What to do if someone dies in North Macedonia

North Macedonia is a manageable repatriation destination by Balkan standards. There is a resident British Embassy in Skopje, the civil documentation system functions, and the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University operates to a professional standard.

The primary complication is the Macedonian language in Cyrillic script. Every official document requires certified English translation before UK authorities will accept it.

First 24 hours

Call the FCDO Emergency Travel Line: 020 7008 5000. Then contact the British Embassy Skopje directly: +389 2 3299 299.

If the death occurred in or near Ohrid during the summer tourist season, the local police will be involved immediately in any non-natural death. The Embassy in Skopje is experienced with Ohrid tourist deaths and can advise on the local process.

Do not authorise body movement before Ministry of Interior clearance in any non-natural death. This clearance, confirming no criminal proceedings are pending, must precede any funeral director preparation.

Institute of Forensic Medicine: the process

Non-natural deaths — accidents, drownings, sudden unexplained collapse, violence — are referred to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje. The Institute:

1. Conducts the forensic examination
2. Issues a forensic certificate establishing cause of death
3. Forwards findings to the Ministry of Interior

The Ministry of Interior then confirms whether criminal proceedings are opened. In tourist death cases involving accidents, this is usually a formality — but it must be completed.

From the Institute perspective, routine cases complete in 3 to 7 days. Cases requiring additional toxicology or histology take 10 to 14 days.

Cyrillic documentation: the key issue

Every official document in North Macedonia is in Macedonian, written in Cyrillic script. This includes:

• The death certificate (Izvod od maticen)
• The forensic certificate from the Institute
• The Ministry of Interior clearance
• The Ministry of Health export licence

UK authorities require certified English translations of all these documents. A certified translator (one recognised by a UK translation body such as the Chartered Institute of Linguists) must produce the translations. Allow 3 to 5 working days for a complete set.

In western North Macedonia (Tetovo, Gostivar, Struga), documents may also be produced in Albanian, requiring a second translation set.

Ohrid: seasonal tourist deaths

Ohrid is North Macedonia’s most significant tourist destination. The old town, the lake, and several UNESCO-listed churches attract visitors year-round, but summer (June to September) sees the highest numbers, including UK package holiday visitors.

Common causes of death at Ohrid:

• Lake swimming incidents (rip-like currents exist in deep areas; the lake is cold at depth)
• Hiking on the surrounding hills
• Road traffic accidents on the mountain roads above the lake
• Heat-related medical emergencies

Ohrid Airport (OHD) handles summer charters. Deaths during this period may involve charter operator coordination for cargo repatriation. Outside summer, routing goes via Skopje (SKP).

Document checklist

Mountain incidents: Mavrovo and Sar Mountain

Mavrovo National Park and Sar Mountain attract trekkers and climbers. Deaths in these areas require mountain rescue retrieval before the formal process begins. Mountain Rescue North Macedonia (GSSM) is competent and well-equipped. Retrieval from difficult terrain typically adds 1 to 3 days.

Getting help

We coordinate North Macedonia repatriations from Skopje, Ohrid, and mountain areas. Call us or use the enquiry form. The Cyrillic translation requirement is something we handle as part of every case.