Montenegrin Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović stated that the visa-free travel arrangement with Türkiye, which was temporarily halted after a stabbing incident in Podgorica, will be reactivated shortly. In footage broadcast by state television RTCG, Ibrahimović said, “I believe we will soon relieve Turkish citizens of the visa requirement.”
Tension Triggered by the Stabbing Incident
The visa decision taken at the end of October emerged after initial police statements regarding an incident in Podgorica in which a person was stabbed, prompting strong public reaction. While it was initially claimed that the attack was carried out “by a group of Turkish nationals,” local media later confirmed through police findings that the perpetrators were Azerbaijani citizens.
The public reaction, which had been misdirected, quickly turned into protests targeting the country’s migration policy and the Turkish community living in Montenegro.
Airlines Had Reduced Flights
The temporary visa requirement also affected air traffic between Türkiye and Montenegro. Turkish Airlines and Pegasus had cancelled or reduced reciprocal flights due to the visa obligation.
Türkiye Is Montenegro’s Largest Investor
Türkiye’s importance for Montenegro’s economy is striking. Between January and September 2025, Türkiye became the country providing the highest direct foreign investment (FDI) to Montenegro. According to local media, more than 12,500 Turkish-owned companies operate in the country.
EU Pressure: Visa Policy to Change Completely
Foreign Minister Ibrahimović reminded that Montenegro must fully align its visa regime with European Union rules by the end of the third quarter of 2026. This alignment means imposing visas on seven countries that currently enter Montenegro without a visa, including Russia.
Aiming to join the European Union in 2028, Montenegro is under increasing pressure to comply with the EU’s visa standards. However, the government argues that this change poses a risk to the country’s vital tourism sector.
