Montenegro will require citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to obtain visas starting November 1, 2026, following the government’s adoption of the visa resolution on July 23, 2026. This measure ends visa-free entry for these nationalities and marks a significant update to Montenegro’s border regulations.
EU Accession Drives Visa Policy Alignment
The new visa requirement is part of Montenegro’s efforts to align its visa legislation with European Union standards, fulfilling one of the final conditions under Chapter 24, titled “Justice, Freedom, and Security,” in its EU accession negotiations. This adjustment supports Montenegro’s target of joining the EU by 2028 and follows the broader
EU visa policy environment, including the EU suspension of the simplified visa regime with Russia in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Visa Application Process and Government Measures
Visa applications for Montenegro can be submitted through the country’s diplomatic and consular missions as well as VFS Global visa centers. The Montenegro Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pledged to implement measures reducing any adverse effects caused by the new visa regime. Authorities aim to maintain a visa process that is straightforward and accessible to applicants.
EU Visa Issuance Trends and Geopolitical Context
In 2025, EU member states issued over 620,000 tourist visas to Russian citizens, which was a 10.2 percent increase compared to 2024.
This increase occurred despite the suspension of facilitated visa policies with Russia. On June 3, 2026, eleven European countries requested the European Commission to halt visa issuance to Russian nationals, citing security concerns related to Russian intelligence activities in Europe.
Montenegro’s government expects that aligning its visa policy with the EU framework will enhance national security, advance the digitization of public administration, and increase Montenegro’s competitiveness as a destination for tourism and investment.
