Montenegro Travel Information

Last modified: July 25, 2023
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Departure Taxes are levied at Tivat (TIV) and Podgorica (TGD) airports on passengers embarking on:

  • International flights: EUR 15.-.
  • Domestic flights: EUR 8.-.

Place of payment: Airport of departure.

Exempt:

  • Involuntarily rerouted passengers.
  • Passengers holding free business tickets.
  • Children under 2 years of age.
  • Crew traveling on duty.

Entry requirements

The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.

The authorities in the country or territory you are travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Under Montenegrin law you must carry a valid form of ID with you at all times, for example a driving licence, passport or equivalent, otherwise you may be fined. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Entry to Montenegro

Visitors travelling from all countries except Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania require a negative PCR test from a registered lab taken within 48 hours of travel to enter Montenegro, or a positive serology test on IgG antibodies issued by a registered lab not older than 30 days. Alternatively travellers can provide proof of a second dose of covid-19 vaccination administered at least 7 days ago.

Montenegrin citizens and holders of Montenegrin residence permits travelling from Serbia, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Albania can enter Montenegro without a valid coronavirus test or proof of vaccination.

If you notice symptoms of a respiratory infection you must follow the guidelines of the Institute of Public Health, which include contacting a local epidemiological service. The guidance and contact details of epidemiological services are available in English from Institute of Public Health.

Check for latest lists and details of entry criteria on the website of the Government of Montenegro.

All border crossings are open as normal, except border crossing Vuca from Rozaje to Tutin, and border crossing Metaljka from Plevlja to Cajnice which are only open from 7am to 7pm. Bans on travel between municipalities at weekends and curfews do not apply to border crossings. Those who arrive to Montenegro during these times will be allowed to enter and travel to their destination as long as they are able to show an entry stamp from their passport as a reason for their necessary movement.

Full details of the exemption are on the Montenegrin Government website.

Quarantine requirements

Additional measures may be imposed. Individuals who have had contact with someone diagnosed with coronavirus, or suspected to be infected with coronavirus will be subject to quarantine.

All those who were quarantined or self-isolating and who test positive for the coronavirus and are unable to continue self-isolation in their place of residence will be subjected to compulsory institutional isolation. The same rule applies for those who have received hospital treatment for coronavirus and recovered but have not passed two sequential negative coronavirus results; and to those who arrived in Montenegro from abroad and subsequently tested positive for the coronavirus.

You should comply with any additional screening and other measures put in place by the authorities to monitor and limit the spread of the virus. Violation of these measures is a criminal offence. Additional measures may be introduced at short notice.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

You can enter Montenegro for short-term stays of up to 90 days without a visa. The Montenegrin law considers “stays of 90 days” as 90 days in total in a 180-day period, counted from the first entry date.

On entering Montenegro, make sure the border police put an entry stamp in your passport. This helps avoid problems related to verifying the length of your stay in the country.

If you are in the UK and you would like to consult if and what type of Montenegrin visa you need before you travel, contact the Montenegrin Embassy in London.

If you wish to extend your stay once in Montenegro, you will need to apply for a visa or a temporary residence permit from the Montenegrin Ministry of Interior Affairs no later than one week before the 90-day period expires.

Passport validity

Your passport should be undamaged and in accordance with local law should be issued in the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after your planned date of departure from Montenegro.

If you hold dual citizenship, the Montenegrin authorities will consider you a citizen of the issuing state of the passport with which you entered Montenegro.

Border crossings

Only enter Montenegro through recognised border crossings.

If you are planning a mountaineering tour which involves crossing borders other than at an official border crossing point, contact the National Tourist Organisation for advice.

There may be additional delays on roads approaching the border crossings between Montenegro and neighbouring countries, given coronavirus-related restrictions. See Staying during Coronavirus section for further details.

Registration

By law you must register with the local police or tourism organisation in the town/city where you are staying within 24 hours of your arrival in Montenegro, unless you are staying in a hotel or other commercial accommodation where you’ll be registered automatically on checking in.

If you do not register you may be fined, detained or face a court appearance.

Customs requirements

The Montenegro Customs Administration advises travellers of the main regulations regarding import of food, medicines, flora and fauna species, animals, tobacco and alcoholic beverages and firearms, in their downloadable guide.

Although there is no limit to the amount of money you can bring into Montenegro, you should declare sums of money in excess of €10,000 (including travellers’ cheques or equivalent in other currencies). To take more than €10,000 out of the country you will need to provide proof that you brought the money in. Customs Officers at all border points issue declaration forms. On departure, you will need to return a certified copy of this declaration to customs. For sums of money in excess of €15,000 you should also have obtained a document which states the origin of the funds. If you fail to comply with these rules, your money may be confiscated.

To avoid customs charges, declare items of value like expensive jewellery, photographic and computer equipment.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents are accepted by Montenegrin authorities for entry, airside transit and exit from Montenegro and are valid forms of identity documents in Montenegro.

Safety and security

Crime

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from street crime, particularly in larger towns. Do not leave valuables unattended and watch out for pick pockets in public places like tourist hot spots, beaches, airports and on public transport. Use a hotel safe if possible. Report all incidents of crime to the local police and get a police report. If you lose your passport, you should also contact the British Embassy Podgorica.

Incidents of violent crime between organised criminal groups can occur. You should exercise caution, remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. In the event of any incidents, you should follow the advice of local authorities.

The main emergency numbers are: 112 (general emergencies), 122 (police), 123 (fire department) and 124 (ambulance service).

Local travel

Information on local road closures is available on the Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro website or by telephoning 19807, +382 20 234 999 or +382 63 239 987. You can also use these numbers to ask for roadside assistance.

Road travel

See the AA guide on driving in Montenegro.

Licences and documents

To drive you must have a valid driving licence and International Driving Permit (IDP). The correct IDP is the one issued in accordance with the 1968 UN Convention on Road Traffic. 1949 IDPs previously issued by the UK may no longer be accepted in Montenegro. You can get the IDP over the counter from 2,500 UK Post Offices. You will not be able to buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.

If you bring your own or a rented vehicle into the country, you must have the original vehicle registration/ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy with you. If you fail to carry the right documents, you will be refused entry and the car may be impounded until you can prove ownership. The FCDO cannot assist you in confirming the validity of photocopied and/or emailed registration logbooks (V5C) nor obtain originals for you.

Check if your insurance provides European Green Card vehicle insurance valid in Montenegro. Drivers of cars registered on foreign plates and without a valid green card will be asked to buy temporary insurance valid for Montenegro, and available for purchase at all official border crossings (“granichno osiguranje” in Montenegrin).

Road standards

The standard of roads is fair to poor with conditions worsening in rural areas, especially in the winter and after bad weather. In particular, the two-lane Moraca Canyon in Montenegro can be dangerous when conditions are poor and there is overcrowding. Roads leading to Montenegro’s coastal areas are in better condition, but can be overcrowded during the summer season.

Driving regulations

By law you must wear a seatbelt. Riders of scooters, mopeds or motorcycles must wear a crash helmet.

You must drive with dipped headlights on during the day and must not use a mobile phone while driving. You must equip your car for winter conditions when the weather requires it, including winter tyres on many roads from 15 November to 31 March.

Montenegrin traffic law defines intoxication as a blood alcohol level higher than 0.3 g/kg, or 0.1 g/kg for drivers younger than 24 or with less than 12 months of driving experience.

Exceeding the speed limit by just 10kph will get you a fine in Montenegro, while excessive speeding (30kph over the limit in towns and 50kph on motorways) and overtaking under dangerous conditions will lead to automatic confiscation of your driving licence. Fines for traffic offences range from €20 to €6,000. Prison sentences can also be imposed.

If you are issued with a fine, the issuing police officer will usually request payment is made to a bank account within a reasonable time. In certain circumstances your passport may be seized. If you deny the charge you have the right to appear in court. All fine receipts have serial numbers and can be monitored in a central register for 3 years.

If you are involved in a small traffic accident, you can request a police investigation at a cost of 50 euros. This fee is reimbursable from the person found guilty for causing the accident after completion of the court proceedings. Drivers can opt to complete a European accident report and submit it to their insurance company without a police investigation.

The only toll in Montenegro is the Sozina tunnel between Lake Skadar and the sea.

Extreme and adventure sports

A wide range of outdoor activities are on offer for tourists. Take precautions to prevent injuries and use protective equipment. Before signing up with paragliding instructors, for example, ask to see their training licence for tandem flights. Make sure you have a correct licence when renting vehicles, particularly jet skis. Take particular care when hiking in the Montenegrin mountains. Do not underestimate the hike: factors like weather, landscape, distance and elevation can increase the risks. Ask your guide about the required hiking equipment according to landscape and season; take fully charged mobile phone and enough supplies with you.

If you get into trouble, call the emergency number 112.

Political situation

In early 2020 there were a series of largely peaceful protests over a new law on religion, which caused some disruption and road closures. These protests began again in May, and have involved altercations between police and protesters. Subsequent disturbances have been unpredictable in nature, with some clashes with police and the closure of some roads for a number of hours as a result of protests.

You should exercise caution, keep up to date with local developments, check local media and avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings. In the event of any incidents, you should follow the advice of local authorities.

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