Montenegro has now set a date for one of the most significant changes announced as part of its evolving visa policy.
Beginning November 1, 2026, nationals of the following five countries will need a visa to enter Montenegro:
- Belarus;
- China;
- Russia;
- Saudi Arabia;
- Turkey.
The measure stems from a decree adopted by the Montenegrin government on July 23, 2026. The text was published the following day in issue No. 108/2026 of the Official Gazette of Montenegro and formally entered into force on July 25. However, its main implications for travelers will not take effect until November 1, 2026.
Montenegro ends several visa-free entry arrangements
Through October 31, 2026, nationals of Belarus and Russia may continue to stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days under bilateral agreements with the two countries.
A similar temporary visa waiver, also allowing stays of up to 30 days, remains in place for citizens of Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Starting the following day, nationals of all four countries will therefore need to obtain a Montenegrin visa or qualify for another exemption provided under the country’s regulations.
The situation is slightly different for China. Chinese nationals do not currently benefit from a general visa exemption for individual travel. However, special arrangements are available to members of organized tour groups traveling together, provided they present proof of a prepaid travel package and return travel, as well as to certain holders of public affairs passports traveling with an invitation. These arrangements will also end on October 31, 2026.
The decree also provides for the end of seasonal visa exemptions introduced through specific government decisions, effective October 1, 2026. After October 31, visa waivers will no longer be granted through this mechanism.
Montenegro aligns its visa policy with the European Union
Montenegro’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs describes the reform as completing the alignment of the country’s visa policy with that of the European Union.
This harmonization is one of the requirements for Montenegro to move toward closing Chapter 24 of its EU accession negotiations, which covers justice, freedom, and security. It is also among the commitments made by Podgorica under its reform agenda.
The latest changes build on measures introduced in October 2025, when Montenegro had already ended several visa exemptions for nationals of Armenia, Egypt, Kuwait, and Uzbekistan.
Visa applications will be available through VFS Global
To support the expansion of visa requirements, Montenegro is strengthening its partnership with VFS Global.
Travelers affected by the changes will therefore not necessarily have to submit their applications directly through a Montenegrin embassy or consulate. Applications can already be filed at VFS Global centers in Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, India, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
Additional centers are expected to open in Saudi Arabia, Belarus, and China, as well as in several other countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. Practical details, including addresses and opening dates, will be released gradually by the authorities and VFS Global.
Some existing exemptions are expected to remain available
The new visa requirement does not necessarily mean that every traveler from the five affected countries will need to apply for a separate Montenegrin visa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently states that holders of certain valid foreign visas or residence permits may enter, transit through, and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days. This arrangement notably applies to travelers holding valid Schengen, US, UK, or Irish visas, as well as residence permits issued by those countries or areas.
However, the permitted stay may not exceed the validity period of the visa or residence permit presented when it is valid for fewer than 30 days. The decree adopted in July does not eliminate this general provision, but affected travelers should confirm that it remains in effect and review the applicable conditions before departure.
Montenegro’s future e-Visa remains under development
At the same time, Montenegro is continuing to develop a new national visa information system designed to be compatible with European systems and the security standards of the Schengen Area.
The project is ultimately expected to allow Montenegro to launch an electronic visa, or e-Visa, and accept applications online. However, the authorities have not yet announced a specific launch date for the Montenegrin e-Visa.
VisasNews Take
The key date is November 1, 2026. From that point forward, the entry arrangements currently available to Belarusian, Chinese, Russian, Saudi, and Turkish travelers will come to an end. Some nationals may still be able to travel without obtaining a separate Montenegrin visa if, for example, they hold a valid Schengen visa or an eligible foreign residence permit. Montenegro’s planned e-Visa is not yet available, and no launch date has been announced.
