Montenegro Requires Visas for Citizens of China and Four Other Countries From November 1 as Visa Waivers Expire
Podgorica, Montenegro — Montenegro's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a service notice on October 31 stating that, from November 1, citizens of China, Russia, Belarus, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye must hold a visa obtained in advance to enter Montenegro. The change stems from a new visa-regime decree the government adopted on July 23, 2026, to align the country's visa policy with the European Union's.
For Chinese citizens, two special arrangements expired on October 31. Holders of Chinese passports travelling as an organised tourist group — entering, staying and leaving together, with proof of a paid package and of guaranteed return — had been allowed to stay up to 30 days without a visa. Holders of Chinese passports for public affairs with a qualifying invitation letter had the same allowance. Individual Chinese tourists already needed a visa before the change. China's embassy in Montenegro issued a reminder about the adjustment on August 13.
Under the transition rules, travellers who entered lawfully by 11:59 p.m. on October 31 may stay visa-free for up to 30 days under the old rules. Any new entry from November 1 requires a visa obtained beforehand, and applications cannot be filed inside Montenegro. Exemptions remain for holders of valid Schengen, United States, United Kingdom, Irish, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand or Japanese visas or residence permits, who may stay up to 30 days, and for Hong Kong and Macao SAR passport holders, up to 90 days.
Applications are filed at Montenegrin embassies and consulates or at VFS Global centres, which already operate in countries including Türkiye, Russia and Belarus, with a centre in China still being prepared. The consular fee is 35 euros. Air Montenegro has warned that passengers whose documents do not meet the new requirements may be refused boarding.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：黑山科托尔湾。CC BY-SA 4.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Photo: The Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
