Where will Russians in Montenegro seek refuge after visa-free travel ends?

Montenegro's decision to reintroduce a visa requirement for Russian citizens has left many Russians with temporary residence permits uncertain about their future in the country. The change, due to take effect on 1 November 2026, affects thousands who have been living in Montenegro for years.

One of them is Samvel Mnatsakanyan, who moved to Montenegro shortly after the invasion of Ukraine because he opposed the war. "At first I was really enthusiastic about Montenegro and for a long time I considered myself very happy to be here," he says.

Mnatsakanyan says the administrative rules now complicate his stay. "The temporary residence permit is valid for one year. When it expires, I have to cross the border, return to Montenegro and apply again. But I will not be able to return because I will need a visa. That's the problem," he explains.

Numbers and immediate choices

He has already left his job at the school where he worked and is thinking of moving to neighboring Serbia, where Russian citizens do not need a visa. Many others face the same dilemma: either find another country with easier entry rules or try to obtain a different, more secure form of residence.

According to the most recent census in September 2024 and data provided by Montenegro's Interior Ministry, almost 18,000 Russian citizens hold temporary residence permits in Montenegro, while more than 2,000 have permanent residence. Montenegro is the first country in the Western Balkans to end visa-free travel for Russian citizens.

The European Commission has for years urged Western Balkan countries to align their visa policies with EU rules to reduce irregular migration and misuse of visa-free regimes. Along with Russian citizens, nationals of Belarus, Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia will also require visas to enter Montenegro once the new rules start on 1 November 2026.

Photo: press material from the event