Montenegro Entry Requirements and Visa Policy for Foreigners

Visa Policy of Montenegro

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Understanding Montenegro’s Visa Policies

The visa policy of Montenegro is governed by the Law on Foreigners, which outlines the conditions for entry, movement, and stay within its territory. Depending on your nationality, you may need to obtain a visa prior to arrival or you might be eligible to enter visa-free.

Important Sources and Useful Information

The most important factor in understanding entry, visa and residence requirements is having access to correct, reliable and up-to-date information. That’s why we’ve provided with the following list of links to our sources:

• https://www.gov.me/en/article/types-of-visas-2
• The Law on Foreigners (Aliens Act) (Official Gazette of Montenegro, No. 82/08, 56/14, 28/15, 16/16, 12/2018 and 03/2019; ENG version)
• Decree on Visa Regime
• Government of Montenegro information on Citizenship and Residency in Montenegro.
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs 
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Montenegro
• https://montenegrodigitalnomad.com/residency-in-montenegro

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The Law on Foreigners: Key Highlights

The Law on Foreigners specifies that travelers from countries listed in the Regulation on the Visa Regime require a visa for entry. However, there are exceptions, and citizens from certain countries can enjoy visa-free access to Montenegro for specified periods, typically up to 90 days within a six-month span. Always check the latest regulations, as visa policies can change.

Decree on Visa Regime: What You Need to Know

The Decree on Visa Regime, updated periodically, lists the countries whose citizens need visas to enter Montenegro and those exempt from this requirement. It’s essential to consult this decree or the official Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the most current information. Additionally, the decree details different types of visas, including short-stay (C visa) and long-term (D visa), catering to various purposes of visit, from tourism to business and education.

Types of Visas for Montenegro

Montenegro offers different types of visas to accommodate the diverse needs of travelers visiting the country. Understanding each visa type can help you determine which one is right for your travel plans.

Airport Transit Visa (Visa A)

Purpose and Conditions: The Airport Transit Visa (Visa A) is designed for travelers passing through the international transit areas of Montenegro’s airports. It’s ideal for those who need to change flights in Montenegro without leaving the airport’s international zone. This visa is typically required for nationals of certain countries who are not allowed to enter Montenegro’s territory without a visa.

Transit Visa (Visa B)

Requirements and Validity: A Transit Visa (Visa B) allows travelers to cross Montenegro’s territory when heading to another destination. It can be issued for one, two, or multiple entries, with a validity of up to six months. Each stay can last no longer than five days, making it perfect for brief visits or stopovers. To obtain this visa, travelers must have a valid visa for their final destination if required.

Short-term Stay Visa (Visa C)

Eligibility and Duration: The Short-term Stay Visa (Visa C) is for tourists, business visitors, or others making short visits. It can be granted for single or multiple entries, allowing a stay of up to 90 days within a six-month period from the date of first entry. This visa is versatile, catering to various short-term needs, including tourism, business meetings, or family visits.

Long-term Stay Visa (Visa D)

Application Criteria and Process: For stays longer than 90 days but not exceeding six months within a year, the Long-term Stay Visa (Visa D) is necessary. It’s suitable for employment, education, scientific research, or other activities. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds, accommodation, health insurance, and a clear purpose for their extended stay. They should apply through the Montenegrin diplomatic or consular post in their home country or the nearest location that processes visa applications for Montenegro.

Staying in Montenegro: What Foreigners Need to Know

The 90-Day Rule

Montenegro allows foreigners to stay in the country for up to 90 days within a six-month period, starting from the date of first entry. This rule applies to nationals from countries that have visa-free access or those holding a valid short-term visa. It’s important for visitors to monitor the length of their stay to ensure they do not exceed this limit, as overstaying can result in fines or deportation.

Registration Requirements

Foreigners intending to stay in Montenegro for more than three days are required to register their presence with the local police station. This registration should be done within 24 hours of arrival. For travelers staying in hotels or registered accommodations, this process is usually handled by the accommodation provider. However, if you’re staying in a private residence, it’s your responsibility (or your host’s) to ensure you’re registered.

This process involves providing the Tourist Organisation kiosks located in each town with your passport and details of your accommodation. The registration is aimed at ensuring the safety and security of visitors and assisting authorities in knowing the whereabouts of foreign nationals in case of emergencies.

Temporary Residence in Montenegro

Conditions for Granting Temporary Residence

To qualify for temporary residence in Montenegro, applicants must fulfill several criteria, ensuring they can support themselves during their stay, have a place to live, possess adequate health insurance, and pose no threat to public security or health. The application process typically involves submitting proof of financial means, accommodation, health insurance, and a clean criminal record, along with the specific documentation related to the purpose of your stay.

Temporary Residence for Specific Purposes (e.g., Employment, Education, Scientific Research, Real Estate Ownership)

Employment and Work

For those looking to work in Montenegro, a temporary residence permit can be obtained by presenting a valid work contract or proof of business activities in the country. This permits foreigners to live and work in Montenegro legally.

Education

Students enrolled in secondary or higher education institutions in Montenegro are eligible for temporary residence. Applicants must provide proof of enrollment and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Scientific Research 

Researchers coming to Montenegro can apply for temporary residence by submitting a contract with a research institution in Montenegro, alongside evidence of financial means, accommodation, and health insurance.

Real Estate Ownership

Foreigners who own a residential property in Montenegro can also be eligible for annual temporary residence in Montenegro. The foreign national must be at least 50% owner of the property in question as well satisfy requirements financial related to financial ability and criminal history.

Read more about Montenegro Temporary Residence Permit options and how to apply. 

COVID-19 Measures for Entering Montenegro

As of the latest update available to me up until 2023, Montenegro has lifted all COVID-19 related entry requirements. This change reflects the global shift towards managing COVID-19 alongside regular travel operations. 

Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip to Montenegro:

Current COVID-19 Entry Requirements

No Restrictions

Travelers planning to visit Montenegro are no longer required to present proof of vaccination, a negative PCR test, or any COVID-19 recovery documents upon entry. This applies to all travelers, regardless of their country of origin.

Vaccination, Testing, and Quarantine Regulations

Lifted Measures: With the lifting of previous restrictions, travelers do not need to worry about vaccination status or testing requirements for COVID-19 when entering Montenegro. Similarly, there are no quarantine mandates for incoming visitors based on COVID-19.

Special Note for Montenegrin Citizens and Foreigners with Temporary Residence

Montenegrin citizens and foreign nationals with temporary or permanent residence in Montenegro are also exempt from any COVID-19 related entry requirements. This aligns with the measures applied to international travelers, ensuring a uniform approach to travel and entry into the country.

It’s important to note that while Montenegro has removed COVID-19 restrictions for entry, travelers should still stay informed about any changes to these policies. Additionally, considering the dynamic nature of the global pandemic response, checking with airlines and Montenegro’s official travel advisories before departure is advisable for the latest information.

Montenegro Visa Policy

Individuals planning to visit Montenegro who do not originate from countries with visa exemptions are required to secure a visa through Montenegrin diplomatic channels. The governing framework for such matters is the Regulation on Visa Regime Act. In cases where Montenegro lacks a diplomatic or consular presence, individuals may seek visas from Serbian, Bulgarian, or Croatian diplomatic missions, depending on the jurisdiction.

Montenegro’s visa approach aligns closely with that of the Schengen Area, offering visa-free access for up to 90 days to citizens of Schengen Annex II countries, with the exception of those from Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Tuvalu. This privilege is extended to select additional nations, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia, and Turkey.

As a prerequisite for entry, travelers are obliged to possess passports with a minimum validity of six months beyond their intended period of stay in Montenegro.

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Entry for Holders of Other Foreign Visas. 

Individuals in possession of valid international travel documents with an active Schengen visa, or visas from the Commonwealth of Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Romania, the USA, or the UK are authorized to enter, traverse, and reside within Montenegro for a period of up to 30 days. This duration should not exceed the validity period of the visa should it be issued for less than 30 days.

Additionally, individuals carrying valid international travel documents along with a residence permit from Schengen Area countries, Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Romania, the USA, or the UK, as well as those holding APEC Business Travel Cards from APEC member countries, are permitted to enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days. This stay cannot extend beyond the expiration of their residence permit or APEC Business Travel Card if such validity is under 30 days.

Montenegro Visa Requirements by Country

Countries Which are Visa-exempt for Montenegro

Countries Which Require a Visa for Montenegro

Learn more about Montenegro Visa Policy.