Russia to introduce visas for Montenegro starting November 1

Russia announced reciprocal visa requirements for citizens of Montenegro after Podgorica informed Moscow it would terminate the 2008 bilateral visa‑free travel agreement. Moscow said the move will take effect from November 1.

Diplomatic riposte as Montenegro aligns with EU standards

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, confirmed that Montenegro had notified Russia of its intention to cancel the 2008 agreement on mutual travel. "In practice, this means that starting from November 1, our citizens will be able to enter and stay in Montenegro only with a visa. Accordingly, citizens of Montenegro will also have to obtain a visa for travel to Russia," Zakharova said.

Podgorica announced in July that it would end visa‑free entry for nationals of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey as part of steps to bring its rules into line with European Union standards ahead of its stated EU accession goal for 2028. Russian officials warned the decision will curb Russian tourism, harm local businesses and degrade Montenegro's investment climate.

For years Montenegro was among the few European countries allowing Russians visa‑free stays of up to 30 days. Local media reported earlier this year that roughly two‑thirds of registered Russian residents left Montenegro in anticipation of the new rules.

The two countries’ relationship has been strained since 2016, when Montenegro accused Russia of involvement in a failed coup attempt allegedly led by Serbian ultranationalists. Relations further deteriorated after Montenegro joined NATO in 2017 and aligned with EU sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine. Podgorica has also banned Russian state media and expelled Russian diplomats over espionage allegations, prompting Moscow to add Montenegro to its list of unfriendly states.

Photo: MNA)