Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇲🇰 North Macedonia 🇽🇰 Kosovo
Nearest Cities
🇲🇰 Stançiq, 🇽🇰 Bellanoc
Coordinates
42.35°N, 21.15°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM)
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles
Daily Crossings
~2000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Macedonian/Kosovar
Currency Exchange
Limited near Stançiq (MKD, EUR)
Connectivity Options
Basic 3G coverage
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Emergency Contacts
🇲🇰 112/194 🇽🇰 112/192
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇲🇰 Stançiq, 🇽🇰 Bellanoc
A New Crossing in a Historic Land
The border crossing connecting the area near Stançiq in Kosovo with Bellanoc in North Macedonia is one of the newest checkpoints between the two nations, opened in 2019. This is not a major highway for international transit but a modern, local road built to serve the communities of the Karadak (Skopska Crna Gora) mountains. To cross here is to take a journey through a scenic, hilly landscape with a rich history and a predominantly Albanian population on both sides of the border. It is a crossing that symbolizes a new era of cooperation, a route designed specifically to reunite local communities that had been separated by a border and a lack of infrastructure for decades.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Gjilan District of Kosovo with the Lipkovo Municipality of North Macedonia. It is a secondary international crossing, intended for passenger cars and local traffic. It is crucial to verify its current operational status and hours before attempting this route, as smaller crossings can have more limited schedules. The road leading to the crossing is new and modern, a significant upgrade for the region. Its purpose is to facilitate local and regional travel, particularly between the cities of Gjilan in Kosovo and Kumanovo in North Macedonia, providing a much more direct route than was previously available.
A History of a Divided Region
The history of this region is the history of the Karadak highlands, a mountainous area that has long been inhabited by Albanians. The modern border, established in the 20th century, divided this cohesive cultural and linguistic region between Kosovo (then part of Serbia/Yugoslavia) and North Macedonia. For decades, there was no official crossing point in this area, forcing families and communities to make extremely long detours to visit relatives or access markets that were geographically very close. The opening of the Stançiq-Bellanoc crossing was a major event for the local population, a tangible result of cooperation between the two governments, and a fulfillment of a long-held dream for the residents.
Border Crossing Procedure
The border crossing procedure is a standard two-part process. You will first complete exit formalities at one country’s checkpoint and then proceed to the other country’s checkpoint for entry inspection. You will need a valid passport or, for citizens of many European countries, a national ID card. Vehicle registration and international insurance (Green Card) are also necessary. It is important to check the specific insurance requirements, as you may need to purchase separate insurance for Kosovo at the border. As a new and smaller crossing, the process is generally quick and efficient, with modern facilities and none of the congestion of the main highways.
The Surrounding Region: Kosovo Side
On the Kosovar side, the crossing is in the Karadak region, known for its beautiful, hilly scenery. The nearby city of Gjilan is a major economic and cultural center in eastern Kosovo. The area is known for its traditional culture and its history as a center of the Albanian national revival in the 19th century. The crossing provides a new gateway for exploring this less-visited part of Kosovo.
The Surrounding Region: North Macedonia Side
On the North Macedonian side, the crossing is in the Lipkovo municipality, an area with a large Albanian population. The region is known for the beautiful Lipkovo Lake, a large reservoir in a scenic mountain setting. The road connects to the major city of Kumanovo, the third-largest city in North Macedonia. This new connection provides a much-needed boost to the economy of this border region and improves its links with both Skopje and Kosovo.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route requires checking the operating hours of the border. The road is new and well-maintained. The official currencies are the Euro (EUR) in Kosovo and the Macedonian Denar (MKD) in North Macedonia. Services at the border itself are very limited. It is essential to plan for fuel and any currency exchange in the larger cities of Gjilan or Kumanovo. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries, or be prepared to purchase insurance at the border.
Final Considerations
The Stançiq–Bellanoc border crossing is a shining example of the positive impact of modern cross-border cooperation. It is a new bridge that has restored an old connection. It offers a quiet and efficient passage through a region rich in nature and culture. It is a border crossing that is not about division, but about connection, a testament to the power of modern infrastructure to improve the daily lives of people in border communities and to heal the divisions of the past. It is a symbol of the growing partnership between North Macedonia and Kosovo.