Is Montenegro in the Schengen zone?

Among many questions we receive almost every day, travelers from around the world ask us if is Montenegro in the Schengen zone. This is a frequently asked question when planning their European travel. 

Here is the answer.

Unfortunately, Montenegro does not currently belong to either the European Union, Schengen Zone, or European Economic Area (EEA), yet has made significant steps toward joining these institutions in recent years.

Montenegro may not yet be a full member of the EU, yet their integration agenda remains high on their national agenda. They have opened several EU accession negotiation chapters and signed an association agreement with them that demonstrates a strong desire to align their laws with EU regulations.

Can you travel to Montenegro with a Schengen visa?

No. It’s not possible to enter Montenegro with a Schengen visa. 

However, European Union countries and the USA, Great Britain, Australia, and Canada, can enter Montenegro without a visa. They can stay up to 90 days for tourism reasons.

What is the Schengen Zone?

The Schengen Zone or Schengen Area is a group of 26 European countries that have officially opened their internal borders for unrestricted movement of people, in harmony with common rules for controlling external borders and fighting criminality by strengthening the common judicial system and police cooperation.

Montenegro’s status with the Schengen Area?

Long time Montenegro adopted the EURO as its official currency, signalling its pro-European stance and streamlining trade relations with the EU. But Montenegro must meet a range of other criteria before being accepted as a member state, such as adhering to democracy, upholding the rule of law and fighting corruption while increasing judicial independence and media freedom.

What About the European Economic Area (EEA)? 

While Montenegro isn’t yet an EU member, it has made significant headway towards joining this international trade agreement that extends the benefits of EU single markets to non-EU members. 

Montenegro’s membership ambitions in the EEA are tied closely with its goal of joining the EU since it must first join this trade block before being accepted as a full EU member state.

Montenegro is on its way to Schengen

Montenegro is not currently part of Schengen; however, passport-free travel arrangements have been implemented as it remains a candidate state and must continue working on reforms that meet the EU’s stringent criteria before being admitted into this zone.

An ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) visa is the easiest way to gain passport-free entry into Montenegro when visiting Europe. 

Application can be completed in minutes and it will last up to five years with multiple visits allowed within that time. 

Once granted, your ETIAS visa will automatically link with your passport – no need to present it upon arrival at the borders. Those travelling for business or tourism reasons can check visa requirements here.

Recommended guides:

• Podgorica Travel Guide
• Kotor Travel Guide
• Budva Travel Guide
• Tivat Travel Guide

Disclosure: Some links are affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service after clicking one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support Montenegro Travel Guide and allows us to continue creating helpful content. Privacy Policy.