As another summer travel season approaches, thousands of members of the Macedonian diaspora in the United Kingdom are preparing for their annual journey to North Macedonia. Alongside them will be British tourists, business travellers, investors, and volunteers looking to experience the country’s culture, hospitality, and growing opportunities.
Unfortunately, many of them will encounter the same problem that has existed for years: UK motor insurance is still not recognised in North Macedonia, requiring drivers to purchase additional frontier insurance at the border.
Almost a year ago, I wrote to the Ambassador of North Macedonia in London highlighting this issue and its impact on travellers from the UK. Regrettably, I did not receive a response. More importantly, the issue itself remains unresolved.
For many travellers, this requirement is more than a minor inconvenience. It creates additional costs, administrative burdens, and delays at border crossings.
What makes this issue particularly surprising is that North Macedonia remains an exception in Europe and the wider Balkan region. British motorists can travel through virtually every other European country without being required to purchase additional border insurance, yet those entering North Macedonia continue to face this requirement. At a time when the country is seeking to attract tourists, investors, and strengthen ties with its diaspora, this sends the wrong message.
The Macedonian diaspora contributes significantly to the country’s economy through remittances, investment, charitable initiatives, and cultural engagement. British visitors and businesses also play an important role in strengthening bilateral ties between our two countries. Removing unnecessary barriers to travel should therefore be a priority.
The question remains: what progress has been made towards finding a solution?
Have discussions taken place between the relevant authorities in North Macedonia, insurance regulators, and their counterparts in the United Kingdom? Is there a roadmap towards mutual recognition of insurance coverage or an alternative arrangement that would remove the need for frontier insurance?
As another travel season begins, these questions deserve answers.
Addressing this issue would send a positive message to the diaspora, encourage tourism, facilitate business travel, and demonstrate a commitment to removing practical obstacles that affect thousands of people every year.
North Macedonia has made considerable progress in many areas over recent years. Resolving this longstanding issue would be a small but meaningful step that would be welcomed by many across the diaspora and beyond.
I hope that the relevant institutions will revisit this matter and engage in constructive dialogue towards a solution. The cost of inaction is not measured only in insurance premiums collected at the border, but also in the message it sends to those who maintain strong personal, cultural, and economic ties with the country.
What has been your experience when driving from the UK to North Macedonia? Have you encountered difficulties with insurance requirements at the border? I welcome your thoughts and experiences in the comments.