Montenegro will introduce visas for Russian citizens no later than September next year, and as announced by the Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is necessary to comply with the visa policy of the European Union.
“It is necessary for Montenegro to harmonize its visa policy with that of the EU by the end of the third quarter of 2026, which means, among other things, the introduction of a visa regime for Russian citizens,” the ministry announced. As the Ministry told Radio Free Europe, this measure is part of the commitments undertaken by Montenegro within the Reform Agenda 2024-2027 and compliance with European rules from Chapter 24 – Justice, Freedom and Security.
“Harmonization with the visa policy of the EU is implemented gradually and with careful consideration of the national economic and other interests, which are essential for maintaining the stability and long-term development of the state,” the Ministry said, as reported by Podgorica’s “Vijesti”.
As stated in the current Mutual Travel Agreement, Russian citizens can currently enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa. Official data from the Ministry of Interior shows that more than 21,100 Russian citizens reside in Montenegro, and the largest number of them live on the coast, especially in Budva. Although they can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa, in practice they leave Montenegro for a short time after that period, usually only to the nearest border crossing, and upon their return receive a new thirty-day visa-free period.
