NEW RULES OF ENTRY TO MONTENEGRO FOR FOREIGNERS FROM OCTOBER 2025

The new EU Entry-Exit System (EES), which includes Montenegro as a candidate country, will be operational on 12 October 2025. It is an improved digital mechanism for registering entries and exits of foreign citizens arriving for short-term visits to the Schengen area and other participating states

What is EES

EES will replace traditional stamps in passports: each trip of foreigners will be recorded in an electronic system
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The system will register the name, type of document, biometric data (fingerprints, facial recognition), as well as the date and place of border crossing
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The goal is to strengthen control over stay, prevent illegal stay and document falsification, and improve security
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Step-by-step introduction of the system

Start - 12 October 2025, with gradual implementation at external borders within 6 months, until April 2026 . The transition period will allow borders, airlines and other participants to adapt.
Initially, the system may be used without biometrics, but during the transition, facial and fingerprint recognition functions will be added.
After the period, the system should be fully operational at all border crossing points.

Why is this important:
-Higher security: entry/exit information is recorded in real time, making it easier to identify visa violators

-Convenience for travelers: automation will help speed up border control procedures

-Clear statistics and control: countries will be able to quickly track entry and exit statistics, preventing illegal stays.

Montenegro and the EES

Although Montenegro is not yet a member of the EU and the Schengen area, the country is actively preparing for accession. The introduction of the EES system was part of the preparation of the infrastructure for the future integration process. This means bringing border procedures in line with European standards and simplifying future procedures for citizens and investors.

Brief summary

From October 2025, the EES will transform the border crossing procedure for non-EU residents: biometric data and entry/exit times will be recorded at all checkpoints. The system is designed to increase security, encourage transparency and improve the efficiency of migration control. Montenegro, as an EU aspiring country, will be included in these changes, which will benefit both travellers and investors in the future.