Do You Need a Visa to Montenegro? If you are an EU citizen or hold a Schengen visa, the answer is simple: no, a visa is not required. You can stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Sounds straightforward? Yes, but there are important nuances to be aware of. Read on to learn about the details of visa regulations, entry requirements, and practical travel tips.

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Visa to Montenegro
This is what the stamp that will be placed in your passport upon entry into the country looks like.

Visa Requirements for EU Citizens, Schengen Visa Holders, and Other Eligible Travelers

The official page where you can check the most up-to-date information on whether you need a visa for Montenegro:

https://www.gov.me/en/diplomatic-missions/embassies-and-consulates-of-montenegro

Currently, Montenegro allows visa-free entry for citizens of various countries under slightly different conditions. Here’s what you need to know:

  • EU citizens:
    • If traveling with an ID card: stay up to 30 days without a visa.
    • If traveling with a passport: stay up to 90 days without a visa.
  • Citizens of the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, and Australia:
    • No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days with a passport (ID cards are not accepted for entry).
  • Travelers with visas from Ireland, any Schengen country, the UK, or the USA:
    • Regardless of nationality, travelers holding valid visas from these countries can enter Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days.
    • The same rule applies to residents of these countries.

If your stay exceeds the allowed period (30 or 90 days), you will need to apply for a tourist visa at the Montenegrin Embassy. If there is no Montenegrin diplomatic mission in your country, applications can be submitted at the nearest Serbian, Bulgarian, or Croatian consulate.

That being said, very few travelers opt for a tourist visa because there is a more convenient alternative: the visa run, which we will explain below.

Visa to Montenegro: Entry Requirements and Necessary Documents

The entry process is simple. To enter Montenegro, you need only one essential document:

  • A passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date), or
  • An ID card (for eligible EU citizens).

If your passport is close to expiring, be aware of potential issues. For example, if you enter Montenegro 3.5 months before your passport expires, you may only be granted a 30-day stay. By the time your visa-free period ends, your passport’s validity will be less than three months, which could lead to additional checks or travel restrictions. Border control officers may request extra documents, especially if they find your situation suspicious.

Additional Documents That May Be Required:

Tourist Tax in Montenegro

Montenegro applies a tourist tax ranging from €1 to €3 per person per day, depending on the region. The average rate is around €2 per day per person.

This tax is usually handled by the hotel or apartment owner, who registers you in the local system. For travelers, this means an additional charge of about €2 per night per person, regardless of where or how they booked their stay.

  • If you book a vacation package, the tax is often included in the total price.
  • If you travel independently, expect to pay the tax at each accommodation.

Example:

  • Two people staying in Kotor for 3 nights will pay an additional €12 (€2 per person per night).

Expect to provide your passport or ID at every accommodation check-in, as it is required by Montenegrin law.

And all about packages to Montenegro, prices and booking recommendations, check out our full guide at the provided link.

montenegro without a visa
These are the kind of receipts usually given as proof of tax payment, but not always.

Visa Run in Montenegro: How It Works

For those unfamiliar with the term, a visa run is a common practice in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, where tourists leave the country briefly to renew their visa-free stay upon return.

In Montenegro, the visa run works in a similar way. If your visa-free period is about to expire, simply leave the country for at least one day, and upon re-entry, you will receive a new passport stamp allowing you to stay for another 90 days.

Due to this convenient system, very few travelers apply for a tourist visa to Montenegro. Instead, they take a short trip to a neighboring country and return.

Popular Visa Run Destinations:

  • Serbia – Easily accessible by bus or car.
  • Albania – The fastest and most affordable option. The border is just 25 minutes from Podgorica by car.

For more details on Montenegro’s neighboring countries and border crossings, check out our guide: Montenegro on the map.

Customs Regulations: Import and Export Limits

What You Can Bring into Montenegro:

  • Cigarettes: Up to 200 pieces
  • Tobacco: Up to 250 grams
  • Cigars and cigarillos: Up to 50 pieces
  • Alcohol: 1 liter of spirits + 2 liters of wine
  • Medications: Personal-use medications are allowed. Common over-the-counter drugs like aspirin are fine, but for prescription medications, it’s advisable to carry a doctor’s prescription (in Latin script, no translation required).

What You Cannot Export from Montenegro:

  • Antiques
  • Gold coins
  • Valuable art objects
  • Ancient icons
  • Raw gold

What Can Be Freely Exported:

  • Alcohol, food, and meat – No restrictions from Montenegro, but check your home country’s import limits. For example, the EU allows:
    • Up to 4 liters of still wine
    • Up to 16 liters of beer (above 0.5% ABV)
    • Up to 1 liter of spirits (>22% ABV) or 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine

Exporting Art and Antiques:

Many travelers ask about taking home art and antiques. If you buy an “ancient” amphora or icon from a street market, in 99.999% of cases, it’s a replica, so there’s no problem taking it home.

entry rules to Montenegro
You can do a visa run even on a small propeller plane like this. 40 minutes, and you’re in Belgrade—though it’s more expensive.

Travel Tips: Do You Need a Visa for Montenegro?

To summarize, here’s what you need to know:

  • A valid passport (at least 3 months beyond your departure date)
  • Planning a long stay? Use a visa run to Albania or Serbia. Many people live in Montenegro for almost a year this way.
  • Limited airport internet? Print your accommodation confirmation – it may come in handy.
  • Make copies of your passport – always useful for travel.
  • Pros and cons of Montenegro for tourists

For a quick and insightful read, check out our article on time in Montenegro. Learn not just about the time zone, but also about local punctuality, store hours, bank schedules, and more.

Final Thoughts

To answer the big question: Do EU citizens (and others) need a visa for Montenegro? No, they do not. Upon arrival, you will receive a stamp allowing you to stay for up to 90 days. If you wish to extend your stay, simply leave for one day to a neighboring country and return – you’ll receive a fresh 90-day stamp in your passport.

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