The Government of Montenegro has officially approved a decree establishing a mandatory visa regime for citizens of Russia starting November 1, 2026. This decision is driven by the Balkan republic's commitment to fully align its domestic policy with the standards and regulations of the European Union. The country's authorities anticipate full integration into the EU by 2028, which necessitates strict compliance with common European security protocols.

In addition to Russian travelers, the new visa rules will affect citizens of Belarus, Turkey, China, and Saudi Arabia. Until the designated deadline passes, tourists can still visit the popular Adriatic resorts under the previous visa-free system. The current regulations allow individuals to stay on Montenegrin territory without additional entry documents for up to 30 consecutive days. Crucially, the enacted decree rules out any possibility of modifying the order through special temporary acts, such as restoring visa-free travel for the peak summer season.

To minimize friction for travelers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro has already initiated cooperation with the international operator VFS Global. Russian citizens will be able to submit visa applications through a wide network of dedicated visa application centers located in several major cities. In the longer term, Podgorica intends to launch an advanced digital system to facilitate visa processing completely online. Meanwhile, holders of valid Schengen visas, as well as residence permits from the EU and USA, will retain their right to visa-free entry.