Montenegro travel guide

Travel Advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT+ and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This advice reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Montenegro set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Montenegro Embassy, London.

Land and border crossings may close at short notice and entry into neighbouring countries may be subject to entry requirements.

COVID-19 rules

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Montenegro.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Montenegro, your passport must:

• issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’) 
• valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’) 

Check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date. 

Contact Montenegro’s embassy in the UK if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Checks at border control

The dated entry stamp helps avoid any problems about the length of your stay in the country.

Visa requirements

You can travel to Montenegro for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.  

If you are travelling to Montenegro without a visa, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Montenegro within the previous 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days. 

Montenegro is not part of the Schengen Area, so your time spent in Montenegro does not add to your total number of days spent in the Schengen Area.

Applying for a visa

To stay longer (to work or study or for other reasons), you must meet the Montenegrin government’s entry requirements.

Check which type of visa or work permit you may need with the Montenegro Embassy in the UK.

Vaccination requirements

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the vaccinations and certificates you need in TravelHealthPro’s Montenegro guide.

Registering with the authorities

Unless you are staying in a hotel or other commercial accommodation, you must register with the local immigration authority within 24 hours of arrival in Montenegro.  

You can register your stay at Tourism Organisation Information Points or at a police station in the town or city where you are staying. If you are staying in a hotel, this is done automatically when you check in. If you are staying in other commercial accommodation, check with your host.  

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

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of Montenegro.

You should declare items of value like expensive jewellery, photographic and computer equipment or anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Taking pets into Montenegro

Montenegro accepts pet passports. Pets can be transported non-commercially (up to 5 pets) as long as they meet the medical and other requirements for bringing pets into EU countries.

Taking money into Montenegro

Declare cash or travellers cheques if the value is 10,000 euros or more. You will get a certified declaration to show you brought it in with you. If you do not, your money could be seized when you leave.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.

Terrorism in Montenegro

Terrorist attacks in Montenegro cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Terrorists may target religious sites, including churches.

Political demonstrations

Protests and demonstrations sometimes take place in Montenegro, often in front of government or religious buildings. They are mostly peaceful but can lead to traffic disruption, clashes with police and the potential for violent incidents.

Crime

Protecting your belongings

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from street crime. Do not leave valuables unattended and watch out for pick pockets in public places like tourist hot spots, beaches, airports and on public transport.  

Report all incidents of crime to the local police and get a police report. If you lose your passport, cancel it as soon as possible to reduce the risk of anyone else using your passport or your identity.

Violent crime

Incidents of violent crime between organised criminal groups can happen. Be cautious, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. In the event of any incidents, follow all advice given by the local authorities.

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry a valid form of ID e.g. a driving licence, passport or equivalent, otherwise you may be fined. Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place.

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Drugs laws are similar to the UK. There are strict penalties and lengthy prison sentences for possession of or trafficking of drugs.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photographs of police or military installations, personnel or vehicles is illegal and could lead to arrest and prosecution by the local authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

While there is a general tolerance towards same-sex couples in Montenegro, LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public, for example, could result in unwanted attention due to the conservative nature of society in Montenegro. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Take precautions to prevent injuries and use protective equipment. Before signing up with paragliding instructors, ask to see their training licence for tandem flights. Make sure you have the appropriate licence and insurance when renting outdoor activity vehicles, such as jet skis and quad bikes. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Hiking and mountaineering

If you’re hiking in the mountains:

• get expert advice from local guides

• don’t underestimate the hike, factors like weather, landscape, distance and elevation

• take a fully charged mobile phone and enough supplies with you

• Hikers have got lost in the mountains when they have left marked paths. If you get into trouble, call the emergency number 112

Transport risks

Road travel

If you are planning to drive in Montenegro, see information on driving abroad and read the RAC guide.

Dial +38219807 Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro for roadside assistance and information about road closures. Assistance is available in English.

Road standards

The standard of roads is fair to poor with conditions worsening in rural areas, especially in the winter and after bad weather. The 2-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.

Traffic laws

Exceeding the speed limit by 10kph will get you a fine, 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 euros. Prison sentences can also be imposed.

If you are issued with a fine, you may be able to pay the police officer by credit card, if the police vehicle is equipped with a POS terminal. If not, you should go to a bank or post office to pay the fine within 8 days and before leaving the country. Unpaid fines for foreign nationals are recorded on a database. If you wish to appeal, 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 of 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.

Sea travel

If you are sailing to Montenegro, enter only at a designated port or harbour. If this is not possible, contact the local harbour master (in Montenegrin only) or the police before entering.

If you have experienced an accident at sea, call 129, the emergency number of the rescue unit within the Maritime Safety Department (in Montenegrin).

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Forest fires

Wildfires are common in Montenegro from April to October due to the dry/hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:

• take care when visiting or driving through woodland areas
• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• not light fires or barbecues
• not leave any rubbish

If you see a forest fire, call the emergency services on 112.

Flooding

Flooding can be a problem when there is heavy rain and snow melts, causing rivers to flood in winter and spring.

Earthquakes

Montenegro lies in a seismically active zone and small tremors are recorded throughout the year. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do happen. The last serious earthquake was in 1979. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website tells you about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities if forest fire, earthquake or flood occurs in your area.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 124 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company promptly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

For more information read guidance on healthcare when travelling in Europe.

Vaccinations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest information on vaccinations and health risks in TravelHealthPro’s Montenegro guide
• find out where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.

Healthcare facilities in Montenegro

FCDO has a list of English speaking doctors in Montenegro

Health insurance cards

Although Montenegro is not a member of the EU, it does have reciprocal healthcare arrangements with the UK and recognises health insurance cards.

Apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC, it will still be valid as long as it remains in date.

The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state-provided medical treatment necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Montenegrin nationals. You will need to take your British passport and GHIC card to a local branch office of the Montenegrin Health insurance Fund to request a certificate of entitlement to medical care to be issued to you in advance of medical treatment, or as soon as possible after urgent admission to hospital. If you do not have a certificate of entitlement to medical care you will be charged for the treatment and paid bills will not be reimbursed. If you do not have your card with you or you’ve lost it, contact the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team.

It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. A GHIC or EHIC does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment. Read more about what your travel insurance should cover.

GHIC and EHIC cover state healthcare only, not private treatment. You will be responsible for the cost of any treatment provided by a private doctor or private clinic.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.

Emergency services in Montenegro

Ambulance: 124

Fire: 123

Police: 122

General emergencies: 112

Contact your travel provider and insurer

Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.

Refunds and changes to travel

For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.

Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:

• where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
• how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim

Support from FCDO

FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:

• finding English-speaking lawyers , funeral directors and translators and interpreters in Montenegro
• dealing with a death in Montenegro
• being arrested in Montenegro
• getting help if you’re a victim of crime
• what to do if you’re in hospital
• if you’re affected by a crisis, such as a terrorist attack

Contacting FCDO

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.

You can also contact FCDO online.

Help abroad in an emergency

If you are abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Podgorica.

FCDO in London

You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.

Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)

Find out about call charges