Let’s take a look at the current customs regulations in Montenegro.
Green and Red Corridor Rules
If you have items that are subject to customs duty, you must enter Montenegro through the red corridor. These items must be presented to customs officers to determine the tax amount.
If you do not have items that are subject to duty, you go through the green corridor. Officers in the green corridor have the right to inspect passengers’ luggage — and this happens regularly.
If a passenger is not sure whether to choose the green or red corridor, they should go through the red corridor.
Bringing Money In and Out of Montenegro
You may bring up to €10,000 (or equivalent in another currency) into Montenegro without declaration.
Payment cards and other instruments must be shown to officers when entering or leaving the country.
Food Imports to Montenegro
Without specific certificates, you may bring in the following:
- Baby food and dietary products for medical needs
- Packaged raw fruits and vegetables (except potatoes) up to 5 kg
- Dried fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, raw coffee, cocoa beans, spices, tea — up to 1 kg total
- Alcoholic drinks in sealed packages — up to 5 liters
- Other beverages in sealed packages — up to 2 liters
- Bottled water — up to 5 liters
- Combined and other foods not requiring special storage — up to 1 kg
- Pet food in sealed packaging — up to 1 kg
You may also bring in plants, but only in small amounts. For example, up to 10 balcony plants are allowed.
Importing Medicines into Montenegro
Passengers may bring a reasonable amount of medicine for personal use or for an animal traveling with them.
You can bring a supply of medicine for up to 6 months.
If the medicine contains narcotic or psychotropic substances, the limit is 30 days, and you must have a doctor’s note, not older than 90 days.
Cultural Items and Artwork
Import and export of cultural valuables require permission from the appropriate authority.
If you want to export such an item, you need a permit from the Ministry of Culture of Montenegro.
So, think in advance if you really want to buy a painting or antique and deal with this process.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
- It is forbidden to bring endangered species of plants and animals without special permission.
- If crossing the border with weapons or ammunition, you must show proof of need, such as an invitation to a hunt or sports event.
- Foreigners may bring weapons if they are registered in their travel documents.
Duty-Free Allowances
Items for personal use are duty-free, along with:
- Tobacco products:
- 200 cigarettes, or
- 100 cigarillos, or
- 50 cigars, or
- 250 g of tobacco
- Alcohol:
- 1 liter of alcohol over 22%, or
- 2 liters up to 22%, or
- 4 liters of still wine, or
- 16 liters of beer
Duty-free value limits for items in personal luggage:
- €300 when traveling by car
- €430 by air or sea
- €150 for travelers under 15, regardless of transport type
VAT Refund
Foreigners who do not live in Montenegro can get a VAT refund on goods bought and taken out of the country. Mineral oils, alcohol, and tobacco are excluded.
Conditions for a VAT refund:
- Total purchase from one seller on one day must exceed €100
- Seller must provide a filled VAT form and invoice
- Goods must be exported within 3 months of purchase
- Goods must be shown to customs officers when leaving Montenegro
