Is Montenegro Safe?

Generally speaking, Montenegro is a very safe country. There are no unsafe no-go zones or sketchy areas. While there might be occasional demonstrations and large gatherings, they seldom turn violent nor affect tourists. The recent presidential elections seem to affirm this – the transition of power went smoothly.

In the Travel Safe Abroad safety index, Montenegro ranks in the upper third of all countries, above the United States and France.

Montenegro has a high number of police officers who are well-equipped and trained to deal with potentially dangerous situations. Routine police checks are common in Montenegro.

And while the country has a history of rivaling drug gangs, the new government has put in a large effort to bring organized crime figures to justice. Most of the ‘Mafiosi’ are either behind bars or on the run. There have been no terrorist attacks in the recent history of Montenegro.

Info: Montenegro had a crime problem in the 1990s the period following the collapse of Yugoslavia. The ensuing civil war and period of monetary instability led to economic hardships and increased criminal activity in many cities. These days are long gone. Today, Montenegro is safe like any other country in Europe.

Let’s talk about some potential risks travelers face and see whether Montenegro is safe to travel to.

Petty Crime

During peak season (July and August) hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Montenegro. Coastal towns get flooded with beachgoers. Just use your common sense and do not leave your belongings unattended in crowded places. Only carry minimal cash to the beach and you should be fine.

Montenegro is a tiny country and “everybody knows each other”. That is why people have a high level of trust in each other, particularly in villages and small towns where neighbors are just like family.

During the winter months, petty theft is not so prevalent. Read below for further travel tips.

Traffic Risk

In the summer months, traffic can be crazy, above all along the Adriatic Highway. Tourists and locals can get restless after spending an hour or two in traffic. Expect reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, cutting corners, and reckless overtaking.

Also, watch out for some taxi drivers or tour companies. Some of their vehicles might not be equipped with proper seat belts. Some drivers take life too easy and underestimate traffic risks. Some will even try to convince you that ‘this was the way we have always done it and safety was for losers..’. Don’t listen to them.

Montenegro is a very mountainous country and the narrow streets and serpentines can become dangerous due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion. Many motorists underestimate how slippery the road can become after heavy rains. Other drivers in luxury vehicles might drive too fast for road conditions and do not respect Montenegrin traffic laws.

Overview of traffic laws:

• The blood alcohol limit is 0.03% (0.3 promille)
• Wearing seatbelts is mandatory
• Need to keep the headlight on during daytime
• Safety West, safety kit, and spare headlight bulbs are mandatory
• From November 15h to April 1st, winter tires are obligatory
• On some mountain roads you are obliged to have snow chains

The penalties for some traffic offenses can be severe, including jail time. (more than 2 promille, exceeding the speed limit by 70 km/h in built-up areas). In case of a traffic violation, sign the acknowledgment that will be handed to you by the traffic police officer. Do not try to bribe the officers; this is a criminal offense.

The chance of being stopped by a traffic cop in Montenegro is high. They will usually follow the same script and will check your Passport and driver’s license.

If you have rented a car in Montenegro with a local company and want to cross the border to a neighboring country, you need to inform them upfront. They need to first stamp your rental agreement with a dedicated stamp. Border guards won’t let you across the border if you don’t have it.

Be cautious when crossing rails: sometimes the traffic lights of the level crossing don’t function properly. If you see drivers crossing at a red light, it for the most part means that the light is giving the wrong signal. Approach the crossing slowly, watch left and right, and when no train is in sight, feel free to cross. The good news is that trains in Montenegro are slow so you will easily recognize them at a distance.

Wildfire Risk

July is typically the beginning of Montenegro’s wildfire season. By the time summer arrives, Montenegro has typically gone for months without a drop of rain. Trees and shrubs are then bone-dry so that just a spark of fire can light up whole mountain ranges. 

These fires can be hard to control because they often reach remote regions that are hardly accessible. It can take up to two weeks until the fires have been reigned in, usually with the help of rainfall.

The most affected areas are usually the coastal region and the section from Podgorica to the Bosnian border. Unsuspecting tourists might get surprised: fires spread very quickly. It is best of you frequently check local media to receive alerts when a wildfire has broken out.

If you have not experienced a wildfire before, you might not be aware of the air pollution that comes conjointly. The air quality worsens dramatically, especially in places that are close to the fire. But even more, remote locations might be affected due to the wind moving smoke and particles farther away.

Earthquake Risk

While it might be extremely unlikely to experience a larger-scale earthquake, it is not impossible. Many people still remember the devastating 1979 quake that devastated the country. Modern building codes factor in the possibility of earthquakes. If possible, stay in up-to-date modern buildings.

Info: The risk is significantly higher in private accommodations because every other building from the 90s and early 2000s has been constructed with insufficient supervision and adherence to building codes.

Swimming and other water sports activities

Most tourists come to Montenegro for the beaches and the clean and crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea. Swimming is safe under normal conditions everywhere along the coast.

There are however two potential dangers you should be aware of:

• Scirocco: big waves and unsteady waters (Jugo in Montenegrin)
• Bora Wind: extreme wind speeds

Swimmers need to pay attention to the local weather conditions and check for the red flag. A red flag indicates unsafe water conditions during which you should not go into the water. The warm Scirocco wind originates in the Sahara desert and leads to waves and rip currents when combined with a rising tide. 

Info: Should you find yourself in the sea during these circumstances, you can help yourself get out by swimming parallel to the shoreline. Do not attempt to fight the waves – this will only lead to panic.

The Bora Wind is not so much a danger to beachgoers as it is to sailors and boaters. It is a very strong northern wind that often blows for days in a row. Wind speeds can reach up to 200 km/h along the coast of Montenegro.

Should you find yourself in a small vessel, you run the risk of being dragged out into the open sea and having your sail and pole devastated. Montenegro has a Maritime Search and Rescue Subdivision that can be reached under the number 129.

Taxi Scams

You might run into unethical taxi drivers or more frequently drivers that pretend to be taxi drivers. You should only use official taxis. At airports you will identify them by checking their license plates: it needs to match the city of the airport. If you land in Tivat, the license plate must read ‘TV’, and in Podgorica, it must be ‘PG’. Be sure that the taximeter is turned on.

Cruisers going offboard from cruise ships are also at risk. Deceitful cab drivers might play on the visitor’s naivety and charge astronomical prices. As a rule of thumb, most trips will be in the range of 10 – 20 Euros. If somebody asks 100€ for what seems to be a short trip, you might have become the victim of a scammer.

Info: 100€ is the fare to drive from Kotor to Skadar Lake. 80€ will buy you a trip to the Lovcen National Park.

Luckily, there are not that many tourist scams in Montenegro compared to other countries. 

Local Markets

Who does not love visiting a good old local market when traveling to a new country? They often give insight into the country’s customs and traditions and offer fresh local produce – at least they should. 

In Montenegro, you need to be careful at these markets because some local sellers will try to take advantage of you. Tourists are popular targets. There are usually no price tags on the items and you will most likely just pay what the seller asks for. Always inquire about the price upfront.

Pushy Waitors

While this does not happen so frequently, some waiters are dishonest and prey on unsuspect tourists. Waiters are often seasonal workers from neighboring countries who work here just during summer and some of them want to make as much money as possible.

Always watch out for how much change they will return. And don’t forget whether you gave them a 50€ or 100€ bill. Some might also pressure you into giving a greater tip. Don’t succumb to their demands. These waiters are rare but you will most likely find them in the old town or at a nightclub.

Exchanging Money

Ideally, you already bring sufficient Euros (Montenegro’s currency) with you. There are not many exchange offices in the country. You can exchange currency at local banks but they are mostly not able to exchange exotic currencies.

Withdrawing money from an ATM comes usually for 3 – 5 Euros. If you withdraw any other currency besides Euros, always choose your home bank to do the conversion. You’ll get much better exchange rates.

While most places accept card payments, it’s not possible in all shops and restaurants. Some smaller shops might ask for a minimum transaction volume of 5 or 10 Euros before they will accept card payments. Always carry cash with you.

Getting lost in the wild

Year in and year out, adventurers who visited Montenegro ran into hazardous situations. Some got lost in the wild and vast mountain landscape or a national park while others got injured while mountain climbing or hiking.

If you find yourself in a precarious situation, it is best to call 112 and ask for help. Montenegro has a dedicated Mountain Rescue Team that is specialized in emergency recovery.

Don’t underestimate the amount of rainfall Montenegro gets either. Depending on the time of the year, a huge volume of water can fall in a very short period. When raining heavily, debris and rocks regularly fall and block mountain roads. It can take a long time before the downpour finally stops. The wettest months are November and December.

Before embarking on a road trip, double-check if you have taken all safety gear with you, especially when camping. If you want to hike the most intricate mountains, you need to be prepared. What looks easy on paper, can be much more challenging in reality. Try to stick to the marked hiking trails.

Parking is a challenge

Particularly in the small populated areas of Boka Bay and Budva, parking spots during the summer months are hard to come by. Be very cautious where you leave your car. The municipal parking service is very active and will tow away your car in a heartbeat. You then need to pay 120 – 150€ to get it back.

You will also find other people parking in front of you so that you cannot leave the parking lot. Should that happen to you and the driver did not leave a notification with his phone number on the windshield, you can ask in the nearby cafes or restaurants whose car that is.

This is an annoying but common occurrence in Montenegro. People are used to it and don’t get angry. Should it be impossible to locate the car owner and you need to leave the spot immediately, then you should call the police 122 or the Municipal Police (Komunalna Policja).

Info: If you park your car, be sure to always pull the handbrake, especially when parking in steep terrain. 

Stay requirements

Montenegro still has no system in place that automatically registers visitors to the country. That is why you must register with the ‘Tourist Info’ within your 24 hours of crossing the border. Should you stay at a hotel, the staff will take care of it during the check-in. If you stay in a vacation rental, please ask the host to do it and show you the receipt.

While it’s rare, border authorities can give you a fine (minimum 60 Euros per person) if you have failed to register. If you want to extend your stay beyond what your passport allows you, you need to obtain a residency in Montenegro. A temporary residence permit is usually valid for one year and is in most cases based on company formation.

If you have overstayed your tourist visa, you will either have to pay a fine – calculated on a per-day basis – or be detained. You can not extend a tourist visa in Montenegro but need to reapply at a Montenegrin embassy instead.

Is Montenegro safe for solo female travelers?

Montenegro is one of the safest countries for solo female travelers. Women can safely roam the streets, go out, and return home at night even without company. Violent incidents are rare. Offenders may be sentenced to very long prison sentences for serious felonies. Lighter transgressions often lead to immediate deportation.

There have been some reports of solo female hitchhikers who got chatted up by local men. While there have been no notable incidents and the drivers were probably just trying to hook up, it might be safer just to take the bus or train.

Is it safe for Americans to travel to Montenegro?

The number of American tourists in Montenegro has been increasing steadily for the last couple of years. It is safe to travel to Montenegro, much safer than traveling to South America for example. According to safety indices, even safer than in the USA itself.

Montenegrins are accustomed to foreign tourists. During the peak season, there are more tourists in the country than natives. Rarely are there any notable incidents? Violent crime is not common but exercise normal precautions nonetheless.

If you have traveled to the Balkans or other Eastern European countries before, you will probably have noticed that the whole region was very safe. Children often play outside without parental supervision. Car thefts and armed robberies are very rare in Montenegro.

Is Montenegro safe for black tourists?

Montenegro is safe for black tourists. There is no history of racial discrimination against black people. Montenegro is a very safe destination for everyone. Just watch out for your safety as you would in your home country, and abide by local laws such as having no illegal drugs on you. Recreational drugs such as Cannabis are not legal.

In coastal Montenegro, locals are used to seeing tourists of any skin color daily. This is different in rural areas. If you venture out into remote areas, locals might be simply surprised to see a black person because it is a rare occurrence and they are not accustomed to it. But it’s not dangerous.

Bad things about Montenegro

Here are some warnings, a few tips, travel advice, and a list of things that are not that great in Montenegro.

Montenegro Essentials

• Public Transport is lacking in terms of availability, reliability, and comfort: it is better if you can rely on a car for your trips through the country
• Natural disasters such as forest fires are frequent, especially during the tourist season
• Service quality in Hotels, Restaurants, and shops is subpar: there is a huge shortage of workers and the ones that are doing the job are not happy about it. Don’t expect a smile.
• Beaches can be overcrowded in July and August. 
• Montenegro has a garbage and recycling problem: expect to see plastic waste, used car tires, and the like in places where they don’t belong.
• There are stray dogs (and cats) in some towns and cities.
• Roads get clogged in summer; the infrastructure needs improvement and the driving culture is competitive and aggressive.
• 40% of the population smoke and while it is prohibited in closed areas, you will experience the occasional transgression of people who don’t care.
• Hospitals are not on the same level as in Western Europe.

Travel Resources

If you plan a trip to Montenegro, be sure to first check your passport validity. Further, it is important to take out travel insurance that will help you mitigate potential health risks.

Don’t get me wrong, Montenegro is an amazing country but if you travel abroad you always need to exercise caution and follow the advice of local authorities in case of an emergency. If you have been the victim of any sort of unlawful act, head off to the nearest police station to register your case.

Should there be a serious problem, you can always rely on emergency consular assistance should your country have an embassy in Montenegro. In dire cases, a medical evacuation can be organized by plane or helicopter.

Here are the most important phone numbers that you should memorize before setting foot on the shores of Montenegro:

• 112 – European number for general emergencies
• 122 – Police
• 123 – Fire department
• 124 – Ambulance

Conclusion

So, is Montenegro safe? It is. The crime rate is low but you still need to watch out for illegal cab drivers trying to overcharge you. This is the most common complaint tourists have in Montenegro besides the service quality in restaurants and hotels.

Montenegro’s popularity as a tourist destination is on the rise and that should come as no surprise  – the country has much to offer in terms of natural diversity, stunning scenery, and hospitality of the local population.

What needs some getting used to is the mentality of the locals: they like to take things slowly which might be frustrating in some situations. You will have to be patient at the supermarket, at the bank, and the restaurant.

But this is something that you cannot change and after a while, you get used to it. Montenegro has opened its doors to migrants from many countries and many have been living in the country for many years without any major issues. 

This is a testament to the security situation in the country which is stable and nobody expects it to change anytime soon.