US Embassy warns Americans going to Montenegro: Beware of bombs and street shootouts

Crime, unsafe traffic, firearms and frequent bomb explosions, greedy taxi drivers, danger to LGBT couples, are just some of the things the US Embassy warns its citizens about when visiting Montenegro, reports the Patria News Agency.

The US Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) website published the "2016 Crime and Security Report in Montenegro," which suggests to Americans how to behave and what to expect when staying in Montenegro.

The document primarily warns about petty crime and traffic.

It states that Podgorica is a relatively safe European city when it comes to organized crime, but with frequent thefts and burglaries of properties belonging to American and foreign citizens in general.

"Violent crimes are relatively rare, but there is a possibility for American visitors or residents to become victims of these crimes. After conflicts, there is a possibility of revenge that can lead to the use of firearms," the Report states.

They assessed that the possibility of American citizens being targeted by crime is low, but that they could be accidental victims of showdowns.

"There is a significant element of organized crime, with several criminal groups involved in loan sharking, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. Violence among these groups is frequent, where they attempt to intimidate members of other groups or citizens by setting cars on fire or using explosive devices."

Regarding traffic, Americans are warned to pay special attention when crossing the street at pedestrian crossings, as well as while driving.

"Pedestrian and vehicular traffic control exists, however, the police rarely enforce traffic regulations. Driver training is mandatory, but signaling is rarely used, and abrupt lane changes can be expected. American citizens are reminded to pay special attention when crossing the street and operating motor vehicles."

They claim that public transport is available and relatively cheap, but that the buses are poorly maintained. They point out that one should be wary of taxi drivers during the tourist season, according to Montenegrin media.