens that due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation deteriorating in the region and the spike in new cases, Macedonian nationals will not be allowed entry to Serbia, Montenegro and Bosnia-Herzegovina without a negative PCR test done in the previous 48 hours. The decision remains in place for Macedonian nationals to enter Kosovo without a PCR test, but the Government is urging citizens not to travel abroad unless they have an urgent need to do so,” a press release reads.

In addition, according to the press release, the Government and the health authorities, will revise in the coming days the decision on entry of nationals of Kosovo, Serbia, Montenegro, and Bosnia-Herzegovina to North Macedonia without a PCR test, in line with developments in the COVID-19 situation in the region.

On October 6, the Government made an initial decision on opening of the borders based on coordination with regional health ministries and upon a proposal of the Commission for Infectious Diseases.

According to the Commission’s proposal at the time there were no indications or a high number of positive cases from foreign countries, thus posing low risk to public health. The decision was made because of the citizens’ needs, with the Government urging that travel is reduced to minimum, used exclusively for urgent needs and through consistent application of personal protective measures.

Macedonian nationals have so far been able to travel without a negative PCR test only to Albania and Turkey.