Montenegro is a stunning Balkan country featuring dramatic Adriatic coastline, medieval towns, and rugged mountains. From the UNESCO-listed Bay of Kotor to the beaches of Budva, Montenegro offers remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage in a compact, accessible destination.
Montenegro is a generally safe travel destination with low violent crime rates and a welcoming attitude toward tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in tourist areas during summer, traffic accidents on mountain roads, and natural hazards such as wildfires in dry season.
Current safety advisory
Low
Exercise normal travel precautions. No specific travel warnings for Montenegro from most Western governments. Standard vigilance recommended in crowded tourist areas.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions
Montenegro is categorised at Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions. No specific threat to tourist areas but standard vigilance recommended.
Standard - No Specific Warning
The FCDO advises normal precautions for Montenegro. Road safety and mountain hazards are the primary concerns cited.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas and public transport, particularly in Kotor and Budva during peak season
Be cautious of taxi scams - always agree on the fare before getting in or insist on the meter; use official taxi stands
Drive carefully as roads can be narrow, winding, and steep, especially in mountain areas near Durmitor and Lovćen
Register with local police within 24 hours of arrival if staying privately; hotels do this automatically on your behalf
Be aware of wildfires from April to October in dry areas; follow local authority warnings and emergency broadcasts
Carry a copy of your passport at all times and keep the original secure at your accommodation safe
Register with your country embassy in Podgorica before traveling to remote areas; keep emergency numbers saved
Dress modestly when visiting Orthodox monasteries and churches - cover shoulders and knees; women may need headscarf
Health care facilities are limited outside Podgorica; buy comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation
Montenegro uses the Euro despite not being in the EU; credit cards accepted in cities but carry cash for markets and rural areas
Avoid hiking alone in remote national parks such as Prokletije and Durmitor; hire local guides for multi-day treks
Swimming at unmarked or rocky beaches carries risks; look for beaches with lifeguard flags and heed warning flags
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at Kotor, Budva, and Tivat airports charge inflated fares especially to passengers who don't know local rates. Common at Tivat Airport arrivals.
How to avoid: Use the RedTaxi app or agree on a fixed fare before entering. Official airport taxi stands have regulated prices posted.
Restaurant menu bait-and-switch
Some tourist-area restaurants in Budva Old Town show attractive menu prices outside but add service charges, cover charges, or charge for bread that significantly inflate the final bill.
How to avoid: Always ask for a written menu and confirm total price before ordering. Legitimate restaurants do not charge for bread unless menu states it.
Unofficial currency exchange
Street currency exchangers near Kotor and Budva offer seemingly good rates but use rigged calculators or sleight of hand to shortchange tourists. Montenegro uses euros - no exchange needed.
How to avoid: Montenegro uses the euro - there is no need to exchange currency at all. Never exchange money with street traders.
Boat tour premium pricing
Boat tour operators at Kotor and Budva waterfront sometimes approach tourists with very high prices for bay tours that are available much cheaper at established quays.
How to avoid: Book at official boat tour stands or through accommodation. Standard Bay of Kotor tour should cost €15-25 per person.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No required vaccinations for Montenegro. Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT, etc.) recommended. Hepatitis A and B recommended for longer stays. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine advised if hiking in forests during summer.
- Water
- Safe to drink in cities and most towns. Bottled water widely available and inexpensive (€0.50-1 per liter). In remote mountain areas, bottled water recommended.
- Food
- Facilities
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Generally very safe for solo travellers. Montenegro's small-town culture means locals notice strangers and are typically helpful. The main precautions: register with your embassy before hiking remote areas like Prokletije, avoid walking dark alleys in Budva late on summer nights, and use official taxis. Solo hiking in Durmitor and Prokletije should always be with a guide.
Female travellers
Safe for solo female travellers with normal precautions. The coast and tourist towns are well-lit and monitored in summer. Occasional catcalling in Budva party areas late at night is possible but aggressive behaviour is rare. Dress modestly when visiting monasteries and villages. Travelling with another person for remote mountain hiking is recommended.
Families
Excellent family destination. Very safe for children - Montenegrins are very welcoming to families. Beaches have lifeguards at major resorts in summer. Sun protection essential as UV index is high. Car seats should be brought from home as rental cars rarely provide them. National parks are safe but mountain trails require supervision of young children.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal in Montenegro (since 1977) and anti-discrimination laws are in place. However, public acceptance lags behind legal protections. Public displays of affection may attract negative attention especially outside Podgorica and Budva. The capital has a small but active LGBTQ+ community. Pride events have taken place in Podgorica since 2013 but sometimes with counter-protests. Exercise discretion in rural and conservative areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 122
- Medical
- 124
- Embassy
- Tourist Police