Montenegro's government has officially announced the cancellation of visa-free entry for Russian and Belarusian nationals, with the new rules taking effect from November 1, 2026. The decision was adopted on July 23, 2026, through a written vote by a majority of cabinet members without an in-person meeting, and the decree was published on Monday, July 27, according to the government's website.
The visa-free regime will remain in effect until October 31, 2026, the government statement said. Currently, Russians and Belarusians can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days without a visa under existing intergovernmental agreements. Starting November 1, citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Turkey will all need a visa to enter the country.
Montenegro's Foreign Ministry described the move as evidence of the country's "commitment to European integration" and promised that the visa application process would remain "as simple and accessible as possible," according to a ministry press release. Visas will be available through VFS Global visa centers. The government also plans to open visa centers in several countries, including Armenia, Belarus and Kazakhstan — destinations popular with Russian travelers, the outlet Kovcheg reported.
The long-term goal of Montenegrin authorities is to transition to an electronic visa system, but the timeline for launching the new system has not yet been determined, the government said. According to The Insider, Russian-language Balkan community groups note that entry to Montenegro will also be possible with a valid Schengen visa or a residence permit from an EU country, though no official clarification from authorities on this point has been issued yet.
In April 2026, the Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) reported that Channel One anchor Yekaterina Andreyeva holds Montenegrin citizenship, which she obtained in 2011 "for special services to the country," allowing her visa-free travel to EU states. Following the publication, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić ordered a review of all honorary citizenships granted, with authorities seeking to determine whether such passports were issued "as personal favors."