Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

The crime rate is low. Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly during the tourist season from May to September.

Thieves are particularly active on public transportation and other crowded public areas.

While you’re in Montenegro:

• ensure that your belongings, including your passport, are secure at all times
• don’t keep your passport and other types of ID in the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original
• avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
• avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
• avoid deserted streets at night
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas and when withdrawing cash from ATM

Vehicles

Car theft and break-ins may occur. Rental and luxury vehicles are a target of choice.

• Familiarize yourself with your route before starting a trip
• Keep your windows and doors locked at all times
• Keep your belongings out of reach
• Use secure parking facilities, especially overnight
• Never leave your belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk

Violent crime

Organized crime-related violence occurs.

While violent incidents don’t typically involve foreigners or tourists, there’s a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings, particularly in border areas.

Fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. When using debit or credit cards:

• pay careful attention if other people are handling your cards
• use ATMs located in public areas or inside a bank or business
• avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
• cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
• check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Cybercrime

Cybercrime occurs in Montenegro. Perpetrators may compromise public Wi-Fi networks to steal credit card or personal information.

• Avoid using public Wi-Fi networks
• Avoid making purchases on unsecured websites
• Use judgment when posting information on social media
• Be especially careful if you are meeting people you have met online
• Never click a suspicious link in an email or text message asking for your credit card details

Overseas fraud

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorist attacks have occurred in a number of European cities. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time.

Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant during:

• sporting events
• religious holidays
• public celebrations
• major political events, such as elections

Terrorists may use such occasions to mount attacks.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations take place from time to time, especially in the vicinity of official buildings.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Soccer matches and sports events

Sports events sometimes lead to rowdy behaviour and violent incidents.

Be vigilant if you attend soccer matches and sports rallies.

Celebratory gunfire

Firing weapons to celebrate is common in Montenegro. It sometimes coincides with fireworks displays and may take place:

• on weddings
• on certain holidays and days of national observance
• following elections
• after soccer matches and sporting events

Injuries and deaths due to stray bullets do occur.

Avoid areas where celebratory fire is taking place.

Water activities

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous.

In the fall and winter months, waves can be unpredictable, breaking further than expected and causing strong undertows.

• Be cautious when walking on the shore
• Avoid visiting beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings
• Always take into account warning flags at beaches
• Don’t dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death
• Exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities

Recreational boating

If you are planning to go boating:

• know the navigation rules
• follow safe practices for all water activities such as jet-skiing, water-skiing, diving, swimming or fishing
• don’t overload your boat capacity
• carry a VHF marine radio that will generate your position in case of emergency
• be prepared for emergencies

Water safety abroad

Mountain activities

Mountain activities, such as hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well-organized. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

If you intend to go hiking or climbing:

• never do so alone
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on trekking routes before setting out
• avoid venturing off marked trails

Road safety

Most roads are poorly maintained and secondary roads are narrow. Heavy snow and icy roads may constitute a hazard during winter.

The Morača Canyon road is particularly dangerous due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion. Heavy traffic on major routes may also cause delays, particularly during the summer tourist season.

Drivers don’t always respect traffic law. They may be reckless.

Public transportation

Public transportation systems are available in most cities and larger towns.

Buses and trains

Buses and trains are not always well-maintained.

A number of companies offer domestic and international bus services.

Train service is also available; however, it is slow and often subject to delays.

Ferries

There are ferries connecting Montenegro with Italy. Weather conditions and strong winds may lead to cancellations or delays.

• Pay attention to pre-departure notices from your carrier
• Always reconfirm departure schedule before heading to the port

Taxis

Taxis are widely available. There are fixed prices to and from certain destination, such as the airports of Tivat and Podgorica.

• Use only officially marked taxis
• Confirm the fares in advance, or insist that the driver use the meter, as you may be overcharged

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada can’t intervene on your behalf if you don’t meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Montenegrin authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Honorary Consulates of Montenegro in Canada

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave from Montenegro.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

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

Temporary residence permit

If you need to stay longer than the 90 days, you must apply for a temporary residence permit at least one week before the 90-day period expires.

Visas and entry requirements - Government of Montenegro

Declaration of presence

You must report your presence in the country. Commercial accommodations will generally file the declaration on your behalf upon arrival.

If you’re staying in a non-commercial accommodation, you must file a declaration of presence with the nearest police station within 24 hours of your arrival.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited in availability.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

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 and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Montenegro are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Montenegro to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Montenegro authorities.

This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Drugs

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

Useful links

• Alcohol, drugs and travel
• Cannabis and international travel

Photography

There are restrictions on photographing military or police installations, vehicles, and personnel.

• Do not photograph military installations or personnel even if no prohibition signs are visible
• Comply with all requests from local authorities

Drones

The recreational and commercial flying of drones is strictly regulated.

You must seek the permission from the Civil Aviation Agency to use a drone in Montenegro.

If you don’t comply, you may be fined and your drone confiscated.

Safe drone operations - Montenegro Civil Aviation Agency

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Montenegrin law does not criminalize sexual acts or relationships between persons of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against or harassed based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is not legally recognized in Montenegro.

If local authorities consider you a citizen of Montenegro, they may refuse to grant you access to Canadian consular services. This will prevent us from providing you with those services.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Montenegro.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Montenegro, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Montenegrin court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Montenegro to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit

Vehicle insurance and damage

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

If your vehicle is visibly damaged when entering Montenegro, you must obtain a certificate from the authorities at the frontier. You must show this certificate when leaving the country.

Mandatory safety features

All vehicles must have:

• high-visibility vests (to be carried in the passenger compartment, not in the trunk) for the driver and any passenger who leaves the vehicle in case of breakdown
• an European car incident report form
• a spare bulb set
• a first aid kit
• a warning triangle
• snow tires and snow chains between November 15 and March 31

Drinking and driving

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.

Priority to the right

The “priority to the right” system is in effect in Montenegro.

Drivers must give way to vehicles approaching from the right at intersections, even on secondary roads. This is often a surprise to foreign drivers and results in accidents.

Familiarize yourself with the “priority to the right” system.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency of Montenegro is the euro (EUR).

If you are carrying €10,000 or more, or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs when you enter or leave the European Union. It includes sums in:

• banknotes and coins
• bearer negotiable instruments such as cheques, travellers’ cheques, promissory notes and money orders
• bonds, shares
• gold coins with a gold content of at least 90 %
• gold bars, nuggets or clumps with a gold content of at least 99.5 %
• any other convertible asset

This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.

EU cash controls - European Commission

Natural disasters and climate

Seismic activity

Montenegro is located in an active seismic zone. Even minor earthquakes can cause damage.

Useful links

• Latest earthquakes - Hydrometeorological and Seismological Service of Montenegro
• Earthquakes - What to Do?

Wildfires

Forest fires may occur, particularly during the summer. The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke.

In case of a significant fire:

• stay away from affected areas, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
• monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation
• follow the advice of local authorities

Flooding and landslides

Heavy rains can cause flooding and landslides particularly during winter and spring.

The coastal belt may be particularly subject to landslides. Roads may become impassable and infrastructure damaged.

• Exercise caution, particularly in areas around major rivers and lakes, such as Morača, Bojana and Skadar lake
• Stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Weather forecast - Hydrometeorological and Seismological Service of Montenegro