Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Area bordering Kosovo and southern border

You should exercise caution in the border area with Kosovo and avoid all areas of security force activities along the southern border. The only official entry/exit point into Kosovo is the Kula pass (Rožaje-Peć road).

Crime

The crime rate is low. Pickpocketing may occur on public transportation and in other public places, particularly during the summer tourist season from May to September.

Four-wheel-drive and luxury vehicles are targeted by car thieves more than other models. Avoid leaving luggage or valuables in the vehicle; use secure parking facilities.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities and there is a potential for other violent incidents, which could target areas frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. Continue to exercise normal security precautions.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur from time to time, especially in the vicinity of official buildings. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local and international media.

Road safety

Most roads are poorly maintained and secondary roads are narrow. The Morača Canyon road is particularly dangerous due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion. Expect delays due to heavy traffic on major routes, particularly during the summer tourist season.

Drivers do not always follow safe driving practices.

For road conditions and safety information, consult Auto-moto Association of Montenegro, the national authority responsible for road safety.

Roadside assistance is available by calling 19807.

Public transportation

Public transportation systems are available in most cities and larger towns. A number of companies offer regular domestic and international bus services. Train service is also available; however, it is slow and often subject to delays

Use only officially marked taxis. To avoid being overcharged, obtain a price estimate in advance and ensure that the taxi driver is using the meter.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Ensure that your personal belongings, including passports and other travel documents, are secure at all times, particularly on public transportation and in large crowds or public markets. Do not show signs of affluence or carry large sums of money.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Montenegrin authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Montenegro based in Washington, D.C. (U.S.A.) for up-to-date information.

You must register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival in Montenegro. Registration will normally be arranged by your hotel. If you are not staying in a hotel, registration must be organized by your host. Failure to register can result in fines and difficulties when departing.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Montenegro, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days

Business visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days

Student visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days

If you need to stay longer than the 90 days permitted without visa, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at least one week before the 90-day period expires. For more information, contact the Embassy of the Republic of Montenegro. If you need to apply for a work permit, you must provide criminal record check issued in Canada.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is not up to Canadian standards. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. Make sure you have travel insurance that covers all medical expenses, including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation, in case of illness or injury.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Identification

You must carry valid identification, such as a passport, at all times and present it to local authorities upon request. You could be fined if you fail to do so.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Montenegro. If local authorities consider you a Montenegrin citizen, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services, thereby preventing Canadian consular officials from providing you with those services. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Montenegrin passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Illegal activities

Photography of military or police installations, vehicles and personnel is prohibited, unless authorized by the Ministry of Defence.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines.

Driving

An International Driving Permit is recommended. Always carry identification and vehicle registration papers.

Drivers of vehicles bearing foreign licence plates must be in possession of vehicle insurance.

The Montenegrin government introduced an eco-tax for using road vehicles. Foreign nationals must pay the tax when entering Montenegro by car. The fee is determined according to the make and size of the vehicle. The eco-sticker obtained upon payment of the tax is valid for one year and must be displayed on the inside of the front windscreen in the upper right-hand corner.

Posted speed limits are strictly enforced. There have been incidents where police target vehicles with foreign plates, often demanding immediate cash payment for alleged traffic violations. If you are stopped, request a full explanation and, if an explanation is not forthcoming, ask permission to speak to the Embassy of Canada to Serbia in Belgrade.

The use of headlights and seatbelts is mandatory at all times, as is the use of car seats for children under the age of 5.

All vehicles must have high-visibility vests (to be carried in the passenger compartment, not the trunk) for the driver and any passenger who leaves the vehicle in case of breakdown, as well as a European car incident report form, spare bulb set, first aid kit and a warning triangle.

Snow tires are required and snow chains must be carried in the car between November 15 and March 31.

The use of a cellular telephone while driving is prohibited.

Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.03 percent. A person visibly under the influence of alcohol may not travel on the front passenger seat.

If your vehicle is visibly damaged it must be certified by the authorities at the frontier when entering Montenegro. You will be issued with a certificate that must be produced when leaving the country.

LGBTQ2 travellers

While not illegal, homosexuality is not socially tolerated.

See Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and two-spirit Canadians abroad for more information.

Money

The currency of Montenegro is the euro (EUR).

Credit cards are widely accepted but smaller retailers continue to prefer cash payments. Automated banking machines are widely available throughout the country.

You must make a declaration to customs upon entry or exit if you have at least €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies. The sum can be in cash, cheques, money orders, traveller’s cheques or any other convertible assets. 

Natural disasters & climate

Montenegro is located in an active seismic zone.

Bush and forest fires are common in the summer months in the coastal and central regions. In case of a major fire, stay away from the affected area, follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel, and monitor local media for up-to-date information. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and could affect travellers with respiratory ailments.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

There is no resident Canadian government office in Montenegro. You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information from the Embassy of Canada to Serbia in Belgrade.

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Belgrade, Serbia and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.