Montenegro to require visas for Russian, Belarusian citizens
Montenegro will end visa-free entry for citizens of Russia and Belarus starting October 31, 2026, according to an official government decree reported by the independent outlets Kovcheg and Astra.
The decision is part of Montenegro's ongoing efforts to align its immigration policy with European Union visa requirements. As an official candidate for EU accession, the Balkan nation is progressively harmonizing its legal framework with European standards. Additionally, starting October 1, the Montenegrin government will no longer issue temporary seasonal visa exemptions through separate executive orders.
Key exemptions and visa processing infrastructure
Russian and Belarusian citizens will remain exempt from the national visa requirement if they hold a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or a residence permit issued by a Schengen zone state or other recognized jurisdictions. In preparation for the policy change, visa service provider VFS Global opened Montenegrin visa application centers across Russia on June 4.
Applications are currently accepted by appointment only in eight major cities, including Moscow, Saint Petersburg regions, and Ekaterinburg.
Earlier media reports suggested Montenegro planned to end visa-free entry on October 1. However, the approved government decision officially establishes October 31, 2026, as the enforcement date.
