Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should be allowed to Montenegro

 

Crime

 

Crime levels are low, but street crime occurs, particularly in larger towns. Watch out for pick pockets in public places like tourist hot spots, beaches, airports and on public transport. Take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. You should report all incidents of crime to the local police station and get a report. 

 

Local travel 

 

Information on local road closures is available on the Auto-Moto Association of Montenegro website or by telephoning 19807, +382 20 234 999 or +382 63 239 987. You can also use these numbers to ask for roadside assistance. The main emergency numbers are: 112 (general emergencies), 122 (police), 123 (fire department), and 124 (ambulance service).

 

Road travel

 

The standard of roads is fair to poor with conditions worsening in rural areas, especially in the winter and after bad weather. In particular the two-lane Moraca Canyon in Montenegro can be dangerous when conditions are poor and there’s overcrowding. Roads leading to Montenegro’s coastal areas are in better condition, but can be busy during the summer season.

 

The only toll in Montenegro is the Sozina tunnel between Lake Skadar and the sea. A full breakdown of prices is available on the Monteput Podgorica website.

 

To drive you must have a valid driving licence and an international driving permit. If you are taking your car, you must have vehicle registration/ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy. Check that your insurance provides European Green Card vehicle insurance valid in Montenegro. Drivers of cars registered on foreign plates and without a valid green card will be asked to buy temporary insurance valid for Montenegro, and available for purchase at all official border crossings.

 

You are required by law to wear a seatbelt. You must drive with dipped headlights on during the day and must not use a mobile phone while driving.

 

Montenegrin law defines intoxication as a blood alcohol level higher than 0.3 g/kg. Exceeding the speed limit by just 10kph will get you a fine in Montenegro, while excessive speeding (30kmh over the limit in towns and 50kmh on motorways) and overtaking under dangerous conditions will lead to automatic confiscation of your driving licence for up to two months. Fines for traffic offences range from €40 to €2,000. Prison sentences can also be imposed.

 

Usually the police officer issuing a fine requests payment be made to a bank account within a reasonable time. The police can also impose on the spot fines, but this rarely happens in practice. If you deny the charge you have the right to appear in court. In certain circumstances your passport may be seized. All fine receipts have serial numbers and can be monitored in a central register for three years.

 

You must equip your car for winter conditions between 15 November and 1 April.

 

 

 

Extreme and adventure sports

 

A wide range of outdoor activities are on offer for tourists. Take precautions to prevent injuries and use protective equipment. Before signing up with paragliding instructors, for example, ask to see their training licence for tandem flights. Take particular care when hiking in the Montenegrin mountains.

 

Political situation

 

You should avoid all large demonstrations or gatherings of people.

 

 

Local laws and customs

 

Drug laws are similar to those in the EU. Possession or trafficking of drugs will attract strict penalties and often a lengthy prison sentence.

 

There are no laws against homosexual activity. Same-sex couples are generally tolerated, but due to the nature of society you should avoid public displays of affection.

 

Taking photographs of military and police installations, personnel or vehicles may lead to difficulties.

 

Money

 

The official currency of Montenegro is the Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country. Uk Nationals-Only Bank of England issued bank notes are recognised or exchanged in Montenegro. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes are not accepted.

 

Health

 

There is a reciprocal healthcare agreement for EU nationals, which entitles you to free emergency treatment in Montenegro. In non-urgent cases, payment may be required, which would normally be in cash to the health institution. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 124 to contact the ambulance service directly. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

 

Entry Requirements

 

 EU passport holders do not require a visa to enter Montenegro for stays of up to 90 days. For an extension of stay beyond 90 days you must apply for a visa or a temporary residence permit no later than one week before the 90-day period expires.

 

For more information contact the Embassy of Montenegro in your home country or visit the Montenegro Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

 

Border crossings

 

Only enter Montenegro through recognised border crossings.

 

If you are planning a mountaineering tour which involves crossing borders other than at an official border crossing point contact the National Tourist Organisation for advice.

 

On entering Montenegro, make sure the border police put an entry stamp in your passport. This helps avoid problems related to verifying the length of your stay in the country.

 

Registration

 

The local law requires you to register with the local police within 24 hours of your arrival, unless you are staying in a hotel or official tourist accommodation, in which case you will be registered automatically on checking-in. If you do not register you may be fined and face difficulties leaving the country. If the company or person you are visiting is providing you with private accommodation, they are required to submit an application for your residence to the police within 12 hours of your arrival and cancel it within 12 hours of your departure.

 

You should register at a police station in the town or city where you are staying. You’ll need to bring a registration card with you, which you can buy at any bookstore. Keep the stamped registration card with you until you leave the country.

 

Customs requirements

 

Although there is no limit to the amount of money you can bring into Montenegro, you should declare sums of money in excess of €2,000 (including travellers’ cheques or equivalent in other currencies). To take more than €2,000 out of the country you will need to provide proof that you brought the money in. Customs Officers at all border points issue declaration forms. On departure, you will need to return a certified copy of this declaration to customs. For sums of money in excess of €15,000 you should also have obtained a document which states the origin of the funds. If you fail to comply with these rules, your money may be confiscated. To avoid customs charges, declare items of value like expensive jewellery, photographic and computer equipment.

 

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be undamaged and valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required.

 

The Montenegrin authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Montenegro.