Welcome to the land of stunning natural beauty, fascinating history, and warm hospitality – Montenegro. Nestled in the Balkans, this small country is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. And if you’re planning to visit this picturesque destination, you’ve come to the right place. This Montenegro Visa Guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about obtaining a visa for your Montenegrin adventure. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned globetrotter, we’ve got you covered with everything from visa requirements to application procedures, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without any worries. So, let’s get started and discover the magic of Montenegro together!
Who must need a Montenegro Visa?
The visa policy is varied based on the nationality, purpose, and duration of stay of the individual.
1- If the individual is the nationality holder of the following mentioned country, then he/she is eligible to stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days for a duration of 180-days;
- Australia
- El Salvador
- Saint Kitts and Nevis
- Azerbaijan
- Hong Kong
- Saint Lucia
- Andorra
- Honduras
- Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Iceland
- Seychelles
- Argentina
- Israel
- Singapore
- Taiwan
- Japan
- Malta
- Brazil
- Kuwait
- South Korea
- Bahamas
- Mauritius
- Timor-Leste
- Barbados
- Mexico
- Trinidad and Tobago
- Brunei
- Moldova
- Turkey
- Costa Rica
- Macau
- Ukraine
- Colombia
- Malaysia
- United Arab Emirates
- Canada
- New Zealand
- United States
- Chile
- Nicaragua
- Uruguay
- Dominica
- Panama
- The United Kingdom
- Georgia
- Paraguay
- Vatican City
- Grenada
- Qatar
- Venezuela
- Guatemala
- Samoa
- Vanuatu
2- If the individual is the nationality holder of the following mentioned country, then he/she is eligible to stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days, just through their biometrically verified identity card;
- All EU Citizens
- Kazakhstan
- San Marino
- Albania
- Monaco
- Kosovo
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- North Macedonia
- Serbia
- Lichtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland
3- If the individual is the nationality holder of the following mentioned country but has a Diplomatic Passport, then he/she is eligible to stay in Montenegro without any visa;
- Armenia
- China
- Egypt
- Guinea
- Indonesia
- Iran
- Kyrgyzstan
- Mongolia
- Morocco
- North Korea
- Pakistan
- Tajikistan
- Thailand
- Vietnam
- Zimbabwe
4- If the individual is a refugee of the following mentioned country but has a Refugee Travel Document, then he/she is eligible to stay in Montenegro without any visa;
- Australia
- Canada
- Iceland
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Switzerland
- The United States
- EU member states
5- If the individual is a nationality holder of the UAE country, but has a shred of accommodation evidence and return tickets, then he/she is eligible to stay in Montenegro without any visa.
6- If the individual has the visa or residence permit of the following mentioned countries, then he/she is eligible to stay in Montenegro without any visa;
- Ireland
- USA
- UK
- Germany
- Austria
- Belgium
- Croatia
- The Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- The Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
All Montenegro Visa categories
Montenegro offers different visa categories depending on the purpose of your visit. The following are the visa categories available for Montenegro:
- Tourist Visa: This type of visa is intended for those who want to visit Montenegro for leisure or tourism purposes.
- Business Visa: This visa is issued to individuals who plan to engage in business-related activities, such as attending conferences, meetings, or negotiations.
- Student Visa: This type of visa is for individuals who want to study in Montenegro, either as full-time or exchange students.
- Transit Visa: This visa is required for individuals who are passing through Montenegro on their way to another destination.
- Work Visa: If you plan to work in Montenegro, you’ll need to apply for a work visa.
- Family Reunification Visa: This type of visa is issued to individuals who want to join their family members who are already living in Montenegro.
- Official Visa: This visa is issued to diplomats, government officials, and representatives of international organizations who are traveling to Montenegro for official purposes.
It’s essential to choose the right visa category that matches your purpose of travel to Montenegro to avoid any complications during your visa application process.
Also, check: Moldova Visa Guide 2023
Montenegro Visa Requirements
Here are the visa requirements for each visa type:
Tourist Visa
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Montenegro.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of accommodation, such as hotel reservation or invitation letter from a Montenegrin resident.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Montenegro.
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket.
Business Visa
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Montenegro.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Invitation letter from a company or organization in Montenegro.
- Proof of employment or business ownership.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Montenegro.
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket.
Student Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Montenegro.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Letter of acceptance from a Montenegrin educational institution.
- Proof of payment of tuition fees.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Montenegro.
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket.
Transit Visa
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Montenegro.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of onward travel, such as a confirmed ticket to the next destination.
Work Visa
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Montenegro.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Work permit issued by the Montenegrin authorities.
- Employment contract or letter from the employer in Montenegro.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Montenegro.
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket.
Family Reunification Visa:
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Montenegro.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of family relationships, such as birth or marriage certificate.
- Invitation letter from a family member in Montenegro.
- Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Montenegro.
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket.
Official Visa
- Valid passport with at least 3 months of validity beyond the intended stay in Montenegro.
- Completed visa application form.
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Official letter from the government or organization you represent.
- Proof of employment or diplomatic status.
- Travel itinerary or round-trip ticket
How to apply for a Montenegro Visa?
Applying for a Montenegro visa can seem like a daunting task, but the process is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Montenegro visa:
- Before starting your visa application process, determine the type of visa that best suits your travel purpose.
- Once you know the visa type, gather all the necessary documents required for that specific visa type. Make sure that all documents are up-to-date and valid.
- You can apply for a Montenegro visa at the nearest Montenegrin embassy or consulate in your home country. Fill out the visa application form, attach the required documents, and submit it to the embassy or consulate.
- Visa fees vary depending on the visa type, so make sure to check the fee before submitting your application. Pay the fee at the time of submission, and keep the receipt as proof of payment.
- The processing time for a Montenegro visa application can take up to 15 days, so be sure to submit your application well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Once your visa is approved, you’ll be notified by the embassy or consulate to collect your passport with the visa stamp.
- To get further details, visit the official website of the visas and entry requirements of the Government of Montenegro.
Processing Time Required
The processing time for a Montenegro visa application can take up to 15 days. However, it’s important to note that processing times can vary depending on factors such as the volume of applications received, the visa type, and the completeness of the application. Therefore, it’s advisable to submit your visa application well in advance of your planned travel date to allow enough time for processing.
Also, check: Malta Visa Guide 2023
Montenegro Visa Costs
The visa costs for Montenegro vary depending on the type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. Here are the approximate visa fees for different visa types:
- Tourist Visa: €60
- Business Visa: €100
- Student Visa: €50
- Transit Visa: €30
- Work Visa: €200
- Family Reunification Visa: €60
- Official Visa: No fee
Montenegro Visa Validity and Extension
The validity and extension of a Montenegro visa depend on the type of visa issued. Here’s a breakdown of the validity and extension options for different visa types:
- Tourist Visa: A Montenegro tourist visa is usually valid for up to 90 days within 180 days. It cannot be extended beyond this period.
- Business Visa: A Montenegro business visa is usually valid for up to 90 days within 180 days. It may be extended if the applicant provides a valid reason for the extension, such as completing a business project or attending a conference.
- Student Visa: A Montenegro student visa is usually valid for the duration of the study program. It may be extended if the student needs more time to complete their studies.
- Transit Visa: A Montenegro transit visa is usually valid for up to 5 days. It cannot be extended beyond this period.
- Work Visa: A Montenegro work visa is usually valid for up to one year. It may be extended if the applicant continues to work for the same employer in Montenegro.
- Family Reunification Visa: A Montenegro family reunification visa is usually valid for up to one year. It may be extended if the family member remains in Montenegro and meets the visa extension requirement.
Montenegro Golden Visa
Montenegro offers a “golden visa” program that provides an opportunity for non-EU citizens to obtain residency in Montenegro by investing in the country. Here are some key points about the Montenegro Golden Visa program:
- Investment options: The Montenegro Golden Visa program offers two investment options: real estate and a government fund.
- Real estate investment: To qualify for the Golden Visa through real estate investment, an applicant must invest a minimum of €250,000 in real estate in Montenegro. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of three years.
- Government fund investment: To qualify for the Golden Visa through government fund investment, an applicant must invest a minimum of €100,000 in a government fund. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
- Benefits: The Montenegro Golden Visa program provides several benefits, including the right to reside in Montenegro, the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within 180 days, and the opportunity to apply for Montenegrin citizenship after 10 years of legal residency.
- Requirements: To be eligible for the Montenegro Golden Visa program, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid passport, and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves and their families during their stay in Montenegro.
- Application process: The application process for the Montenegro Golden Visa program involves several steps, including the submission of investment funds, a background check, and the issuance of a residency permit.
It’s important to note that the Montenegro Golden Visa program is subject to change, and applicants should always check the latest requirements and regulations before applying.
Also, check: Latvia Visa Guide 2023
Requirements and Procedure to apply for Montenegro Citizenship
Obtaining Montenegrin citizenship is a multi-step process that involves meeting certain requirements and going through various procedures. Here’s a breakdown of the requirements and procedures for obtaining Montenegrin citizenship:
- Residency requirement: To be eligible for Montenegrin citizenship, applicants must have legally resided in Montenegro for at least 10 years.
- Language requirement: Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in the Montenegrin language, which may be done through a language exam or by submitting a diploma or certificate from a Montenegrin language course.
- Renunciation of previous citizenship: Montenegrin citizenship requires the renunciation of any other citizenship that the applicant holds unless the applicant is from a country that allows dual citizenship.
- Background check: Applicants must undergo a thorough background check to ensure that they have no criminal record and pose no threat to national security.
- Application process: The application process for Montenegrin citizenship involves submitting a completed application form, along with the necessary documents and fees, to the Ministry of Interior. The application will be reviewed, and if approved, the applicant will be issued a certificate of citizenship.
- Oath of allegiance: After receiving the certificate of citizenship, the applicant must take an oath of allegiance to Montenegro before a competent authority.
Fun facts about Montenegro
Here are some fun facts about Montenegro:
- The name “Montenegro” means “black mountain” in Montenegrin, which is named after the rugged mountain ranges that dominate the country’s landscape.
- Montenegro declared independence from Serbia on June 3, 2006, becoming the world’s newest sovereign state at the time.
- Montenegro is one of the smallest countries in Europe, with an area of only 13,812 square kilometers and a population of approximately 620,000 people.
- Montenegro boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old town of Kotor, Durmitor National Park, and the medieval monasteries of the Bay of Kotor.
- Montenegro adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002, even though it is not a member of the European Union.
- Montenegro is known for its wine production, with the Vranac grape variety being the most popular. The country also has a rich tradition of brandy-making.
- Montenegro has a beautiful coastline along the Adriatic Sea, with picturesque towns, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The coastline is a popular tourist destination and has been compared to the French Riviera.
- Montenegro is one of the most religiously diverse countries in Europe, with a majority of the population being Orthodox Christians and significant Muslim and Catholic minorities.
- Montenegro has a royal family, the House of Petrović-Njegoš, which has a long history and is highly respected in the country.
- Montenegrins are passionate about sports, with football (soccer), basketball, handball, and water polo being the most popular. Montenegro has also had success in international competitions in these sports.
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