The Montenegrin government has reinstated the visa-free travel regime for citizens of the Republic of Türkiye. However, the permitted length of stay without a visa has been reduced from 90 days to 30 days.
By adopting a decree containing changes to the visa regime, the Montenegrin government has reinstated the visa-free travel arrangement for Turkish citizens, which had previously been suspended. The decision will enter into force following its publication in the Official Gazette of Montenegro.
Visa-free travel returns, duration shortened
The official statement issued by the government included the following remarks:
“Based on the approval of the majority of government members, an amendment to the regulation on the visa regime has been adopted. With this amendment, the application concerning the temporary suspension of the visa-free travel regime for citizens of the Republic of Türkiye has been abolished. However, in order to prevent illegal migration and to align with the European Union’s visa policy, the permitted length of stay has been reduced from 90 days to 30 days.”
The statement also emphasised that the visa regime could be reintroduced in the event of a security risk. It was noted that increased cooperation with Turkish authorities, along with the strengthening of migration and security controls, played a role in the decision.
Visa-free travel had been suspended in October
Montenegro had suspended the visa-free travel arrangement for Turkish citizens at the end of October following incidents that occurred in the capital, Podgorica. Statements by some radical political circles claiming that there was a high number of Turkish citizens in the country led to a rise in nationalist rhetoric, followed by protests targeting Turkish citizens after a knife fight.
During this period:
- Some businesses owned by Turks were set on fire,
- A large number of suspects were detained,
- It was later revealed that those involved in the incidents were not Turkish citizens.
Due to security concerns, the majority of the approximately 13,000 Turkish citizens living in the country left Montenegro.
Economic reasons played a decisive role in the decision
Despite pressure to align with the European Union’s visa policy, it is stated that economic reasons lie behind the Montenegrin government’s decision to reinstate visa-free travel. Government sources speaking to Montenegrin media said that tourism, air traffic and foreign direct investment were taken into consideration when evaluating the decision.
According to official data:
- Turkish tourists account for 6.7% of foreign visitors to Montenegro.
- 20% of flights to Montenegro’s two airports operate on the Türkiye–Montenegro route.
- According to data from the Central Bank of Montenegro, the highest level of foreign direct investment in the first eight months of 2025 came from Türkiye.
- During this period, Turkish citizens invested EUR 92.2 million, accounting for 21% of total investments.
In addition, the frequent travel of Montenegrin citizens to Türkiye for medical treatment is cited among the factors influencing the decision.
While Montenegro aims to join the European Union as early as 2028, it continues to pursue a balanced policy in maintaining its economic, tourism and transport relations with Türkiye.
