Montenegro

Protests could occur in the lead-up to the second round of Presidential elections scheduled for 2 April.

Demonstrations, protests, rallies and political events are common.

Public protests, disturbances and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. They may also lead to road closures, including major roads.

Be cautious travelling in the Kosovo border area. The security situation is unpredictable. 

The use of fireworks and firearms at public celebrations can result in injury.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• monitor the local media for possible updates
• avoid affected areas
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Petty crime

Petty crime is common. Take care in crowded places, markets and on public transport. 

Credit card fraud is common.

To reduce your risk of crime:

• look after your belongings
• keep your credit card in sight during transactions and protect your PIN
• monitor the media for news about local crime

Violent crime

Violent criminal acts can occur but are usually linked to organised crime. They're not usually directed at foreigners.

Gun violence is a risk to bystanders, including travellers.

To protect yourself from violence:

• always pay attention to your personal safety
• be alert to suspicious behaviour
• remove yourself from potentially dangerous situations
• monitor the media for new security risks

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Terrorists have staged attacks in European cities, targeting public transport and places popular with foreigners.

Take official warnings seriously.

To protect yourself from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats in public places
• take care near areas known to be possible terrorist targets
• report suspicious behaviour
• alert police to unattended bags
• monitor the media for updates
• follow the advice of local authorities

If there's an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe. Avoid the affected area in case of secondary attacks.

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Montenegro experiences natural disasters and severe weather.

Large earthquakes are rare, but tremors are common.

Flooding can happen during winter and spring due to heavy rains and melting snow.

Bush and forest fires are common during summer, from April to October.

Extreme hot and dry periods can lead to water shortages.

Snow and ice can be a hazard on the roads. Roads aren't always cleared, even after heavy snowfalls during the winter months, from October to March.

To protect yourself if you encounter a natural disaster or severe weather:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• monitor the media and other sources for updates

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Confirm what your policy covers, including in terms of activities, care, and health and travel disruptions. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)
• COVID-19 (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Montenegro. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Contact DFAT to authenticate medical documents if needed.

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains a risk in Montenegro.

Medical facilities are poor. You may need to be evacuated if you're seriously ill or injured. Make sure your travel insurance covers this.

For information on Montenegro's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Montenegrin Government's COVID-19 portal (in Montenegrin) or call 1717. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.

More information:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Tick-borne encephalitis

There's a risk of tick-borne encephalitis in forests and fields.

Ticks are common in country areas. They're active from spring to autumn.

Take measures to avoid tick bites, particularly in rural areas.

During and after visiting a forest:

• check your body for ticks
• carefully remove any whole ticks as soon as possible
• be alert for any signs of infection.

Other health risks

Outbreaks of foodborne and other infectious diseases happen from time to time. These include:

• rotavirus enteritis
• measles
• acute enterocolitis
• salmonella
• infective mononucleosis
• enterobiasis.

To protect yourself from illness, avoid the following:

• raw and under-cooked food, such as salads
• unpasteurised dairy products
• Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities are limited and below Australian standards.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

In some cases, it's illegal to photograph military and police:

• personnel
• establishments
• vehicles
• equipment

There may be signs indicating that photography is prohibited. If you're not sure, don't take photos.

Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely accepted. Avoid public displays of affection.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Montenegro doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're returning to Montenegro after many years, living conditions will be different from those in Australia.

Do your research before travelling.

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Embassy of Montenegro

Visa-free travel for short stays

You can stay for up to 90 days in a 6-month period without a tourist visa from the date of entry into Montenegro.

If you wish to extend your stay, you'll need to apply for a visa or temporary residence permit. 

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Montenegro for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Entry into Montenegro

Montenegro has removed COVID-19 entry restrictions. 

Departure from Montenegro

Commercial flights may be less frequent and reliable than before COVID-19.

Registration

Register your local address with the police or a tourist organisation within 24 hours of arrival.

Registration is usually part of the hotel check-in procedure. If they don't do this, or you're staying in a private home, register at the nearest police station.

Authorities may fine or detain you if you don't register.

If you want to extend your stay beyond 90 days, you'll need to apply for a Temporary Residence Permit.

You can apply for the permit at a police station in the district where you're staying.

Check the Montenegrin Ministry of the Interior for details or contact the Montenegro Border Protection Police on +382 20 224491 on weekdays from 7am to 3pm.

You must always carry a valid form of ID, such as a driver's licence or passport. You might be fined if you can't show your ID to local authorities.

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or damaged, apply for a Commonwealth emergency travel document at the British Embassy in Podgorica.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTI travellers 

The local currency is the Euro.

On arrival, you must declare cash and valuables valued over 10,000 euros or equivalent. This includes laptop computers, cameras and jewellery.

You need to show your declaration form when you leave. If you don't, your valuables and funds could be confiscated.

ATMs accept cards with Plus, Cirrus or Maestro access. They are widely available.

Local restrictions

Check the Government of Montenegro website for the latest information and check local media for updates.

Restrictions may change at short notice.

Wearing face masks indoors is recommended. Wearing face masks in health facilities remains mandatory.

Driving permit

To drive in Montenegro, you'll need both:

• a valid Australian driver's license
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous due to the following:

• poorly maintained vehicles and roads
• pedestrians and farm animals on rural roads
• drivers ignoring the road rules

Snow and ice can be a hazard in winter.

Moraca Canyon Road is dangerous due to traffic congestion and poor road conditions.

By law:

• seatbelts must be worn where fitted
• the blood alcohol limit is 0.03%

Penalties for traffic offences can be severe, including large fines and jail.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Only use registered taxis displaying municipal registration and taxi numbers.

Public transport

Public transport standards can be lower than in Australia. Public transport isn't always available outside large cities.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Montenegro's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 123.

Medical emergencies

Call 124.

Police

Call 122.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy in Montenegro.

You can get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Belgrade.

Australian Embassy, Belgrade

Vladimira Popovica 38-40, 8th floor
11070 Belgrade, Serbia
Phone: +381 11 330 3400
Fax: +381 11 330 3409
Website: serbia.embassy.gov.au
Email (general enquiries): belgrade.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Email (visa enquiries): immigration.belgrade@dfat.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Serbia, North Macedonia and Montenegro

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

For emergency travel documents, contact the British Embassy in Montenegro.

British Embassy, Podgorica

8 Olcinjski, Podgorica
Montenegro 
Phone: (+382) 2011 618 010​
Website: gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-podgorica/office/british-embassy
Email: podgorica@fco.gov.uk

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia