Montenegro

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:

• Protests and civil unrest

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

Sexual assault and violent crime

Violent criminal acts involving tourists can occur, including sexual assault, assault and robbery.

Serious crime is usually linked to organised crime and not often directed at foreigners.

Gun violence is a risk to bystanders, including travellers.

To protect yourself from violence:

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

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

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.

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.

Mountain activities, including hiking, can be dangerous, especially if they are not well organised. Trails are not always marked and weather conditions can change rapidly, even in summer.

If you intend to go hiking or climbing:

• never go alone
• consider hiring an experienced guide from a reputable company
• buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• ensure that you’re properly equipped
• stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
• inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
• obtain detailed information on tracking routes before setting out
• avoid venturing off marked trails

More information:

• Going overseas for sports and adventure

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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Montenegro for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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.

When you travel to another country, you must follow their laws. Even if they seem strict compared to Australia's. Before you go, learn about the local laws in that country.

The Australian Government is limited in how and when we can help if you're arrested overseas. We can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Understand our limits. Read the Consular Services Charter.

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 laws still apply even if you’re in another country. You could be charged in Australia if you break these laws overseas.

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 6 months without a tourist visa from the date of entry into Montenegro.

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.

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, 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 at +382 20 224491 on weekdays from 7am to 3pm.

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

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

The local currency is the Euro.

You must declare cash and valuables valued over 10,000 euros or equivalent on arrival. 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 and are widely available.

Driving permit

To drive, you'll need both:

• a valid Australian driver's license (digital driver’s licences may not be accepted)
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Road travel

Snow and ice can be a hazard in winter.

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

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

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.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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
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