Montenegro to Introduce Visa Requirement for Saudi Citizens from November 1, 2026
From November 1, 2026, citizens of Saudi Arabia will need a visa to enter Montenegro. The Government of Montenegro has officially confirmed the change as part of the country’s efforts to align its visa policy with European Union requirements.
The introduction of visas has been discussed for some time, and several possible dates were mentioned in recent months. The date has now been officially confirmed, and the new rules are expected to take effect on November 1, 2026.
What will change on November 1, 2026?
Starting from November 1, 2026, Saudi citizens will need to obtain a visa before traveling to Montenegro.
The change is linked to Montenegro’s negotiations to join the European Union. One of the country’s commitments is to bring its visa policy into line with EU rules.
Until the new requirements take effect, citizens of Saudi Arabia can visit Montenegro without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. This has made short trips to Montenegro relatively straightforward for Saudi travelers.
From November 2026, this will change and obtaining a visa will become an additional step when planning a trip.
Which other countries are affected?
Saudi Arabia is not the only country affected by the changes.
From November 1, 2026, Montenegro will also introduce visa requirements for citizens of:
- Russia;
- Belarus;
- China;
- Türkiye.
The changes form part of a broader reform of Montenegro’s visa policy as the country continues the process of aligning its rules with those of the European Union.
How can Saudi citizens apply for a Montenegro visa?
Visa applications can be submitted through Montenegro’s diplomatic and consular missions.
Montenegro is also expanding its cooperation with VFS Global to make visa applications more accessible. The country has announced plans to open a VFS Visa Application Centre for Montenegrin visas in Saudi Arabia
Until the centre becomes operational, applicants should check the latest official information before applying to confirm where visa applications from Saudi Arabia are currently being accepted and which documents are required.
Montenegro is also developing a new Visa Information System, with the eventual goal of introducing an electronic visa (e-Visa) system.
Once launched, the system is expected to allow at least some applicants to submit visa applications online. However, an official launch date for the e-Visa service has not yet been announced.
Can Saudi citizens enter Montenegro with a valid Schengen visa?
Under Montenegro’s current entry rules, travelers holding certain valid foreign visas or residence permits may enter the country without obtaining a separate Montenegrin visa.
This applies to holders of a valid:
- Schengen visa;
- United States visa;
- United Kingdom visa;
- Irish visa;
- residence permit issued by a Schengen Area country, the United States, the United Kingdom or Ireland.
Eligible travelers may stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days, but not beyond the expiry date of their visa or residence permit if the document is valid for less than 30 days.
Because the new visa regime for Saudi citizens will take effect on November 1, travelers are advised to check the official entry requirements again before their trip. Additional guidance may be published before the new rules come into force.
What does this mean for travelers from Saudi Arabia?
Montenegro has become an increasingly popular European destination for travelers from Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, particularly during the summer season.
Its coastline, mild climate, natural scenery and seasonal air connections have made the country an attractive option for holidays in Europe.
Until now, Saudi citizens have been able to travel to Montenegro without applying for a visa in advance. From November 1, 2026, travelers will need to factor the visa application process into their trip planning.
How significant the change will be in practice will depend largely on how straightforward the application procedure is, how quickly visas are processed, how accessible visa application centres become and when Montenegro’s planned electronic visa system is launched.
We will keep this information updated
Visa application procedures, required documents, application locations and processing times may change as Montenegro publishes further guidance ahead of November 1.
We will continue to update this article as new official information becomes available so that it remains useful for Saudi citizens planning a trip to Montenegro.
