Travel Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Roads in Montenegro are not up to U.S. standards, especially in rural areas. Roads leading to Montenegro?s coastal areas are in better condition but are overcrowded during summer season. Drivers can be reckless and aggressive, and accidents are frequent.

Dangerous areas for road travel include a road through the Moraca Canyon, north of Podgorica. This twisting, two-lane road is especially overcrowded in the summer and is the site of frequent rockslides. In the winter, the Moraca Canyon and northern parts of Montenegro are covered with snow, which may slow traffic and make the road hazardous.

It?s common for Montenegrin drivers to attempt to pass on winding roads and hills.

Traffic Laws:

  • The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers.
  • Cell phone usage while driving is prohibited.
  • Vehicle lights must be switched on at all times while driving.
  • Right turns on red lights are strictly forbidden, unless a distinct green arrow is seen.
  • At unmarked intersections, the right of way is always given to the vehicle entering from the right.
  • Each vehicle must have a reflective fluorescent vest to be used in the event of an emergency road stop, as well as a European car accident report form.
  • Children 5 years-old and under must use a safety seat attached to a vehicle safety belt.
  • Vehicles must have winter tires and carry snow chains between November 15 and March 30.
  • Pedestrians crossing in designated crosswalks have the right of way. Drivers must stop.
  • The blood alcohol limit in Montenegro is .03 percent, less than half the legal limit in the United States.

Taxis: Metered taxi service is safe, although foreigners are sometimes charged higher rates. Taxis generally do not pick up passengers on the street and must be ordered by phone or SMS.

Public Transportation: Trains, buses, and ferries often use aging and poorly-maintained equipment.

Roadside assistance is available by dialing 19807, +382 (0)20 234 467 or +382 (0)20 234 999. Other local emergency numbers are police: 122; fire department: 123; and ambulance: 124. 

See our road safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Montenegro?s National Tourism Organization and the Auto-moto Association of Montenegro, the national authority responsible for road safety.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Montenegro, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the Government of Montenegro?s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA?s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Montenegro should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings.

Health

For emergency services in Montenegro dial 123 for the fire department, and 124 for an ambulance.

Ambulance services are not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

Medical Facilities: Hospitals and clinics are generally not equipped or maintained to U.S. standards.

  • Travelers may need to go to privately-owned pharmacies in order to obtain medicines and basic medical supplies.
  • Hospitals and private clinics usually require payment in cash for all services.
  • Montenegro has only a small number of ambulances.
  • Emergency services are generally responsive in only the most severe cases. Otherwise, people must have their own transportation to hospitals and clinics.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If traveling with prescription medication, check with the Government of Montenegro and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure the medication is legal in Montenegro. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctor?s prescription. 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

Air Quality: Detailed daily information on air quality is not available for Montenegro. Podgorica is estimated to have air pollution levels similar to those in major U.S. cities. The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

  • Adequate health facilities are available in Podgorica and other major cities but health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.
  • Medical staff may speak little or no English.
  • Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities, with hospital-based care only available through government institutions.

Medical Tourism and Elective Surgery:

  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for information on Medical Tourism, the risks of medical tourism, and what you can do to prepare before traveling to Montenegro.
  • We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation in the event of unforeseen medical complications.
  • Your legal options in case of malpractice are very limited in Montenegro.

Pharmaceuticals:

  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration are responsible for rules governing the transport of medication back to the United States. Medication purchased abroad must meet their requirements to be legally brought back into the United States. Medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy:

  • Surrogacy is illegal for foreigners in Montenegro, subject to complex local regulation. For additional information, visit the Government of Montenegro?s website for information on foreigner surrogacy.

Adventure Travel:

  • Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Local laws and Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Carrying weapons in Montenegro is illegal. Your U.S. passport will not prevent you from being detained, arrested, or prosecuted. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police, the investigating judge, or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Counterfeit and Pirated Goods: Although counterfeit and pirated goods are prevalent in many countries, they are illegal according to local laws. You may also pay fines or have to give them up if you bring them back to the United States. See the U.S. Department of Justice website for more information.

Dual U.S.-Montenegrin citizens: Dual citizens may be subject to laws that impose special obligations on Montenegrin citizens, though, as of August 30, 2006, Montenegrin men are no longer required to perform military service.

  • If you became a dual citizen after June 3, 2006, Montenegro will only recognize dual citizenship with countries it has signed a bilateral agreement with.
  • Montenegro still abides by the bilateral consular agreement between Yugoslavia and the United States.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

 LGBTI Rights: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Montenegro. LGBTI individuals are protected by anti-discrimination laws in Montenegro. However, LGBTI individuals are subject to widespread societal discrimination, ostracism, and harassment.

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights Report for further details.

Athletic Contract Disputes: U.S.-citizen athletes who are considering playing for professional teams in Montenegro, particularly outside the capital, should be aware of reports of disputes regarding contracts not being honored and treatment and living conditions not matching expectations. We recommend that U.S.-citizen athletes carefully review proposed contracts and research the team, living arrangements, and city where they will be playing prior to accepting offers or commencing travel.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Many public facilities are not fully accessible to individuals with disabilities. Accessibility for those with disabilities, including on public transportation, is lacking throughout the country. Outside of urban areas, accessibility is particularly limited. In 2008, Montenegro passed a law regulating the accessibility to public facilities; however, only newer buildings meet those standards.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Please review our travel tips for women travelers.

Safety and Security

Terrorism: Terrorist groups and those inspired by such organizations are intent on attacking U.S. citizens abroad. Terrorists are increasingly using less sophisticated methods of attack ? including knives, firearms, rudimentary Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and vehicles ? to more effectively target crowds. Frequently, their aim is unprotected or vulnerable targets, such as:

  • High-profile public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
  • Hotels, clubs, and restaurants frequented by tourists
  • Places of worship
  • Schools
  • Parks
  • Shopping malls and markets
  • Public transportation systems (including subways, buses, trains, and scheduled commercial flights)

For more information, see our Terrorism page.

Montenegrin nightclubs are popular with foreign tourists. Patrons should be aware that these establishments can be crowded and may not comply with Western standards for occupancy control or fire safety.

Crime: Police have limited English ability. Violent crime is infrequent. Theft at ATMs increases during the May to September tourist season. Visitors should ensure that they protect their PINs at all times when using ATMs and monitor their card activity.

Demonstrations occur frequently and some of them can be anti-U.S. in nature. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

  • Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. 
  • Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
  • Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
  • Security Messages for U.S. citizens pertaining to demonstrations can be found on the Embassy?s website.

Montenegrins are generally open and hospitable to visitors; however, in isolated incidents, visitors might encounter anti-foreign sentiment.

Victims of Crime: Visitors needing emergency assistance may dial 112 to report a crime or request assistance. 112 is the common emergency telephone number for Europe and may be dialed from mobile telephones even with a foreign SIM card. Victims of crime may also contact the U.S. Embassy at +382 20 410 500. Remember local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

  • Help you find appropriate medical care
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
  • Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
  • Provide a list of local attorneys
  • Provide our information on victim?s compensation programs in the United States
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
  • Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Entry exit Requirementsh

U.S. citizen visitors (traveling with U.S. passports) do not need a visa to enter and stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days.

  • Visitors must register within the first 24 hours of arrival.
  • If you are staying in a hotel or tourist facility, the hotel will automatically register you; otherwise, you are personally responsible to appear at the police station to register.
  • If you do not register, you may be subject to a fine, incarceration, expulsion, and/or difficulties in departing Montenegro.
  • The police registration form can be purchased at bookstores or is available online.

U.S. citizen visitors intending to stay longer than 90 days:

  • U.S. citizens wishing to extend their stay longer than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit at least one week before the 90-day period ends.
  • Due to lengthy administrative procedures, we advise you to apply as soon as you learn that you will be staying in Montenegro longer than 90 days.

You can contact the Embassy of Montenegro in Washington, D.C. for the most current visa information. Montenegro?s Ministry of Foreign Affairs website contains additional contact information for its diplomatic posts in the United States.

Currency and Customs Restrictions:

  • Travelers are required to declare currency exceeding 10,000 euros (or equivalent) upon entry or exit.
  • To avoid customs charges, travelers must also declare luxury goods, jewelry, paintings, and computer equipment.
  • At the port of entry, travelers can obtain currency declaration forms that must be completed and presented at departure.
  • Failure to comply with these policies may result in confiscation of funds/goods and criminal proceedings.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Montenegro.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Destination Description

See the Department of State?s Fact Sheet on Montenegro for additional information on U.S.-Montenegro relations.

Travel Embassy and Consulate

U.S. Embassy Podgorica

Dzona Dzeksona 2
81000 Podgorica
Montenegro
Telephone:
+(382)(20) 410-500
Email: 

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