Montenegro ends visa-free travel with Türkiye

Montenegro has decided to end the visa-free travel arrangements in force with Türkiye, Russia and Belarus in order to comply with the European Union's visa policy. Accordingly, the current visa-free travel practice for Turkish citizens, which is valid until October 31, 2026, will change as of November 1.

The Montenegrin government announced that it would amend the Visa Regime Regulation on July 23, 2026, and decided that citizens of Turkey, Russia and Belarus will receive visas for entry, transit and accommodation in the country as of November 1. With the decision adopted yesterday, it was approved to initiate the necessary procedures to terminate the international agreements regulating the visa-free travel regime with these countries.

According to the information provided by European Western Balkans, Montenegro's official authorities announced that the change in question is part of the country's process of full compliance with the EU's visa policy.

According to the current information published by the Montenegrin Embassy in Ankara, Turkish citizens will be able to enter Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days until October 31, 2026. As of November 1, holders of ordinary, burgundy passports will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Montenegro.

This change will also be valid for travel to important tourism centers of Montenegro such as Kotor and Budva.

With the new regulation, visa-free entry will continue for up to 30 days for Turkish citizens who meet certain conditions.

People with a valid Schengen, USA, UK or Ireland visa and those 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 necessary conditions.

A new bilateral agreement is planned to be signed with Türkiye in order to preserve the current visa-free travel opportunity for diplomatic, service and special passport holders.

The Montenegrin government will initiate the process to conclude a new agreement with Türkiye covering diplomatic, service and special passport holders.

In the government statement, it was stated that the aim is to continue visa-free travel for people in these categories "to the broadest extent possible" in line with the EU acquis.