Montenegro

Recommended Vaccinations For Montenegro

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis Vaccine

Vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is recommended if travelling in the coastal regions of the Adriatic Sea or where contact with ticks might occur (camping, hiking, outdoor activities) during early spring to late autumn.

Recommended Medications For Montenegro

There are no recommendations for Montenegro at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Montenegro

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Montenegro through contaminated food or water.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Montenegro.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever in this country through specific insect, bug or tick bites or by coming in close contact with a person or animal infected with this disease. Travellers involved in activities like hiking, camping, working with animals, and visiting farms and forested areas are at a higher risk. There are no vaccinations (or medications) to prevent Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Measles

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in Montenegro. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Tick-Borne Encephalitis

There is a risk of Tick-borne Encephalitis in some areas of this country. The main affected areas are the coastal regions of the Adriatic Sea. The transmission season varies, however, ticks are most active during early spring to late autumn.

Safety & Security in Montenegro

Personal Safety

Montenegro maintains a relatively low crime rate with petty theft being the primary concern for visitors. Pickpocketing and bag snatching occur most frequently during peak tourist season from May to September in crowded locations such as Kotor, Budva, Bar, and Herceg Novi. Beach areas, airports, public transport, and tourist hotspots present elevated risk. Credit card fraud happens regularly at ATMs and payment terminals. Drink spiking has been reported in bars and nightclubs, particularly affecting tourists. Violent crime targeting tourists remains rare, though incidents of organized crime between criminal groups can affect bystanders. Sexual assault, assault, and robbery can happen. The country ranked 48th out of 163 countries on the 2022 Global Peace Index, performing better than France and Greece. You should watch your belongings in crowded areas and avoid isolated locations at night. The Canadian government notes that firing weapons to celebrate is common during weddings, holidays, and special occasions. Injuries and deaths from stray bullets do occur, so you should avoid areas where celebratory fire is taking place.

Extreme Violence

Terrorist attacks in Montenegro are rare. The country maintains robust security measures and collaborates with international partners on counterterrorism. No recent incidents have targeted tourists or foreign nationals. Targeted bomb attacks and gun violence linked to organized crime can occur, though these rarely involve foreigners. You face risk as a bystander if present during criminal confrontations between groups. Incidents of violent crime between organized criminal groups can affect others nearby. The terrorism threat level remains low, and Montenegro is not considered a target destination. Local authorities prioritize maintaining security for the tourism industry, which comprises nearly 30% of GDP. You should remain alert to suspicious behavior and avoid confrontations. Security near the Kosovo border area can be unpredictable.

Political Unrest

Protests and demonstrations occur regularly in Montenegro, typically in front of government buildings, religious sites, and in major cities like Podgorica and Cetinje. Recent years have seen protests related to political changes, citizenship laws, religious disputes, and labor issues. Most demonstrations remain peaceful but can turn violent with clashes between protesters and police. The 2019 anti-corruption protests, 2020 clerical protests over religious property laws, and 2021 nationalist protests drew significant participation. Roads may become blocked without notice for several hours during demonstrations. The 2023 parliamentary and presidential elections reflected improved democratic processes, though political tensions persist. Public protests can lead to traffic disruptions and potential for violent incidents. Pride parades have taken place annually since 2013, with the most recent events in 2023 and 2024 proceeding peacefully with government and diplomatic community attendance. You should avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings take place and monitor local media for updates.

Areas To Avoid

The Kosovo border area presents unpredictable security conditions. Moraca Canyon north of Podgorica poses significant road hazards. No specific neighborhoods or districts are highlighted as particularly dangerous for tourists. Most safety concerns center on tourist hotspots during peak season where petty crime increases. Coastal cities like Kotor, Budva, Tivat, and Herceg Novi are generally safe but experience higher pickpocketing rates during summer months from June to August. Isolated areas at night should be avoided. Rural and mountainous regions require caution due to poor road infrastructure, sudden weather changes, and limited services. Some rural areas may have aging infrastructure affecting water quality and other utilities. The country’s small size means most locations remain accessible and relatively safe compared to other European destinations.