He aligns Montenegro's visa policy with that of the European Union
He aligns Montenegro's visa policy with that of the European Union: citizens of Russia, Belarus, as well as China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey will now require a visa to enter the country.
Consensus
- Montenegro will introduce visa requirements for citizens of Russia and Belarus starting November 1, 2026.
- The visa requirement will also apply to citizens of China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
- Until October 31, 2026 (or October 30, depending on source), citizens of Russia and Belarus can still enter Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days.
- The change is part of Montenegro's effort to align its visa policy with that of the European Union.
- Visa applications can be submitted through VFS Global centers in several countries, including Russia.
- The government aims to make the visa application process 'simple and accessible'.
- The long-term goal is to implement an electronic visa (e-Visa) system.
Points of divergence
- Montenegro expects to generate approximately 4 million euros in funding from the integration plan with the EU as a result of the visa introduction. — riamo
- Montenegro may lose around 220 million euros annually after the visa introduction due to reduced Russian tourism. — riamo
- The average tourist spends about 94 euros per day in Montenegro. — riamo
- Montenegro plans to gradually introduce visa requirements for citizens of the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and other countries by the end of 2027. — vedomosti
- Montenegro must begin collecting biometric data by the end of the current year (2024) in preparation for Schengen membership. — vedomosti
- Russia has extended its visa-free regime for Chinese citizens until the end of 2027. — fontanka
Coverage (20 sources)
- Montenegro officially introduces visas for Russians and Belarusians starting November 1 — РИАМО
- Montenegro Abreviates Visa-Free Regime for Russians Starting November 1 — Интерфакс
- Visa Required for Russians and Belarusians Entering Montenegro from November 1 — Вести
- Montenegro will revoke visa-free entry for Russians and Belarusians from November — The Insider
- Montenegro introduces visa requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens starting in November — Медиазона
- Montenegro will introduce visa requirements for Russians starting in November — Ведомости
- Montenegro Officially Announces Visa Requirements for Russian and Belarusian Citizens Starting November 1, 2026 — DW Главное
- Montenegro officially introduces visas for Russians — Фонтанка
- Montenegro Announces Visa Requirements with Russia — Meduza
- Russians can enter Montenegro without a visa until October 31, government reports — РИА Новости (Telegram)
- Montenegro introduces visas for Russians from November 1 — Дождь
- Montenegro Government Officially Announces Visa Introduction for Russian Citizens Starting November 1, 2026 — BBC News Русская служба
- Citizens of Russia and Belarus may enter Montenegro without a visa until October 31, 2026 — ТАСС (Telegram)
- Montenegro Officially Announces Visa Requirements for Russian and Belarusian Citizens Starting November 1 — ЭХО / Новости
- Montenegro introduces visas for citizens of Russia and Belarus from November 1 — Важные истории
- Montenegro plans to abolish visa-free regime for Russians and Belarusians from October 31 — SOTAvision
- Montenegro introduces visas for citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Turkey and Saudi Arabia from November 1 — Varlamov News
- Montenegro Officially Introduces Visas for Russians and Belarusians Starting November 1 — Вечерняя Москва
- Montenegro will introduce visa requirements for citizens of Russia and Belarus from October 31 — ASTRA
- Montenegro will revoke visa-free regime for Russians and Belarusians on October 31 — Дождь (Telegram)