Briefing de orientação Montenegro

The use of the name Crna Gora or Black Mountain (Montenegro) began in the 13th century in reference to a highland region in the Serbian province of Zeta. Under Ottoman control beginning in 1496, Montenegro was a semi-autonomous theocracy ruled by a series of bishop princes until 1852, when it became a secular principality. Montenegro fought a series of wars with the Ottomans and eventually won recognition as an independent sovereign principality at the Congress of Berlin in 1878. In 1918, the country was absorbed by the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, which became the Kingdom of Yugoslavia in 1929. At the end of World War II, Montenegro joined the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY). When the SFRY dissolved in 1992, Montenegro and Serbia created the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), which shifted in 2003 to a looser State Union of Serbia and Montenegro. Montenegro voted to restore its independence on 3 June 2006. Montenegro became an official EU candidate in 2010 and joined NATO in 2017.

Protests and demonstrations sometimes take place in Montenegro, often in front of government or religious buildings. They are mostly peaceful but can lead to traffic disruption, clashes with police and the potential for violent incidents.

Travel disruption

Airports can be very busy during the summer months, with delays possible at check-in, security screening and passport control. Arrive at the airport well in advance of your scheduled departure.

For road travel you should:

• monitor local media and official announcements
• plan your journey in advance
• allow extra time for travel
• follow the advice of local authorities

The European Union’s (EU) new Entry/Exit System (EES) is now being implemented across the Schengen area. The EES may take each passenger extra time, so it is important to be prepared to wait longer than usual at EU country borders and allow more time for immigration controls if travelling to and from the Schengen area.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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Terrorism 

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.     

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Montenegro

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Montenegro, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political demonstrations

Protests and demonstrations sometimes take place in Montenegro, often in front of government or religious buildings. They are mostly peaceful but can lead to traffic disruption, clashes with police and the potential for violent incidents.

Crime

Protecting yourself and your belongings    

Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings from street crime. Do not leave bags unattended and be wary of pickpockets in tourist hot spots, beaches, airports and on public transport. 

Use a hotel safe for your valuables and money if possible. Do not leave your luggage in a parked vehicle.

You can reduce the risk of bag-snatching and mugging by:

• avoiding isolated areas at night, especially if walking alone
• using licensed taxis ordered in advance or using a taxi app

Lost or stolen passports

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must renew your passport or apply for an emergency travel document. You cannot use a police report to leave Montenegro.

Violent crime

Incidents of violent crime between organised criminal groups can affect others close by. Be cautious, remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Stay away from confrontations and leave the area if you feel unsafe. In the event of any incidents, follow all advice given by the local authorities.

Bank card fraud 

Fraudsters can steal your card details without you noticing. Use ATMs inside banks if possible, and check ATMs on the street for signs of tampering. Keep cards in sight when paying in shops and restaurants. Read more about how to avoid bank card fraud. 

Laws and cultural differences

Personal ID

You must always carry a form of ID such as a photocard driving licence or passport. If you do not have it with you, the police can give you a fine. Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page in a safe place.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties. You should expect a long jail sentence and heavy fines for possessing, using or smuggling illegal drugs, including when transiting through the airport.

Airports in Montenegro have excellent technology and security for detecting illegal items. This is also used to scan the baggage of transiting passengers.

Using cameras in secure areas

Taking photographs of police or military installations, personnel or vehicles is illegal and could lead to arrest and prosecution by the authorities.

LGBT+ travellers

While there is a general tolerance of same-sex couples in Montenegro, LGBT+ travellers should be aware that showing affection in public could receive negative attention. Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism     

Swimming safety

Take note of warning signs on beaches, follow instructions from lifeguards and observe the flag indicators. Take local advice if jellyfish or sea urchins are present. Speedboats and other watercraft operate frequently along the coast, particularly during the summer months. Take care when swimming, remain aware of vessels operating nearby, and use designated swimming areas where available.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Paragliding, jet-skis and quad bikes

For all extreme sports and water sports, take precautions to prevent injuries and use protective equipment.

Before signing up with paragliding instructors, ask to see their training licence for tandem flights.

When renting a jet-ski, you should always get a safety briefing and clear instructions about where you can and cannot ride. See watersports safety abroad from the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Make sure you have the appropriate licence and insurance when renting outdoor activity vehicles, such as jet-skis and quad bikes. Take precautions to prevent injuries and use protective equipment. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Hiking and mountaineering

Hikers have got lost in the mountains when they have left marked paths. If you get into trouble, call the emergency number 112.

If you’re hiking in the mountains:

• get expert advice from local guides
• do not underestimate the hike, or factors like weather, landscape, distance and elevation
• take a fully charged mobile phone and enough supplies
• inform someone of your route and expected return time

Transport risks

Road travel

Traffic congestion is common during the summer tourist season, particularly on coastal roads, major routes and at border crossings. Journey times can be significantly longer than usual. If you are planning to drive in Montenegro, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s Montenegro guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.

Check if you need a UK sticker to drive your car outside the UK.

Road conditions

The standard of roads is fair. Conditions are worse in rural areas, especially in the winter and after bad weather. The 2-lane Moraca Canyon can be dangerous when conditions are poor and there is congestion.

Roads leading to Montenegro’s coastal areas are in better condition, but high traffic volumes can lead to delays during the summer season.

Occasionally peaceful protests may occur, blocking main roads for several hours.

Contact the Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro for roadside assistance and information about road closures. Assistance is available in English.

Telephone: +38219807

Taxis

Only use officially licensed taxis, which have a taxi sign on the roof and a company name and number written on the side.

When using local taxis, always check the price per kilometre or agree on the full fare in advance, to avoid surprises. While many taxi drivers are honest, some may take advantage of tourists by overcharging, as in many other tourist destinations.

If you are arriving at Podgorica airport, be aware that not all taxi companies are authorised to pick up passengers directly from the airport. To avoid issues, either take one of the licenced taxis available in front of the terminal or, if you are booking a ride in advance, confirm that the driver is permitted to collect passengers at the airport. Whilst there is no fine for passengers of unauthorised taxi pickups, it can cause delays if the driver is pulled aside by the authorities.

Traffic penalties

If you break the speed limit by 10kph, police can fine you. Excessive speeding and overtaking under dangerous conditions are both punishable by automatic confiscation of your driving licence.

The drink-driving limit is less than half the limit in England and Wales.

Penalties for traffic offences range from fines of 20 to 6,000 euros to prison sentences.

If you get a fine, you may have to pay at a bank or post office within 8 days or before leaving the country. Unpaid fines for foreign nationals are recorded.

If you are involved in a small traffic accident, you can request a police investigation at a cost of 50 euros. If the other driver is found guilty, they must reimburse you. If you want to appeal the penalty, you have the right to appear in court.

If the drivers agree, they can both complete a European accident report and submit it to their insurance companies without a police investigation.

Sea travel

If you’re sailing and want to enter Montenegro, see Entry requirements.

If you have had an accident at sea, call 129, the emergency number of the rescue unit within the Maritime Safety Department (in Montenegrin).

Pedestrian safety

Traffic can be busy, fast and chaotic. Take care when crossing roads. Pedestrians should use designated road crossings. You can be fined for crossing the road if you are within 100 metres of a pedestrian crossing but do not use it. Drivers do not always stop, even though they are required to. The green pedestrian crossing signal also allows cars to turn right on to the crossing, so cross with caution.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.

Wildfires

Wildfires are common in Montenegro from April to October due to the dry and hot weather. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. You should:

• take care when visiting or driving through the countryside
• make sure cigarette ends are properly extinguished
• not light fires or barbecues except in designated and marked areas
• not leave any rubbish

If you see a wildfire, call the emergency services on 112. Follow any advice from the police or local authorities.

Flooding

Flooding can be a problem when there is heavy rain and snow melts, causing rivers to flood in winter and spring.

Monitor media reports and follow the advice of the local authorities if flooding occurs in your area.

Earthquakes

Montenegro lies in a seismically active zone and small tremors are recorded throughout the year. Serious earthquakes are less frequent but do happen. The last serious earthquake was in 1979. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website tells you about what to do before, during and after an earthquake.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Dial 112 for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance or medical assistance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Montenegro
• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

 See what health risks you’ll face in Montenegro, including:

• biting insects and ticks
• tick-borne encephalitis

Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Montenegro. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.

Medication

For details of customs rules relating to bringing medication into Montenegro, please see the Entry Requirements page.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

Healthcare in Montenegro

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Montenegro where some staff will speak English.

Health insurance cards

Montenegro recognises the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).

The NHS’s getting healthcare abroad webpage has details about:

• how to apply for a GHIC
• how to get temporary cover if you lose your card or it does not arrive in time
• what special conditions apply in Montenegro

A GHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance. You may have costs your GHIC does not cover.

There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Montenegro.

Accessing emergency medical treatment

The UK has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Montenegro, enabling British nationals to receive free emergency treatment in Montenegro. You must have a valid British passport and the GHIC to apply for a certificate of entitlement from the Montenegrin Health Insurance Fund, to access free or subsidised medical care at state run medical facilities. You must apply for a certificate in advance or as soon as possible after an urgent admission to hospital. Further details on applying for a Montenegrin Health Insurance Fund can be found in the Living in Montenegro guide.

If you do not have a certificate, you will have to pay for the treatment and paid bills cannot be reimbursed.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.