Montenegro Ends Visa-Free Entry for Russians: What Changes by September 2026 and What to Do
Visa policy is being aligned with EU standards — a calm look at what this means in practice
In short, if you are in a hurry
Russian citizens currently enter Montenegro visa-free for up to 30 days. By the end of September 2026 the visa-free regime will be abolished — a visa will be required for entry. A valid boravak (residence permit) is not affected: it is an independent legal basis for staying in the country. If you are planning to relocate, it makes sense to apply for a boravak before visas are introduced.
What is changing
The Embassy of Montenegro has confirmed that the country's visa policy will be fully aligned with the European Union's by the end of the third quarter of 2026 — that is, by the end of September 2026. This includes introducing a visa regime for citizens of Russia. President Jakov Milatović publicly announced these plans on 17 October 2025, as did Prime Minister Milojko Spajić.
There is already a precedent: visa-free entry for citizens of Turkey was abolished on 30 October 2025.
Why it is happening
The reason is not political gestures but Montenegro's commitments on its path to the EU. The government's goal is to close all negotiating chapters by the end of 2026 and join the European Union in 2028. Full alignment of visa policy with the EU is part of those commitments, and the country cannot postpone it.
What is not yet known
The requirements for the future visas — types, document lists, processing times and fees — have not yet been published. They will appear closer to the date. We will update this article as soon as the official rules are released.
What to do if you are planning to relocate
The main recommendation is to obtain a boravak before visas are introduced, while the 30-day visa-free entry — sufficient for submitting documents — is still in place. The grounds for a boravak are:
- ✓Employment — a job with a Montenegrin company under an employment contract
- ✓Director of your own company (DOO) or sole proprietorship
- ✓Real estate — from 2026, with a confirmed tax value of the property of at least €150,000
- ✓Family reunification — for the spouse and children of the main applicant
A valid boravak is an independent basis for staying in the country: the introduction of the visa regime does not cancel it. Detailed document packages for each ground are on the residence permit page, and if you plan a boravak through your own company, see company registration.
Current as of June 2026. This material is for information purposes.