Montenegro to Reinstate Visas for Azerbaijani Citizens

Starting January 15, 2026, Azerbaijani citizens will need visas to travel to Montenegro. This ends a period of visa-free travel that began in 2015. The Montenegrin government is bringing back visa requirements to align its migration policies with those of the European Union, as the country seeks to join the EU.

This decision addresses security and migration issues. Recent events in Podgorica, including a nightclub fight in October that led to detentions and police raids, have pushed the government to tighten border controls. By requiring visas, Montenegro hopes to control illegal migration and better monitor who enters the country.

These new rules also affect those planning to work or do business in Montenegro. People who want to work there will now need a residence permit that lasts at least a year. This change will particularly affect Azerbaijani citizens who come to Montenegro to work in construction.

While some nations, such as Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, still have some visa-free access, these rules are also getting stricter. For example, the allowed stay for Turkish citizens was reduced from 90 days to 30 days due to security issues. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Montenegro for more details about the new visa rules to keep its citizens informed before the January deadline.

As Montenegro focuses on joining the EU, Azerbaijani travelers and workers should get ready for a more formal application process to visit or work there.