Security travel advice for Montenegro

How safe is Montenegro?

Threat level: Low-Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Montenegro
Due to the sanitary situation around the world, restrictions are in place in Montenegro to tackle the spread of COVID-19. Measures include the mandatory use of facemasks in public places indoors and outdoors, except in national parks and on beaches if people can respect social distancing of two meters, gatherings of more than 4 people in public places and visits to other households are prohibited. A night curfew has been imposed between 21:00 and 05:00 and travel to other municipalities is forbidden at weekends, between 21:00 on Fridays and 05:00 on Mondays (in municipalities that are virus hot spots, the travel ban extends to weekdays). Eateries have restricted opening times, being allowed to operate between 07:00 and 18:00, except in high risk areas where they can only provide takeaways and a delivery service. Further to this, entertainment venues such as night clubs and discos remain closed. Note that local lockdowns are in place in Budva, Herceg Novi and Tivat where the infection rate is high.

Travellers from countries where the infection rate is high must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival. For more advice, refer to our healthcare section.

Security in Montenegro

The current travel advice for Montenegro is to be cautious. Although the crime rate is low, petty crime can occur especially if thieves target tourists. It is recommended that you maintain all personal belongings in a secure location, including your passport or other travel documents.

For the past decade, Intelligent Protection International Limited has provided its business and private clients with Bodyguard services in Montenegro. If you are interested in these services, please see our page: Bodyguard Services in Montenegro.

Be particularly careful when using public transport as pick pocketing is most common here. It is recommended that you do not carry large amounts of money or display affluence obviously.

There have been recent events of a small number of ISIS-affiliated citizens fleeing the country which may pose a small terrorism threat to Montenegro. However, the National Security Agency are monitoring Islamic extremism and radicalism in the country to reduce this threat as much as possible.

In 2015, Montenegro was invited to join NATO which caused tensions with Russia. It is thought that Russia will act on Montenegro’s inclusion in the treaty, however nothing has happened so far.

Tourist hot spots can be targeted by thieves, and include areas such as beaches and airports. The best travel advice for Montenegro is to remain vigilant at all times in such areas. Citizens sometimes engage in peaceful demonstrations around official buildings and whilst these mostly pose no violent threat, they can sometimes lead to low level crime. It is recommended that you steer clear of such events.

The country’s location is within a seismically active zone. As such, some small tremors are recorded annually, however serious earthquakes are infrequent and rarely occur, the last one being in 1979. Visitors should remain aware of this and listen for any government-issued warnings.

Montenegro's International Relations

Montenegro is in the process of joining the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, where it will make alliances with the current 28 independent member countries. It joined the UN in 2006. Other international organisations Montenegro is a member of includes: OSCE, International Labour Organisation, World Health Organisation and the International Monetary Fund to name a few.

Montenegro has exceptional relations with the United States and UK, with countries such as United Arab Emirates, France and Germany holding Embassies in the country.

Travelling around Montenegro

In order to drive in Montenegro, a valid driving licence is essential, and an international driving permit is required for non-European visitors. If you are bringing in your own vehicle to the country, you must have relevant documents such as the vehicle registration and owner documents, as well as a valid European vehicle insurance.

The road conditions are relatively poor in many parts of Montenegro, particularly rural areas. Tourists should be particularly wary of the Moraca Canyon road in the north of Podgorica. It can get especially overcrowded in the summer and is subject to frequent rockslides.

Montenegrin drivers can be reckless on the roads, overtaking others on winding roads, so visitors should remain extremely alert at all times. All drivers must wear their seatbelts and winter tyres must be attached between November and March. There must be a fluorescent jacket in each vehicle alongside a European car accident report form.

Taxi services are generally safe and visitors should use only officially marked taxis. Bus and train services are available within most of the country’s cities and towns, however be aware that the train service is relatively old and can often be subject to lengthy delays.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Montenegro

Emergency services: 112 112 112
Police emergency: 112 or 17
Fire emergency: 18 or +377 93 30 19 45
Medical emergency: 18 or +377 93 30 19 45

Montenegro Overview

Capital: Montenegrin
Official languages: Montenegrin
Religion: Christianity (Serbian Orthodox Church) and Islam
Currency: Euro (EUR)

Consular information for Montenegro

U.S. Embassy Podgorica
Dzona Dzeksona 2
81000 Podgorica,
Montenegro
Telephone: +382 20410 500
Email: PodgoricaACS@state.gov

British Embassy Podgorica
Ulcinjska 8,
Gorica C,
Podgorica,
81000,
Montenegro
Telephone: +382 2061 8010
Email: podgorica@fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Montenegro

No visa is necessary for citizens of most countries to enter Montenegro for up to 90 days. However, you must register with the local police within the first 24 hours. Most hotels and tourist accommodations will do this for you, however if you are privately renting a place, it is your responsibility to do so. Check with your local Montenegrin Embassy if you are unsure of any visa requirements.

Healthcare and Immunisations

COVID-19 cases have been reported in Montenegro. There is no vaccination against the disease, protection is through preventive measures, to avoid contracting the disease, self-isolate, wear a face mask in public, apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid public gatherings and unnecessary travel.

It is advised that visitors to Montenegro are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis B. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Publically-run medical facilities may not be as well-equipped or maintained as many other Western countries. Privately run pharmacies are more likely to stock basic medication and supplies required. If medical assistance is necessary, doctors and hospital staff will often expect payment before treatment, which is usually direct cash.

All travellers should ensure they have adequate travel insurance to include all forms of treatment. British nationals are able to receive free emergency treatment if necessary, but non-urgent cases will require cash payment.