Montenegro to introduce visa requirements for Russian citizens

Montenegro will implement new visa requirements for Russian citizens starting November 1, 2026, ending a visa-free travel regime that has been in place since 2008. The move is intended to harmonize Montenegro's visa policy with the European Union to facilitate its accession process.

Russian citizens entering the country will require a Montenegrin visa or valid visa documents from other jurisdictions, such as the Schengen Area. However, the Russian Embassy in Podgorica stated that the new rules will not apply to Russians who have already obtained temporary residence permits. According to the Montenegrin Ministry of Internal Affairs, approximately 17,900 Russian citizens held temporary residence permits as of September 2026.

In response to the decision, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced that Montenegrin citizens will also require visas to enter Russia starting November 1, 2026.