Explore Montenegro
Montenegro is the small, dramatic country at the southern end of the Adriatic. The coast is stunning, Durmitor and the mountain interior are underrated, and compared with Croatia it still feels relatively untouristed. The catch is that Montenegro is outside the EU, outside Schengen, and outside the EES scheme. Several UK insurers also exclude it from standard European cover. This guide covers the border paperwork, the Green Card question, the Sozina tunnel toll, and the handful of other things that catch first-time visitors out.
Last verified: 21 April 2026
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Driving rules
There is only one short section of motorway in Montenegro, the A1 between Podgorica (Smokovac) and Matesevo. Everywhere else you are on primary (magistralni) or regional roads, most of which are single-carriageway.
Mountain roads are frequently narrow, twisty, and without crash barriers. Keep speeds low, particularly when heading into Durmitor or the Tara canyon. The Tara bridge is worth the detour but allow time for the approach roads.
Driving tips
- The drink-drive limit of 0.3 g/l is stricter than the EU average. A pint of beer the night before can still put you over at breakfast. Treat it as effectively zero tolerance.
- Fuel stations are widespread on main routes but sparse in the mountains. Fill up before crossing Durmitor or the Tara canyon.
- Police checks on main roads are common and routine. Have your documents ready and be polite. On-the-spot fines are the norm for minor offences.
- Roads in Montenegro have improved dramatically in the last decade, but potholes, livestock, and rockfall remain realistic hazards, especially after heavy rain.
- Parking in Kotor, Budva, and the old towns along the coast is very limited. Use designated motorhome parking outside the walls rather than trying to squeeze into a town-centre space.
Required kit
Tolls and vignettes
Tolls
The Sozina tunnel is the main road link between Podgorica and the coast (avoiding the slower coastal mountain road). It is worth the toll for the time saved.
The A1 motorway section between Smokovac (just outside Podgorica) and Matesevo is currently the only tolled motorway section in the country. It cuts a significant amount of time off the journey north towards the Serbian border.
Vignette
Montenegro does not use a vignette. You pay per-journey at the Sozina tunnel and on the A1 motorway section.
Low emission zones
Montenegro has no low emission zones and no Crit'Air-style sticker system.
Supermarkets and shopping
Budget
Mid-range
Premium
Opening hours
Sunday trading is more generous in the coastal tourist belt than inland. In Podgorica and small inland towns, expect many shops to close by early afternoon on Sunday.
Alcohol
Local beer (Niksicko) and wine (Vranac) are both cheap and good. Rakija (fruit brandy) is the traditional spirit and well worth trying.
Local tips
- Voli is the largest domestic chain and has taken over many former Mercator stores. It is your best bet in smaller towns.
- Local markets (pijaca) are excellent for fresh produce, cheese, honey, and smoked meats. Podgorica, Kotor, and Tivat all have good ones.
- Cash is still useful, particularly at small roadside stalls and in the mountains. Card acceptance is widespread in supermarkets and tourist areas but not universal.
Motorhome LPG and gas in Montenegro
LPG for Autogas refills is very limited in Montenegro, with roughly fifteen stations nationwide, mostly around Podgorica and along the coast. Plan refills carefully and top up whenever you get the chance.
Montenegro uses the Dish and Euronozzle fittings. A three-piece adapter set covers both.
For exchangeable bottles, Montenegro uses its own branded bottles with connections that are not compatible with UK Calor. If you rely on exchange bottles, you will struggle. A refillable system fitted before you leave the UK is strongly recommended for Balkan trips.
Motorhome electric hook-ups in Montenegro
Campsites in Montenegro typically offer 6A to 10A hook-ups via the standard blue CEE plug. 16A pitches are rare. A UK-style hook-up lead will plug straight in.
Voltage drops are common, particularly on busy coastal sites in summer or on sites at the far end of a long distribution run. The nominal voltage is 230V but you may see 200-210V under load, which can be enough to trip some sensitive appliances or cause 3-way fridges to struggle on mains.
Polarity is mixed. Carry a plug-in socket tester and a crossover adapter lead in case you need to correct a reversed supply.
Read our complete guide to motorhome electric hook-ups in Europe.
Documents you need
Your own vehicle
- Passport (stamped on entry and exit)
- UK Photocard Driving Licence
- Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
- Insurance Certificate plus Green Card covering Montenegro
- Travel Insurance Proof
Several UK motor insurers exclude Montenegro from their standard European cover or require a policy extension. Ask for written confirmation that Montenegro is listed on your Green Card before you leave. If your Green Card does not cover Montenegro, you will be required to buy local insurance at the border.
Rental or hire vehicle
- VE103 Certificate
- Driving Licence Check Code
- International Driving Permit (if you still hold a paper licence)
Travelling with dogs
Montenegro (non-EU) accepts the UK AHC and standard EU pet travel paperwork. No tapeworm treatment is required to enter. For the return journey to the UK, remember to find a vet in Montenegro, Croatia, or Slovenia (depending on your route) to do the tapeworm treatment within the 24-120 hour window before you reach the UK border.
What to pack
- Dog lead
- Water bowl
- Vaccination records
- AHC
Food import rules
Montenegro is outside the EU, so you are crossing a customs border on entry. Personal food allowances are typically up to 2 kg of meat and 2 kg of dairy. In practice, the food element is rarely the issue at the Montenegrin border, the Green Card insurance check is far more likely to delay you. Declare larger quantities of goods if asked.
Border and entry
Montenegro uses the euro despite not being in the EU or the eurozone. ATMs are widespread in towns; use major banks (NLB, CKB, Erste) to avoid high-fee independent machines.
Useful links
Common questions
Do I need a visa to visit Montenegro in my motorhome?
No. UK citizens can enter Montenegro visa-free for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. You will be stamped in and out of the country on your passport. Montenegro is not in the EU, not in Schengen, and not in the EES scheme, so the entry process is a traditional border check rather than a biometric one.
Does my UK insurance cover Montenegro?
Not automatically. Several UK motor insurers exclude Montenegro from their standard European cover and require a policy extension, sometimes at extra cost. Always ask for written confirmation that Montenegro is included and carry a Green Card that lists it. If your Green Card does not cover Montenegro, you will be required to buy local insurance at the border.
Are there motorway tolls in Montenegro?
Yes, but on a very small scale. Montenegro has one short section of motorway (the A1 between Smokovac and Matesevo) with a toll of around EUR 3.50 for a car. The Sozina tunnel on the main coast-to-Podgorica road also charges EUR 3.50-4.50. There is no vignette. All other roads are toll-free.
Can I take my dog to Montenegro in a motorhome?
Yes. Montenegro accepts a UK Animal Health Certificate along with a microchip and a rabies vaccination that is at least 21 days old. No tapeworm treatment is required to enter Montenegro. For the return to the UK, your vet must administer a tapeworm treatment between 24 hours and 120 hours before you arrive back.