Montenegro to introduce visas for Russian citizens

(Patria) - Montenegro will introduce visas for Russian citizens by September next year at the latest, and as stated by the Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this is necessary due to alignment with the visa policy of the European Union.

"It is necessary for Montenegro to align its visa policy with the EU by the end of the third quarter of 2026, which, among other things, means introducing a visa regime for Russian citizens," the Ministry announced, as reported by Podgorica's Vijesti.

As the Ministry told Radio Free Europe, this measure is part of the obligations that Montenegro has undertaken within the 2024-2027 Reform Agenda and alignment with European rules from Chapter 24 - Justice, Freedom, and Security.

"Alignment with the EU's visa policy is carried out gradually and with careful consideration of national economic and other interests, which are essential for preserving the stability and long-term development of the country," the Ministry stated.

According to the current Agreement on Mutual Travel, Russian citizens can currently enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa.

Official data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs show that more than 21,100 Russian citizens reside in Montenegro, with the largest number living on the coast, especially in Budva.

Although they can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa, in practice, after this period, they briefly leave Montenegro, most often just to the nearest border crossing.