Montenegro's government has drafted amendments that would require Russian and Belarusian citizens to obtain visas for entry starting in November 2026.
Key facts
- •The proposed visa requirement would apply to citizens of both Russia and Belarus.
- •The current visa-free arrangement is slated to remain in effect until October 31, 2026.
- •Montenegro is adjusting its visa regime to align with European Union law as part of its accession bid.
- •The draft amendments have not yet been officially approved by the government.
- •Since 2022, Montenegro has served as a destination for Russians leaving their country and for those in Serbia performing 'visa runs'.
The government of Montenegro has published draft amendments to its visa regulations that would end visa-free travel for citizens of Russia and Belarus. Under the current proposal, these citizens would be permitted to enter, transit, and stay in the country for up to 30 days without a visa only until October 31, 2026.
Alignment with European Union Standards
Montenegro is currently seeking membership in the European Union. As part of this process, the country is required to harmonize its visa policies with EU law. While Montenegro has been one of the few remaining European nations allowing visa-free entry for Russians, these proposed changes are intended to bring the country's regulations into compliance with broader EU requirements.
Status of the Proposal
The draft amendments have been flagged by the organization Kovcheg, which noted that some media outlets had previously reported an earlier implementation date of October 1. However, the government's proposal has not yet received official approval.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Meduza (English).
