Visa-free travel to Montenegro ends: Visa requirement begins for those with Bordeaux passports

As of November 1, 2026, visa requirements will begin for maroon passport holders. So, who will be exempt from visa, when is the last visa-free entry date and where will applications be made? Here are the details of the new era...

VISA-FREE TRAVEL TO MONTENEGRO IS ENDING

Montenegro, one of the countries preferred by Turkish citizens for short-term holidays, is ending the visa exemption for citizens of the Republic of Türkiye. With the new regulation, the right of Turkish citizens with a maroon passport to travel without a visa to Montenegro will end as of October 31, 2026.

WHEN WILL VISA REQUIREMENT START?

The new practice will come into force on November 1, 2026. As of this date, Turkish citizens holding a maroon passport will need to obtain a visa before traveling to enter Montenegro.

LAST VISA-FREE TRAVEL DATE 31 OCTOBER

Under current practice, Turkish citizens can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa. This right will continue until October 31. As of November 1, the current 30-day visa exemption will also end.

VISA WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED FOR BUDVA AND KOTOR

Since the visa requirement will be applied throughout the country, there will be no different application for touristic destinations such as Budva and Kotor, which attract great interest from Turkish tourists. New visa rules will also apply to the travels of maroon passport holders to these cities.

SOME TURKISH CITIZENS WILL BE EXEMPTED FROM VISA

There are some exceptions in the new regulation. People who have a valid Schengen, USA, UK or Ireland visa and those who have a valid residence permit in these countries will be able to enter Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days if they meet the specified conditions.

WHERE TO APPLY FOR A VISA?

According to the Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs, visa applications can be made through VFS centers in Turkey. Thus, those who want to apply will not only have to apply to the diplomatic missions of Montenegro for the procedures.

WHY DID MONTENEGRO MAKE A VISA DECISION?

It was reported that the Montenegrin government accepted the regulation changing the country's visa regime on July 23, 2026. The reason for the decision was given that Montenegro's visa policy was compatible with European Union rules.

THE DECISION DOES NOT ONLY COVER TURKEY

Only citizens of the Republic of Türkiye will not be affected by the new visa regime. According to the regulation, visa requirements will begin on November 1 for citizens of Belarus, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia.

VISA-FREE STAY PERIOD HAS BEEN SHORTENED BEFORE

Montenegro had temporarily suspended the visa exemption for Turkish citizens in 2025. Visa-free entry was restarted in December 2025, but the period during which Turkish citizens could stay in the country without a visa was reduced from 90 days to 30 days.