Approximate Border Location
Border Countries
🇲🇰 North Macedonia
🇷🇸 Serbia
Border Cities
🇷🇸 Kumanovo region
🇲🇰 Pelince
Coordinates
42.20°N, 21.60°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
~1500 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
Macedonian/Serbian
Currency Exchange
Limited near Pelince (MKD, RSD)
Accessibility Features
Ramps, assistance
Safety Information
Rural, minimal crime
Google Maps Location
Country Information
About Kumanovo region & Pelince
A Crossing of Remembrance
The border crossing connecting the area near the village of Pelince in North Macedonia with the Serbian border is a journey into a landscape of profound national and historical significance for the Macedonian people. This is a secondary, local checkpoint, a quiet road that runs along the Pčinja River. Its importance, however, transcends its size. It is the gateway to the ASNOM Memorial Center at Pelince, a major national monument. Since the breakup of Yugoslavia, this has been a seamless passage for local traffic, but its primary identity is tied to the commemoration of the birth of the modern Macedonian state.
Operational Details
This checkpoint connects the Northeastern Statistical Region of North Macedonia with the Pčinja District of Serbia. It is a smaller international crossing, typically with limited hours, and is intended for passenger cars and local traffic. It is crucial to verify its current operational status and hours before attempting this route. The crossing provides a scenic alternative to the main highway at Tabanovce-Preševo, especially for those traveling between Kumanovo and the Vranje region of Serbia.
Before Crossing
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A History of ASNOM
The history of this crossing is inextricably linked to the events of World War II. On August 2, 1944, the first session of the Anti-fascist Assembly for the National Liberation of Macedonia (ASNOM) was held at the Prohor Pčinjski Monastery, which is located just on the Serbian side of the modern border. This assembly proclaimed the modern Macedonian state as a federal state within Yugoslavia. This event is considered the foundation of modern Macedonian statehood and is celebrated as the country’s national day. After the breakup of Yugoslavia, access to the monastery for official Macedonian state delegations became a recurring diplomatic issue with Serbia. To solve this, the large ASNOM Memorial Center was built in Pelince, on Macedonian territory, to serve as the main site for national day celebrations.
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, vehicle registration, and international insurance (Green Card). While many nationalities can enter both countries visa-free for short stays, it is essential to check the specific requirements for your nationality in advance. As a smaller crossing, the process is usually quick and personal, with none of the queues of the main highway.
The Surrounding Region: North Macedonia Side
On the North Macedonian side, the main attraction is the impressive ASNOM Memorial Center in Pelince. The complex features a large museum, an amphitheater, and monumental sculptures, all set in a beautiful location on the banks of the Pčinja River. The nearby city of Kumanovo is the third-largest in the country. The region is also known for the Kokino megalithic observatory, an ancient archaeological site that is often referred to as the “Macedonian Stonehenge.”
The Surrounding Region: Serbia Side
On the Serbian side, the main point of historical interest is the Prohor Pčinjski Monastery. It is one of the most important monasteries of the Serbian Orthodox Church, founded in the 11th century by the Byzantine emperor Romanos IV in honor of the hermit St. Prohor. It is a major pilgrimage site and a beautiful complex of buildings in a forested river valley. The nearby Serbian city of Vranje is known for its lively music and its historic Ottoman-era architecture.
Practical Travel Information
Practical planning for this route requires checking the operating hours of the border. The roads leading to the crossing are regional and wind through the river valley. The official currencies are the Macedonian Denar (MKD) in North Macedonia and the Serbian Dinar (RSD) in Serbia. Services are limited at the border itself, so it is best to plan for fuel and currency exchange in the larger towns of Kumanovo or Vranje. Ensure your vehicle’s Green Card insurance is valid for both countries.
Final Considerations
The Pelince border crossing is more than just a local checkpoint; it is a passage through the very heart of modern Macedonian national identity. It connects the site of the state’s founding act with the modern memorial that celebrates it. It offers a beautiful and historically rich journey through the Pčinja river valley. For the traveler interested in the history and politics of the Balkans, it is a fascinating and essential route to explore, a place where the deep historical connections and the modern political divisions of the region are on full display.