Visas now required for Russia, Türkiye, China, Belarus and Saudi Arabia: what it means for companies and foreigners in Montenegro
Montenegro visa requirements changed on November 1st of 2026: citizens of Belarus, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye now need a visa to enter Montenegro. For many companies this is not just tourism news – managers, engineers, partners and investors from these countries now travel under new rules.
The change aligns Montenegro’s visa policy with that of the European Union.
Montenegro visa requirements: five rules to know
- The visa must be obtained before travel. Applications are filed at a Montenegrin diplomatic or consular mission, or at a VFS Global centre in countries where the service is available. Applications cannot be filed in Montenegro.
- Timing matters. Apply for a short-stay C visa at least 15 days before travel, and for a long-stay D visa at least 60 days before travel.
- A decision is issued within 10 days, up to 30 days where further review is needed, and up to 60 days where additional documents are required.
- The fee is €35 at a diplomatic or consular mission. VFS centres charge additional service and postage fees.
- A foreign visa or residence permit can replace a Montenegrin visa. Holders of a valid visa or residence permit for the Schengen Area, the US, the UK, Ireland, Canada, Japan, Australia or New Zealand may enter, transit and stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days, or until that visa or permit expires, if sooner.
What about those already here?
Citizens of these five countries who lawfully entered Montenegro by 23:59 on 31 October may stay without a visa for up to 30 days. Holders of an approved temporary or permanent residence permit in Montenegro do not need a visa (Law on Foreigners, Articles 9 and 34).
Three practical scenarios
A Turkish manager with a Schengen visa. Comes to Podgorica for a meeting with a valid Schengen visa. No Montenegrin visa is needed, and the stay may last up to 30 days, but not beyond the expiry of the Schengen visa.
A Chinese engineer joining a project. Holds no other visa or permit. The company must plan ahead: a D visa application at least 60 days before arrival, with an invitation letter and work-related documents. Arriving first and “sorting out the paperwork here” is no longer possible.
A Russian owner of a coastal apartment without a residence permit. Can no longer travel at will. A C visa is needed before each trip or, for longer periods in Montenegro, a temporary residence permit.
What companies should do now
- List employees, partners and visitors from these five countries and check who holds a foreign visa, a Montenegrin residence permit, or neither.
- Check residence permit expiry dates and file renewals as soon as the window opens: no earlier than 60 and no later than 30 days before expiry.
- Plan business visits at least one month ahead, and new hires at least two to three months ahead.
- Prepare a standard company invitation and guarantee letter.
How we can help
The new Montenegro visa requirements affect business travel, hiring and property ownership alike. Our team assists companies and individuals with visa planning, invitation and guarantee letters, applications for temporary residence permits, and timely permit renewals. If you have employees, partners or investors from any of the five countries affected, we can review each person’s status and help you plan arrivals well within the required deadlines. Contact us to make sure your next visit or hire goes ahead without delays.
Law Firm – Adžić & Knežević
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Legal position as of November 1st of 2026.
Conditions, documents and procedures for all visa types are published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (gov.me/mvp).
