Montenegro introduces visas for citizens of Russia, Turkey, China, Belarus and Saudi Arabia
Visa obligation for citizens of Russia, Turkey, China, Belarus and Saudi Arabia begins Nov 1; transitional stays, fees and application channels defined.
Montenegro has introduced a visa requirement for citizens of Russia, Turkey, China, Belarus and Saudi Arabia, effective from 1 November 2026, the government announced.
New rules, transitional period and application channels
People from the five listed countries who entered Montenegro before midnight on 31 October may remain visa-free for up to 30 days. Those already legally present in the country on 1 November can extend their stay under the previous conditions that applied to them.
Visa applications must be lodged at Montenegrin diplomatic or consular missions, or at VFS Global centres where the service is available; applications cannot be submitted while the applicant is on Montenegrin territory. The consular fee is €35, and additional service charges apply for applications filed through VFS centres.
Authorities say decisions on visa applications are normally issued within 10 days; in more complex cases the deadline can be extended to 30 or 60 days. Short-stay (type C) visas must be applied for at least 15 days before the planned trip, while long-stay (type D) visa requests must be lodged at least 60 days in advance.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, "VFS Global is currently accepting applications for Montenegrin visas at centres in Turkey, Russia and Belarus." Centres in China and Saudi Arabia are planned to open.
Holders of a valid Schengen visa, or a visa issued by Australia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, the United States or the United Kingdom, may enter Montenegro and stay up to 30 days without a Montenegrin visa. The same exemption applies to holders of residence permits issued by those countries or by Schengen states.
Belarus has announced reciprocal measures: from today its authorities require Montenegrin citizens to hold a visa to enter Belarus. The Chinese embassy in Podgorica said Montenegro nationals can travel to China without a visa until 31 December 2026. Travel to Saudi Arabia for Montenegrin citizens has already required a visa.
Photo: press material from the event
