Visa Requirement Begins for Turkish Citizens in Montenegro

Travel rules are changing in Montenegro, which is preferred by Turks especially for their Budva and Kotor holidays. Following the right of visa-free entry, which will continue until October 31, 2026, visa requirements will begin for citizens of the Republic of Turkey with a maroon passport as of November 1, 2026.

The countdown has begun for the change, which is of great concern to Turkish citizens planning a short-term holiday in the Balkans. Montenegro, which attracts great interest from Turkish tourists, will end its current visa-free entry practice as of October 31, 2026.

The new term will start on November 1. As of this date, citizens of the Republic of Türkiye with a maroon passport will need to obtain a visa to travel to Montenegro.

LAST 1 MONTH FOR VISA-FREE TRAVEL

With the current practice, Turkish citizens can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa. This right can be used until October 31.

The foundation of the change was laid on July 23, 2026. On this date, the Montenegrin government adopted the regulation that changed the country's visa regime.

The new rules do not only cover Türkiye. Citizens of Belarus, China, Russia and Saudi Arabia will also have to obtain a visa to enter Montenegro as of November 1.

The reason for the decision is the harmonization of Montenegro's visa policy with European Union rules.

IT ALSO INTERESTS THOSE GOING TO BUDVA AND KOTOR

The visa requirement will also cover travels to Budva and Kotor, which are among the most preferred routes for Turkish tourists in Montenegro.

There is no separate application for Budva, which stands out with its beaches and lively tourism life, and Kotor, which is preferred for its historical texture and bay view.

Since the regulation changes the conditions for entering the country, Turkish citizens with maroon passports who will travel to Budva or Kotor after November 1 will also be subject to a new visa application.

THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS FOR SOME PASSENGERS

In the new era, the same rule will not apply to everyone.

Those who have a valid Schengen, USA, UK or Ireland visa, as well as people with 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.

VISA APPLICATIONS CAN BE MADE FROM VFS CENTERS

A new regulation has been made regarding how to apply for a visa.

Montenegrin Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that applications can be made from VFS centers in Türkiye. Thus, the obligation to apply only to diplomatic missions for visa procedures was eliminated.

VISA-FREE STAY PERIOD WAS PREVIOUSLY REDUCED FROM 90 DAYS TO 30 DAYS

This is not the first change in Montenegro's travel rules for Turkish citizens.

The country temporarily suspended the visa-free travel right granted to Turkish citizens in 2025. Visa-free entry was restarted in December 2025, but this time the duration of stay in the country without a visa was reduced from 90 days to 30 days.

Now, we are moving to a new phase in implementation. The current 30-day visa-free travel right will expire on October 31, and as of November 1, 2026, visa requirements will be re-introduced for Turkish citizens with maroon passports.