Dear all,
I’ve got an UK visa last year… this is how it works: after completing the online application, UK Embassy send our passports in Poland (by post) that’s why it takes about 4-6 weeks to get back an answer (as Shpend mentioned). Overall costs (visa & insurances) are higher but, consider that if you get a positive answer you will get the visa at least for 6 months. If you have a proper documents needed and time to apply for it, consider also that you can find cheaper flights with Wizzair from Skopje to London (about 80$ return ticket).
As per the Italian(schengen) Visa, I’ve got one for 2 yrs and I think they are flexible also if you have a requested documents.
Should you need any help on procedures, preparing any documents, invitations or anything else, please feel free to contact me.
All the best,