Montenegro will introduce a new visa regime for citizens of several countries as part of its efforts to align its foreign policy and border rules with European Union standards.
According to the decision adopted by the Montenegrin Government, starting from November 1, 2026, citizens of Turkey, Russia, China, Belarus and Saudi Arabia will be required to obtain a visa before entering Montenegro.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the change is linked to Montenegro’s obligations on its path toward EU membership, while emphasizing that authorities are working to keep the visa application process simple and accessible.
“The process of obtaining a Montenegrin visa will remain easy and accessible for citizens of these countries,” the ministry said.
A major change is that visa applications will no longer be submitted only through Montenegrin embassies and consulates.
Through cooperation with the international company VFS Global, applicants will be able to submit documents at visa application centers in countries such as India, Bangladesh, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Russia.
In the coming months, the network of application centers is expected to expand to Pakistan, China, Armenia, Kazakhstan, the Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Belarus, Nepal and Uzbekistan, with plans to establish centers also in Jordan, Kuwait, Thailand and Indonesia.
The ministry also announced that Montenegro is working on a new Visa Information System that will be compatible with EU systems and aligned with Schengen security standards.
The final goal is the introduction of an electronic visa (e-Visa) system, allowing online applications, faster procedures and more efficient services for travelers.
