This is information that, thankfully, is becoming less and less necessary. However, some tourists might still find it useful. Here, you’ll learn everything about COVID-19 in Montenegro, how the pandemic unfolded in the country, what restrictions (if any) remain, and where to get a PCR test in Montenegro.

Table of contents:

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Cheap Flights
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Car Rental
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Excursions and tours
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Travel Insurance
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Accommodation
PCR test in Montenegro
Here in such state clinics (Dom zdravlja) in Montenegro, you can even try to do a PCR test for free. But more on that below.

COVID-19 in Montenegro: A Brief Timeline

The events of early 2020 developed rapidly. Here’s a short overview:

  • In March 2020, countries around the world started going into lockdown.
  • Montenegro was the last country in Europe to officially record its first COVID-19 case.
  • The country fully closed its borders by the end of May 2020.
  • By October 2020, less than five months later, Montenegro reopened its borders. Travelers needed either a PCR test or proof of vaccination.

Interesting to know:

Montenegro, with a population of just 600,000, welcomes around 3 million tourists annually. Tourism is not just an important part of the economy—it is critical. Without it, the economy would collapse. For example, while Montenegro is neither an EU member nor part of the Eurozone, its official currency is the euro. Why? Tourism plays a major role in this decision. Read more about Montenegro’s EU status here.
With tourism contributing over 70% of Montenegro’s GDP, imagine what happened to the economy and the standard of living when borders were shut down.

Montenegro was one of the first European countries to exit lockdown. Authorities understood that without tourism, the country would struggle to survive.

Historical Context:

In 2021, the President of Turkey stated:
“We will either die of hunger or of COVID. I will not let my people starve, so we will keep our borders open.”

This logic wasn’t exclusive to Turkey. Several countries prioritized reopening their borders, understanding that their economies depended on it. Montenegro was one of them—along with Turkey, Brazil, and Tanzania.

Current COVID-19 Restrictions in Montenegro

  • As of March 2022, ahead of the upcoming tourist season, Montenegro fully lifted all COVID-19 restrictions and reopened its borders.
Covid-19 in Montenegro
The official date for the lifting of absolutely all covid restrictions
  • Since then, entry requirements have returned to pre-pandemic conditions
  • As of 2025, Montenegro has not reintroduced any COVID-related restrictions.
  • Since the start of the pandemic, Montenegro recorded 2,800 COVID-related deaths—less than 0.5% of the population. While this percentage is lower than the European and global averages, whether the government made the right decision to reopen early remains a topic of debate. However, had the borders stayed closed, hundreds of thousands of Montenegrins would have been left without any source of income.
  • Masks are no longer required. Life in Montenegro has returned to normal.

Good to know:

As of 2025, Montenegro does not require masks anywhere. However, it is still advisable to wear one in pharmacies, clinics, and healthcare centers.
montenegro requires pcr tests
Map of world countries with covid restrictions. The entire Balkan Peninsula is fully open

Where to Get a PCR Test in Montenegro for International Travel (as of 2022)

Getting a PCR test in Montenegro is straightforward, but there are some details worth knowing:

  • The healthcare sector is mostly private, with numerous private laboratories, medical centers, and pharmacies offering PCR tests.
  • There are also state-run facilities where PCR tests may be available.
  • The government does not regulate pricing in private healthcare, so costs vary depending on the provider.

Good to know:

Today, all neighbors of Montenegro are also open without PCR and vaccinations. There are no countries where PCR is required. How to buy tickets to Montenegro in the article at the link.

PCR Test Prices in Montenegro (as of 2022):

  • PCR Test: €35–50, results within 24 hours.
  • Antigen Test: €15, results in 1 hour.
  • Antibody Test: €15–20, results within a few hours.
covid in montenegro
Standard prices for PCR, antigen and antibody tests in Montenegro

Where to Get a PCR Test in Montenegro:

  • In any city: Visit a pharmacy or clinic and ask for a test. Some pharmacies also offer testing services.
  • Public health centers (“Dom Zdravlja”): These are state-run clinics where PCR tests may be available for free, but only if you provide proof of outbound travel (a valid ticket) and a receipt for the tourist tax paid at your accommodation. The tax is €1 per person per day and can be paid at tourist information centers.
    • Look for all the information on the website of such clinics. For example, the website of the clinic (Dom zdravlja) in Kotor: www.dzkotor.me/
  • Private laboratories:
coronavirus in montenegro where to do pcr
Addresses of laboratories where to do a PCR test in Montenegro

Final Thoughts

Thankfully, COVID-19 is gradually becoming a thing of the past. In Montenegro, the pandemic was relatively short-lived—lockdowns lasted only five months, and the borders never closed again after reopening.

For those who still need a PCR test for travel, numerous clinics, labs, and medical centers offer quick and convenient testing, without the long waiting times of the past.

Montenegro is fully open to all tourists—no PCR tests, no vaccinations required. Safe travels!

Resources to help you plan your dream trip to Montenegro

  • WayAway: Cheap flights and best deals.
  • Car rental in Montenegro:
    • LocalRent – works with local rental companies. Leader in car rental in Montenegro.
    • DiscoverCars – a large international platform.
  • Budget-friendly vacation packages to Montenegro: CheapOair.
  • Hotels and apartments all over the country:
    • Trip.com – the most popular accommodation booking platform
    • TripAdvisor compares the prices among dozens of other booking services and offer the best price
  • Tours, excursions and activities (including extreme ones):
    • GetYourGuide – more than 800 tours
    • Viator – 1000+ excursions and activities throughout the country
  • Comprehensive travel insurance: EKTA
  • Internet and Calls:
  • Taxi and airport transfers: Intui.Travel