Access to new markets and the enhanced influx of tourists and investors are essential for the sustainability of Montenegrin tourism, which contributes 26 percent to the GDP. Economic factors are the primary reason Montenegro has established a visa-free regime with select countries.

This information is shared in a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, which outlined that a gradual alignment of the visa policy is being implemented to safeguard the state’s economic interests.

It was noted that Russia contributes approximately 230,000 visitors annually and continues to have a significant influence on the economy, making it the country with the highest number of residents in Montenegro (18,427 Russian citizens).

The Prime Minister’s Office highlighted that Azerbaijan has invested one billion euros into the Portonovi resort, with around 15,000 tourists from Azerbaijan visiting Montenegro each year.

“Countries like Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain: These nations are increasing their investments in real estate and tourism, showcasing significant potential through improved air connectivity and guest influx, which can help diversify the tourism sector. Turkey ranks as the third-largest investor in Montenegro with an investment of 91.2 million euros in 2024 and brings in 320,000 visitors annually. Currently, 11,465 Turkish citizens have regulated residency in Montenegro; China is involved in strategic infrastructure initiatives (such as highway construction, the refurbishment of the boulevard connecting Tivat Airport and Jaz, and the Pljevlja Thermal Power Plant), with a recorded 58,000 tourist arrivals expected in 2024. Furthermore, Belarus serves as a vital destination for kidney transplants for Montenegrin citizens (with 50 individuals on the waiting list, with costs amounting to 70 thousand covered by the Health Insurance Fund),” the statement revealed.

Additionally, it is emphasized that for Montenegro, establishing mechanisms or alternative strategies to facilitate smoother transitions and mitigate potential adverse effects on the economy is of utmost importance.

“To meet the obligations outlined in the Reform Agenda, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior are actively engaged in aligning their policies with the EU visa regulations and adapting to Schengen protocols through various initiatives. This includes amendments to legislation, particularly the Law on Foreigners; the involvement of an external partner, a reputable company tasked with gathering documentation for visa issuance in countries where we lack consular representation, due to the limited capabilities of our diplomatic-consular network. By doing so, the potential abolishment of visa liberalization for specific countries would not adversely impact the Montenegrin economy. Moreover, the reform of the Visa Information System, supported by funds of one million euros from the IPA III regional project aimed at strengthening border management capacities in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration, will enhance efficiency in processing visas, introduce e-visa services and online applications, thereby creating the technical foundations needed to align with EU visa standards.”

The statement further asserts that Montenegro has reaffirmed its commitment to the European path and values by fully aligning itself with the EU’s stance towards Russia, implementing sanctions in 2022.

“This has placed the tourism sector in a difficult position, considering the proportion of Russian tourists among all visitors to Montenegro. Furthermore, as a predominantly air travel destination, Montenegro faces limitations due to underdeveloped travel infrastructure, which hinders the arrival of a larger number of visitors from the European Union. Our collaboration with the EU will persist as we seek optimal solutions that will adequately balance our national economic interests alongside our commitments in the EU accession process, as outlined in the Reform Agenda (2024-2027), including the gradual termination of the visa-free regime for countries that require visas for the EU, which will be fully aligned by the time Montenegro becomes an EU member,” the statement concluded.

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