Montenegro : Safety by City
Montenegro is a small country located in the Balkans, bordering with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the north, Serbia to the northeast and Albania to the south.
It also has a gorgeous coastline along the Adriatic Sea, which, even though it is rather small, attracts tourists from the Balkans and from other parts of the world, mostly during summer months.
Apart from its developed tourism along the coastline and in cities located on the Montenegrin Riviera, this country also boasts remarkable natural landscapes with breathtaking mountains that include some of the most rugged terrains in Europe.
They average more than 2,100m in elevation.
Mostly due to its developed tourism, Montenegro is generally a safe country to visit.
Of course, there is a number of criminal activities, but the crime rate in this country isn’t something to worry about.
Warnings & Dangers in Montenegro
OVERALL RISK : LOW
Overall, Montenegro is a safe country to visit. Its crime rate is fairly low and as a tourist, you should only be worried about petty theft in destinations frequented by tourists. Otherwise, Montenegrin people are very warm and friendly.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW
Public transportation in Montenegro isn't as reliable as you'd expect it to be in a European country, so you might find yourself waiting for a bus that has been scheduled to arrive half an hour ago. You can use taxis, though they might try to overcharge you for a ride.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM
There is a risk of pickpockets, especially in the cities of Budva, Kotor, Sveti Stefan, and Herceg Novi. These are the cities located along the coastline and during summer they are crowded with tourists, so keep your valuables locked in a safe place and never bring all your money with you (or to the beach!) If you see a child running towards you, move out of the way and keep your purse tight in your hands.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : LOW
Montenegro is exposed to natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes (with floods being the bigger risk), but they aren't very common and their consequences haven't been devastating in recent history.
MUGGING RISK : LOW
Cases of muggings and kidnapping are rarely if ever reported. If kidnapping does happen, it is usually a part of a conflict between several crime organizations. Violent crime doesn't affect tourists in this country.
TERRORISM RISK : LOW
There haven't been any terrorist attacks in Montenegro in its recent history, but attacks shouldn't be ruled out. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Scams exist in Montenegro, as in every tourist destination. Mostly, you should double-check every chance you get because they might try to trick you and give you the wrong change. Negotiate everything in advance to prevent taxis from overcharging you, and that applies to all other types of services, especially along the coastline.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW
Montenegro is very safe to travel to if you are a solo female. Montenegrin people are very friendly and warm. You might attract some unwanted attention at night near clubs and bars with local men, so avoid walking alone near those areas. Use common sense and your trip should go smoothly.
So... How Safe Is Montenegro Really?
Overall, Montenegro is a safe country to visit.
It is actually known for being filled with friendly people, ready to help, much like its neighboring country, Serbia.
Organized crime exists, but hardly affects tourists.
The only type of crime you should be concerned about is petty theft, which can also easily be avoided if you just apply rules of common sense, such as not leaving your valuables in plain sight and keeping your money in a safe at your hotel.
Places known for petty theft and incidents of pickpocketing are tourist destinations Kotor, Budva, Sveti Stefan, and Herceg Novi, where beggars work as part of organized crime groups and pickpockets wander around looking for unsuspecting tourists.
If you’re driving be wary since luxury vehicles attract the attention of criminals and are popular targets for smash-n-grab theft or occasionally car-jacking.
When travelling around the areas near Montenegro’s border with Kosovo, it is recommended that you stick to the main roads since there might be unexploded landmines along the Kosovo border.
You should also avoid areas where there is military activity.
How Does Montenegro Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Montenegro | 70 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
| Mauritius | 80 |
Useful Information
- Visas - For most nationals, a visa is not required in order to enter Montenegro. EU nationals may enter with a national ID card and stay for up to 30 days. Your passport needs to be valid during the duration of your stay. No additional validation is required. However, if you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
- Currency - Currency in Montenegro is euro. ATMs are widely available, so you can collect your money there, and it is recommended that you exchange your money at the national banks. Credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants and usually accepted elsewhere too. Tipping isn't expected although it's common to round up to the nearest euro.
- Weather - Areas in Montenegro along the coastline are basking in a mild Mediterranean climate, with very warm summers (from May to October) and mild, rainy winters. Central and northern regions have a continental climate where temperatures can drop to -3°C during winter. In the northern mountains, snow is often present even during spring.
- Airports - Podgorica Airport is an international airport located in the Montenegrin capital of Podgorica. It is one of two international airports in Montenegro, the other being Tivat Airport, located in Tivat, a city in the coastline region of Montenegro.
- Travel Insurance - Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Montenegro, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.
Montenegro Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 10 | 12 | 16 | 21 | 26 | 31 | 34 | 34 | 28 | 23 | 17 | 12 |
| Low °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| High °F | 50 | 54 | 61 | 70 | 79 | 88 | 93 | 93 | 82 | 73 | 63 | 54 |
| Low °F | 37 | 39 | 45 | 52 | 59 | 66 | 72 | 72 | 63 | 55 | 45 | 39 |
I would never recommend this place for vacation, beaches are covered with feces and gross garbage so many travelers get sick never never go there
I suppose you were visiting overcrowded and wrong places, you should’ve asked any local or other near, cleaner and less crowded beaches, accommodations, etc.
It is very clean place.The beaches is very clean and gorgeous.I highly recommend to visit the coastline in some places remind me of Maui.Montenegro coastline it is very similar to coastline from Kihei to Lahaina.
Serbs from Montenegro
I loved Budva & Igalo!
These coastal towns are very historic & they are filled with beautiful Serbian people from Montenegro. They are honest, hard working and proud. They keep their cities clean and they treat their guests/tourists with respect. You won’t be sorry and you don’t have to worry about feces and poisoning. Croatia is also very beautiful don’t miss Dubrovnik and Split!
All this thing’s you mention,does not fall from the sky on the beach,just like that…there is many people with different “culture’s” especially from neighbors state’s and they make wrong picture about Montenegro.
Amazing country
Thats lie, Montenegro is amazing county to visit and also for vacation..
Been there last year, its beautiful, so many thing to see, visit and learn
It would help if you would state which beaches, Mila. I’m on my 3rd visit to the country and have found the coastline and beaches no more dirty than countries around Europe each time. I doubt that “beaches were covered in faeces” as you state. Maybe you found a beach with an isolated problem caused by an unfortunate combination of tide and weather that brought sewage ashore? And where can I find the evidence / reports to support your claim that “so many travellers get sick”?
Very safe, full of Chinese citizens, and I do not expect any kind of problems.
Full of na*** black people
What has the colour of a person’s skin got to do with the quality of their character? Suprised your racist comment is permitted to remain here.
Sama Sloga Serbina Spasava 🙁
So I guess Mila is a Serb from Serbia. They hate their fellow Serbs from Montenegro.
They rather visit Turkey, Greece or anywhere their fellow Montenegrin’s are not.
It’s too bad that Sama Sloga Serbina Spasava isn’t true with the above Serbs from Serbia.
I’m glad I’m an American born & raised. Oh by the way they have some of the most beautiful woman and men. I should know my Mother & Father are Serbs from Montenegro!
Please go and enjoy a wonderful vacation in Montenegro but don’t go to Serbia especially Belgrade because it is full of Montenegrin’s that came to study and never went home.
Now I understand why Milo keeps winning the elections!
What a stupid comment…
I think that too.. Mila is probably Serbia and hate everything from Montenegro..
I think you should also preview if it’s safe for racism too. Some of my trips to Europe have been really uncomfortable.
Agree. Recently my family and I went to Austria. The treatment we received as Kiwis was terrible.
People in Austria were not nice to us and we are from Poland. They would stare at you in pubs and restaurants. We travelled across the Alps and to be honest we not felt welcomed there at all.
Waste of time and money
I’ve read a few reviews by people praising it, who were, if you have been there, obviously threatened by one of the local racketeers into submitting a positive review of what is essentially a mix of fundamentalist Islam meeting North Korea and the leftover communist takeover of Europe ambitions you can still find alive and kicking (and running the show too) over there.
Security wise they may let you walk around free/without too much police hassling or bribes, but the appealing food and palpable anger at your as a foreigner wherever you go – I’d rather spend all of my money in a local pub anywhere in the EU than EVER see that nasty place again.
Well, at least until they get treated like the Vietnam of the 60s they aim to be.
i agree.
Waste of money
Very dirty beaches and hostile locals. Sure, you can see some good things, but don’t plan more than a single day or two in Montenegro. Not worth your money.
Visit to gorgeous Montenegro 1
I just read all the comments , the good and the bad ! I certainly don’t minimize anyone’s experience but would like to add a few of my own ! I am a 65 year old Albanian/Montenegrian who has lived away from Montenegro since 1974 ! I have traveled the world and been back to Montenegro several times especially while living in London ( short flight to Dubrovnik). My experience has always been wonderful although I must admit that I avoid hot summer months. The places are crowded , hot and some dirty but there are beautiful almost private idyllic places everywhere, Food is excellent , taxis are cheap and where the heck are the Islamic Fundamentalists ??? People , use your common sense and you should keep you comments sincere and unbiased ! Some of you are obviously NOT seasoned travelers ! What a pity ! I am planning to go back as soon as this coronavirus is over ! Do vidjenja and Revoir beautiful Montenegro !
Risque travel.
what about if you need medical attention? Will you be able to get a speaking English doctor?
English Doctor
My wife and I travelled independently, so had no reps to depend on. When my wife needed medical help, we found an English speaking doctor easily. Enjoy this wonderful country and its people.
Not going back, ever again
The locals are hostile people who only care about their rich Russian tourists. I spent most of my vacation in Budva, where everything is overpriced and of poor quality. Fast food takes up to 40 minutes to make, and neither employees nor owners care if you get a good service, since they’re probably aware of the country’s shit reputation. I liked Kotor, but had the same experience there as well. The stay is very expensive as well, we paid 40€ per night for a tiny room with a toilet. At least the host was nice and gave us a ride to the bus station on our final day. I would rather not talk about the beaches, as that was the worst prt of the entire trip. They are all so small, and Balkan people have absolutely no common sense in regards to private space, so the beaches are extremely crowded and dirty due to the shit ton of people who visit. As mentioned previously in the title, I do not plan on visiting Montenegro’s coastline ever again in my life, and would much rather go to Croatia which is not so far away from this overpriced and shitty country.
I never step a foot to Montenegro again
When I was flaying to Montenegro and seeing those beautiful mountains I felt exited and happy. Not so on my way back. Due to the fact that the booking I paid for failed, I had to pay 1637 euros directly at Square hotel in Budva. The room they sold me has faulty electricity and I requested and promised refund. After 15 days of not receiving that refund and hotel ignoring my requests I wrote google review describing what happened to me. When I called the hotel again the manager told me ‘No refund for you because of your bad google review’. He demanded that I remove the review. I did , but it didn’t change anything. I tried to find the administrative body in charge of tourism in Montenegro to file a complaint. It wasn’t easy, but after another month of research I did. The government organizations in Montenegro are not more cooperative and responsive than hotels administrations are. I am still waiting. Why is the Square manager so brazen and confident while taking tourist’s money with no intention of returning it in case of failing to provide the service? Because there is wild, wild west there in Montenegro despite the legislative alignment with the EU.
The best law is useless if it is not enforced.