From 1 November 2026, Montenegro will require visas from citizens of China, Russia, Belarus, Turkey and Saudi Arabia. The decision, taken by the government at the end of July and enshrined in a new Regulation on the Visa Regime, is directly linked to Podgorica's course toward joining the European Union by 2028.
Previously, Chinese tourists could enter under simplified rules — as part of organised groups or on service passports. Now everyone except holders of residence permits or valid Schengen visas must obtain a Montenegrin visa in advance, at a cost of 35 euros. The Chinese embassy in Podgorica has already warned its compatriots that they need to prepare their documents in advance.
For Montenegro, where tourism accounts for a significant share of GDP, the move looks risky. Last year the country was visited by more than 200 thousand Russians; the Chinese flow, though smaller, was growing thanks to the convenience of visa-free entry. The authorities, however, believe that harmonising visa policy with the EU matters more than short-term losses. Analysts note that without resolving the visa issues, membership negotiations with the Union will not move forward.
The practical consequences are already being felt. Travellers from the countries listed now plan their trips through VFS Global visa centres or consulates. Those who managed to enter before 31 October may stay for up to 30 days. At the same time, Russia has announced that it will introduce mirror-image visas for Montenegrins from 30 December.
In the end, Montenegro acquires a more "European" appearance on paper, but loses some of the spontaneous guests who used to fly in for a short holiday or a "visa run". Whether this trade-off will prove justified, the coming tourist season will show.
