Montenegro–Russia Trips Will Need Visas Both Ways; Moscow Start Date Unknown

Russia will introduce a visa regime for citizens of Montenegro, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has said. The move is a response to Podgorica's decision to require tourist visas for Russian nationals starting 1 November.

Key facts

• Montenegro will require tourist visas for Russian nationals from 1 November
• Russia says it will introduce a visa regime for Montenegrin citizens in response
• No start date has been announced for Russia's measure
• The announcement was made by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova

What has Russia announced?

Zakharova said Russia will bring in a visa requirement for Montenegrin citizens, in retaliation for Montenegro's decision to require tourist visas for Russian nationals. She said Montenegro's decision would cause "obvious damage" to the country's interests and destroy years of achievements in Russia-Montenegro relations.

What is changing in Montenegro?

Montenegro will require tourist visas for Russian nationals starting 1 November. The source does not give further details of the visa type, application process, cost or permitted length of stay.

When do the new rules start?

Montenegro's tourist visa requirement for Russian nationals takes effect on 1 November. No date has been given for when Russia's visa regime for Montenegrin citizens would begin.

What this means for travellers

Russian nationals planning to travel to Montenegro should note the tourist visa requirement starting 1 November. Montenegrin citizens planning to travel to Russia should watch for further announcements on when the reciprocal visa regime will take effect and what it will require.

Zakharova also warned that the introduction of visas could reduce the number of Russian tourists visiting Montenegro, negatively affect local businesses and worsen the country's investment climate. No further details on Russia's planned visa rules have been announced.