Montenegro is one of the 60 countries that is eligible to apply for the ETIAS. Any Montenegrins hoping to visit the Schengen Zone will need to first apply for ETIAS authorization, and once that has been granted, they will be allowed to move freely throughout the region for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
ETIAS Visa Waiver for Montenegrin Citizens
The Schengen Zone operates without internal borders. It’s one of the main purposes of its existence, and it means that travelers who can access one country are automatically granted access to all of them.
To prevent serious criminals from moving around and causing chaos, the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) was introduced.
It means that travelers from 60 countries (including Montenegro) must complete an online application form that will request basic personal details, travel information, and passport information.
The submitted data will then be checked against carefully managed security databases to make sure there are no serious risks or red flags, including ongoing investigations or criminal offenses. If such issues are flagged, a manual review will be triggered and the applicant may be refused entry.
It sounds like a complicated process and it might be pretty nail-biting if you have your sights set on a European adventure and you have a criminal record. However, the purpose of the ETIAS was to prevent access to drug smugglers, human traffickers, and other serious criminals. It doesn’t care about minor criminal charges.
You can apply for an ETIAS directly through the official website. In addition to the aforementioned details, you will also be asked to pay a nominal fee of €7, and to be in possession of a passport that has at least three months of validity remaining.
Is ETIAS a Schengen Visa?
The ETIAS is not a Schengen Visa and it does not offer the same benefits. You can’t study or work long term, for instance. If you wish to spend more than 90 days in the Schengen Zone, you should visit an embassy or consultant and enquire about a Schengen Zone.
Is Montenegro in the EU or Schengen Zone?
Montenegro is not currently part of the European Union (EU) or the Schengen Zone, but that may change in the future. It applied to join the EU in December 2008 and was approved 2 years later. However, entry will not be possible for a few more years. It’s likely that the ETIAS will be firmly in effect before Montenegro is added to the EU.
Once Montenegro is an EU member state, it will be obliged to join the Schengen Zone. Again, though, it’s generally not a fast process and it may be some time before you can visit Montenegro using an ETIAS visa waiver.
Where Do Montenegrins Go on Vacation?
Both Serbia and Bosnia can be accessed without a visa by anyone with a valid Montenegrin passport. Other nearby countries, including Bulgaria and Albania, are also popular destinations due to their visa-free access while Greece can be visited with a valid ETIAS.
Can Montenegrin Citizens Travel to the US Without a Visa?
Montenegrin citizens must apply for a visa if they wish to visit the United States. The same is true for Mexico and Canada, but they can visit most of South America without issue.
Which Countries Can Montenegrins Visit Without a Visa?
Montenegrins are a little unfortunate in that they are unable to visit the United Kingdom without a visa. Most countries that require an ETIAS application can visit the UK for up to 6 months at a time—no visa, no visa waiver. Montenegro is one of the few exceptions.
Visits to South Africa, New Zealand, Ireland, China, and Australia also require a visa, but Russia is open and the same is true for large parts of Europe and South America, as well as India, which can be accessed following a short online visa exemption application.