Montenegro

U.S. Embassy Podgorica

Dzona Dzeksona 2
81000 Podgorica
Montenegro
Telephone: +382 20 410 500
Email: PodgoricaACS@state.gov

Please visit the Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Montenegro. U.S. citizen visitors (traveling with U.S. passports) do not need a visa to enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days. The Montenegrin law considers “stays of 90 days” as 90 days in total in a 180-day period, counted from the first entry date.

• Visitors are required to register their stay in local municipalities in Montenegro.
      o   Hotels or tourist facilities automatically register your stay in Montenegro.
      o   If you do not stay at a hotel, you must go to the local tourism office to register and pay local tourist taxes.
      o   If you are staying in different locations in Montenegro, you must  register in each municipality in which you are staying for more than 24 hours.
  
• If you do not register, you may be subject to a fine, incarceration, deportation, and/or difficulties departing Montenegro.
• For more information please visit Montenegrin Ministry of Interior page.

Stays of longer than 90 days:

• U.S. citizens wishing to stay longer than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit at least one month before the 90-day period ends.
• Due to lengthy administrative procedures, we advise you to apply as soon as possible. In July 2021, the Montenegrin Ministry of Interior announced that persons applying for residence permits must have an Apostille affixed to all U.S. state/federal documents required for the application process. These documents include U.S. Birth and Marriage Certificates, state and local level police clearances, as well as the FBI criminal background clearance.
• Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Montenegro does not have the authority to affix an Apostille to these documents.  For information on how an apostille can be attached to these documents, please see the State Department’s Apostille page.

You can contact the Embassy of Montenegro in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information. Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website contains additional contact information for its diplomatic posts in the United States.

Currency and Customs Restrictions:

• Travelers are required to declare currency exceeding 10,000 euros (or equivalent) upon entry or exit.
• To avoid customs charges, travelers must also declare luxury goods, jewelry, paintings, and computer equipment.
• Travelers can obtain currency declaration forms at ports of entry.
• Failure to comply with customs policies or currency declaration requirements may result in confiscation of funds/goods and criminal proceedings.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Montenegro.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack – including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and vehicles – to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

• High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Montenegrin nightclubs are popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may not comply with Western standards for occupancy control or fire safety.

Crime: Police have limited English ability. Violent crime is rare. Robberies at ATMs increases during the May to September tourist season. Visitors should protect their PINs when using ATMs and monitor their card activity.

Demonstrations occur frequently and some of them can be anti-American. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable and have the potential to escalate. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Security alerts pertaining to demonstrations can be found on the Embassy’s website.

Montenegrins are generally open and hospitable to visitors; however, visitors might encounter anti-foreign sentiment.

International Financial Scams: See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.

Victims of Crime: Visitors needing emergency assistance may dial 112 to report a crime or request assistance. 112 is the common emergency telephone number for Europe and may be dialed from mobile telephones even with a foreign SIM card. Victims of crime may also contact the U.S. Embassy at +382 20 410 500. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. U.S. insurance providers may require a local police report to claim losses from theft or property damage.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

The Embassy may be able to assist crime victims with:

• Help finding appropriate medical care
• Assist in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help find accommodation or arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crimes.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the government or by licensed authorities. In the event of an injury, medical treatment may only be available in/near cities. Outside of cities there may be no first responders to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Montenegrin nightclubs are popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may not comply with Western standards for occupancy control or fire safety.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws in Montenegro. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be arrested, imprisoned, or deported. Carrying weapons in Montenegro is illegal. Your U.S. passport will not shield you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted.  

Crimes committed abroad can also be prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or the investigating judge to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Business Practices: Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are sold in Montenegro, they are considered illegal according to local laws. You may have to pay fines or have to give them up if requested by customs officials. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Dual U.S.-Montenegrin citizens:

• If you became a U.S. citizen prior to June 3, 2006, Montenegro may recognize your dual citizenship. However, after June 3, 2006 Montenegro only recognizes dual citizenship with countries it has signed a bilateral agreement with. This agreement has not yet been signed between Montenegro and United States.
• Montenegro still abides by the bilateral consular agreement between Yugoslavia and the United States for other consular services, but not for dual citizenship.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTQI+ events in Montenegro. The law prohibits discrimination against individuals on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. However, LGBTQI+ individuals are subject to widespread societal discrimination, ostracism, and harassment.

See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Athletic Contract Disputes: U.S.-citizen athletes who are considering playing for professional teams in Montenegro should be aware of reports of disputes regarding contracts not being honored and treatment and living conditions not matching expectations. We recommend that U.S.-citizen athletes carefully review proposed contracts and research the team, living arrangements, and the city/town where they will be playing prior to accepting offers or commencing travel.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Montenegro prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, sensory, intellectual or mental disabilities, and the law is generally enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.

Expect communications and information to be limited. While, accessibility is common in some public transportation, lodging, and general infrastructure, older public facilities often lacked access. Discrimination against persons with disabilities is more visible in smaller towns in the country.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for women travelers.

For emergency services in Montenegro dial 123 for the fire department, and 124 for an ambulance. Dial 112 to report a crime or request police assistance.

Ambulance services are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment and are of limited availability. Emergency services are generally responsive in only the most severe cases. Otherwise, people must have their own transportation to hospitals and clinics.

The Department of State does not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Many care providers overseas only accept cash payments, though some now accept credit cards. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Montenegro and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Montenegro. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor’s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended for travelers to Montenegro by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Air Quality: Detailed daily information on air quality is not available for Montenegro. Podgorica is estimated to have air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Adequate health facilities are available in Podgorica and other cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
• Travelers may need to go to privately-owned pharmacies to obtain medicines and basic medical supplies.
• Hospitals and private clinics may require payment in cash for all services, although credit cards are now accepted.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on medical tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Montenegro.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
• Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Montenegro.

Pharmaceuticals:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States.  Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

• Surrogacy is illegal in Montenegro.

Adventure Travel:

• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Road Conditions and Safety: Roads in Montenegro are not up to U.S. standards, especially in rural areas. Roads leading to Montenegro’s coast are in better condition but are overcrowded during the summer. Drivers can be reckless and aggressive, and accidents are frequent.

Dangerous areas for road travel include a road through the Moraca Canyon, north of Podgorica. This twisting, two-lane road is especially overcrowded in the summer and is the site of frequent rockslides. In the winter, the Moraca Canyon and northern parts of Montenegro are covered with snow, which may slow traffic and make the road hazardous.

It’s common for drivers to pass on winding roads and hills.

Traffic Laws:

• The use of seat belts is mandatory.
• Cell phone usage while driving is prohibited.
• Vehicle lights must be on at all times.
• Right turns on red lights are prohibited, unless a distinct green arrow is seen.
• At unmarked intersections, the right of way is always given to the vehicle entering from the right.
• Each vehicle must have a reflective fluorescent vest and an emergency kit to be used in the event of an emergency road stop, as well as a European car accident report form. This form can be purchased in local automobile shops. Please note that the accident report form is in Montenegrin. If a car is rented from a Montenegrin rental car agency these items should be provided.
• Children 5 years-old and under must use a safety seat attached to a vehicle safety belt.
• Vehicles must have snow tires and carry snow chains between November 15 and March 30.  
• Pedestrians crossing in designated crosswalks have the right of way.  Drivers must stop.
• The blood alcohol limit in Montenegro is .03 percent, less than half the legal limit in the United States.

Taxis: Metered taxis are safe, although foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. Taxis generally do not pick up passengers on the street and must be ordered by phone or SMS.

Public Transportation: Trains, buses, and ferries often use aging and poorly maintained equipment.

Roadside assistance is available by dialing 19807, +382 20 234 467 or +382 0 20 234 999. Other local emergency numbers are police: 122; fire department: 123; and ambulance: 124. 

For emergencies dial 112.

See our road safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Montenegro’s National Tourism Organization and the Auto-moto Association of Montenegro, the national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Montenegro, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Montenegro’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Montenegro should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.