Media: Montenegro introduces visas

The information was confirmed to Dan from Podgorica by several sources from the Government of Montenegro, and according to that information, the only thing that separates Montenegro from the introduction of visas for Russian citizens is the request that the European Union should send to candidate countries for EU membership, and Russia is the first in line, primarily because of the war in Ukraine.

Until now, it has been the practice to introduce visas for one country at a time, but this process will be significantly accelerated.

If Montenegro introduces visa requirements for Russia and Belarus, it could affect the current influx of Russian tourists and residents, as well as their significant contribution to the economy.

However, adaptation to the Schengen policy is necessary for the realization of Montenegrin aspirations towards European integration. There remains the possibility that Montenegro will seek specific arrangements for individual countries during the accession negotiations, but the chances of the EU agreeing to greater deviations are relatively small.

The introduction of visas for Russian and Belarusian citizens therefore represents an important step, but also a potentially sensitive political move that will have far-reaching consequences on the social and economic relations of Montenegro with those countries, Dan daily writes.