From November 1, 2026, citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey must obtain a visa to enter Montenegro unless they qualify for an exemption. The government approved the changes on July 23, citing efforts to align the country's visa policy with that of the European Union.
Under guidance issued by Montenegro's Foreign Ministry, holders of valid Schengen visas or visas issued by the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan or Ireland may enter without a separate Montenegrin visa. The exemption also applies to people with a valid residence permit from any of those countries or a Schengen Area state.
Entry under this exemption permits a stay of no more than 30 days, and not beyond the expiry of the relevant visa or residence permit. Citizens of the affected countries who entered legally before 11:59 p.m. on October 31 may complete their permitted visa-free stay, up to a maximum of 30 days. Those already legally resident or staying in Montenegro on another basis on November 1 retain the rights associated with their existing status.
Applications for a Montenegrin visa can be submitted to diplomatic missions and VFS visa centers outside the country; they cannot be filed from within Montenegro. The consular fee for an application submitted to a diplomatic mission is €35. Applications lodged through VFS incur additional service charges and, where applicable, document delivery fees.
Visa decisions are normally issued within ten days. The processing period may be extended to 30 days if further consideration is required, or to 60 days if additional documents must be requested. Applications for a short-stay C visa must be lodged at least 15 days before the planned trip, and applications for a long-stay D visa at least 60 days in advance.