Looking for your next unforgettable European road trip destination? In the heart of the Balkans, you’ll find the perfect hidden gem for motorhome and campervan travellers! Often overlooked in favour of more well known European road trip destinations, the small but mighty Montenegro offers an incredible variety of stunning landscapes to explore, from its dramatic mountains and crystal clear lakes to its vibrant coastal towns and medieval villages brimming with charm.
Despite its small size (to put it into perspective Montenegro is about 18 times smaller than the UK) Montenegro is the ideal getaway for those looking to experience a blend of stunning scenery, natural beauty, and rich culture!
In this guide to Motorhome and Campervan travel in Montenegro, we’ll take you through everything you’ll need to know before setting off on your European vanlife adventure!
Entry Requirements for UK Citizens Travelling to Montenegro
KOTOR, MONTENEGRO – JUNE 12, 2015: Beautiful view from above on the Kotor and Bay of Kotor, Montenegro. Waving in the wind flag of Montenegro on Ancient fortress wall above Kotor
Image source: nikkusha – Adobe Stock
Passport Requirements for Montenegro
You must ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your planned departure date from Montenegro.
Do I need a visa to visit Montenegro?
If you are a UK citizen visiting Montenegro you do not require a visa providing that you are not staying longer than 90 days in any 180 day period.
If you wish to travel in Montenegro beyond the 90 day period you must meet the Montenegrin government’s entry requirements and secure a visa or permit to stay in the country.
Is Montenegro in the EU and will travelling in Montenegro count towards my Schengen 90 day allowance?
No, as Montenegro is not in the EU or Schengen zone it will not count towards your Schengen 90 day allowance. As Montenegro has its own separate visa free travel allowance from Schengen, this can be beneficial for travellers watching their travel days making sure they are not exceeding the 90 days in the Schengen zone per 180 day rolling days rules.
Learn more about the Schengen 90/180 day rules here.
Registering with the authority’s requirement
Once you have arrived in Montenegro you will need to register with either the local tourism office or police within 24 hours. It’s important that you register as failure to do so can result in fines, detainment, or a court appearance.
Recommended Vaccines
You can find out details of vaccination recommendations and requirements for Montenegro here.
Driving in Montenegro – What you need to know
Image source: Sebastian – Adobe Stock
Vehicle entry requirements – What you need to drive in Montenegro as a UK citizen
To drive in Montenegro you’ll need:
- A valid UK driving license.
- UK sticker for your vehicle (the GB sticker is no longer valid due to changes to the UK driving rules.)
- Your motor insurance certificate
- A V5 registration document or if you hired your vehicle the hire car paperwork.
Montenegro drink driving limit
In Montenegro, there are very strict drink driving limits compared to the UK (In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is 0.08% and for Scotland it’s 0.05%.) In Montenegro the drink drive limit is 0.03% blood alcohol levels, this means just one drink could put you over the legal limits!
Driving rules
The following are the rules you will need to follow when driving in Montenegro:
- In Montenegro you drive on the right and overtake on the left
- Headlights must be on at all times (using dipped headlights during the day)
- Seat belts must be worn for all occupants
- Vehicles on the right will usually have the right of way
- Children under the age of 5 must use an appropriate child seat
- Children 12 and under are not allowed in the front passenger seat
Speed limits
In Montenegro speed limits are measured in km/h not mph. Most vehicles will have a speed meter featuring both mph and km/h. However, if your vehicle does not feature km/h you will need to purchase a digital speedometer so you can ensure you can stick to the correct speed limit.
Typically speed limits in urban areas are 50km/h (31.07 mph), on open roads and rural areas are 80 km/h (49.8 mph), and 100km/h (62.14 mph) on faster expressway routes but always make sure to follow speed signs to ensure you are adhering to the correct legal speed.
Mandatory items/safety equipment for driving.
It is required for you to carry the following safety equipment when driving in Montenegro a warning triangle, a high visibility reflective jacket for each occupant on the vehicle, a first aid kit, spare lightbulbs for external lights, and a fire extinguisher.
In the event of a breakdown you must put on the high vis reflective jacket and place the warning triangle about 30m (100m on motorways) behind your vehicle to warn other drivers.
Winter weather requirements
In Montenegro, from the 15th November to the 1st April, winter tyres are mandatory, tyres must be marked with the M+S symbol and have a minimum tread depth of 4mm. Snow chains are also required if the road surface is covered with snow or ice, and is also compulsory where you see a round blue traffic sign showing a white tyre with a snow chain. It is also advisable to carry a snow shovel and anti-freeze in your vehicle during the winter conditions.
Snow Chains Obligatory road sign
What are roads/driving like in Montenegro
When driving in Montenegro, you’ll see stunning views and landscapes however there are a few things to be mindful of for a safe driving experience. Firstly, if possible try to avoid driving at night as many of the roads, especially those in rural or mountainous areas are poorly lit or in some cases not at all lit at night which can make navigating unfamiliar areas difficult.
Also, when driving in rural areas keep an eye out for life stock that might be free roaming, it’s not uncommon to encounter cows or sheep wandering out onto the road so be cautious when driving.
Montenegro has a lot of rural, costal, and mountain roads – these roads commonly have tight bends, and limited visibility so ensure to drive with caution. When driving on mountain roads consisting of steep inclines, twisting narrow roads, and sharp turns make sure you take your time and drive carefully as these can be challenging to navigate especially in a bigger motorhome.
Motorhome size restrictions in Montenegro
Motorhomes should not exceed a width of 2.55m and can be up to 12m long.
Get Insurance for Montenegro
If you’re a Comfort Insurance customer with a Motorhome or Campervan insurance policy underwritten by Aviva, we’re happy to announce that we are able to offer you comprehensive insurance cover for Montenegro under your existing policy! If you require cover for Montenegro, we will provide a Green Card upon request.
To find out more, simply give us a call on 0208 984 0777 or contact us by email at info@comfort-insurance.co.uk.
Our optional breakdown cover provided in association with ARAG plc and Call Assist will be offered on a pay/claim basis for Montenegro, this means that you must pay initially, and ARAG plc will reimburse you when we are in receipt of a valid invoice/receipt. Before arranging these services, authorisation must be obtained from our operator.
It’s also important to consider travel insurance for your trip, this can protect you in the event of a trip cancellation, injury and illness, and other expensive emergencies or disruptions. If you’d like to learn about our travel insurance policy, you can do so here. We can tailor your policy to your needs, with a wide range of travel add-ons like cover for winter sports or water sports, you can explore and enjoy all your favourite leisure activities knowing you’re covered!
Interesting destinations in Montenegro
Durmitor National Park
Image Source: sforzza – Adobe Stock
Durmitor National Park is a must for any adventurer, here you can explore stunning forests, crystal blue glacial lakes, rugged mountain peaks, and the jaw-dropping Tara River Canyon (one of Europe’s deepest Canyons!)
The national park offers a range of different activities to discover from exploring scenic hiking trails, to wild water rafting on the Tara River, or hitting the slopes at the Savin Kuk ski resort.
Budva
Aerial view of the old town of Budva, Montenegro.Image
Image Source: dudlajzov – Adobe Stock
For a blend of history, beach relaxation, and vibrant nightlife head to Budva! Explore the atmospheric Budva old town and take the sights of this medieval city, for a deeper dive into the areas cultural heritage visit the Budva city museum.
Once you’ve explored the city sights, kick back and relax at the Budva Riviera, a 35km coastline renowned for its beautiful beaches. As night falls, you’ll find out why Budva as Montenegro’s party capital as you take in the buzzing beach clubs and bars, the lively clubs in Old Town, and hilltop venues!
Ostrog Monastery
Aeral view to Monastery Ostrog. St. Basil of Ostrog, founded in the XVII century and rebuilt in the 1920s. Montenegro
Image Source: Vitalii – Adobe Stock
Ostrog Monastery is one of Montenegro’s most striking landmarks as Ostrog is carved into a nearly vertical cliff face! Visitors are drawn by the Monastery’s dramatic architecture, beautiful murals, rich cultural heritage as well as it’s breathtaking panoramic views of the natural surrounding landscape!
Whether you’re interested in history, religion, or simply stunning scenery, Ostrog provides an unforgettable experience for any traveller exploring Montenegro.
Kotor
Scenic panorama view of the historic town of Perast at famous Bay of Kotor with blooming flowers on a beautiful sunny day with blue sky and clouds in summer, Montenegro, southern Europe
Image Source: JFL Photography – Adobe Stock
Tucked along the stunning Adriatic coastline is Kotor, one of Montenegro’s most popular destinations to visit. You’ll be enchanted exploring its UNESCO-listed Old Town and its captivating Venetian architecture, picturesque squares and impressive city walls.
For those craving adventure and unforgettable views, a hike up to the San Giovanni Fortress will give you sweeping views of the city and coastline below, or for an alternative view to take in the coastal beauty and turquoise waters consider a boat tour of the bay of Kotor.
Piva Canyon – Piva Lake
Aerial view of Beautiful Piva river canyon with reservoir Piva Lake (Pivsko Jezero) summer view in Montenegro. Nature travel background.
Image Source: Kokhanchikov Adobe Stock
At this final travel gem you’ll discover breathtaking beauty, crystal blue waters, and outdoor adventure! Explore Piva Lake by boat, kayak, or try the exhilarating river rafting.
If you’re feeling really daring, experience Montenegro’s longest zipline that will take you on an adrenaline pumping 65 km/h ride. Starting from Nature Park Piva, the zipline soars above the lake, offering panoramic views of sparkling waters below, the lush forests, and dramatic mountain landscapes.
Other useful information and FAQs for Montenegro travel
Personal ID requirements
In Montenegro you must always carry a form of ID, such as your photocard driving licence or your passport. If a police officer asks you for identification and you do not have it with you it could result in a fine.
What to do if you receive a fine in Montenegro
If you receive a fine for a traffic penalty when in Montenegro, you may need to pay this at a bank or a post office within 8 days of receiving the fine or before leaving the county. Any unpaid fines for foreign nationals are recorded.
Emergency number in Montenegro
If you need to contact the emergency services (police, medical assistance, or the fire brigade) in Montenegro you can do so by calling 112. A good fact for travel to know is 112 is also the emergency number used throughout the EU, EEA, and many other European countries. Call operators will speak the native countries language but should also have operators that can assist you in English.
Currency used in Montenegro
The Euro is the currency used in Montenegro.
Is card payment widely used?
Card payments are widely accepted in Montenegro especially in tourist areas. However, if you are visiting rural areas or smaller businesses you should carry cash to make payments in case the option for card payment is unavailable.
What language is spoken – is English commonly spoken?
The official language of Montenegro is Montenegrin, however Serbian is a commonly spoken language too. In tourist areas and among the younger generation particularly you will find some residents that can speak English, however you may need to rely on translation apps to communicate if there are no English speakers available.
It’s important to note that Google Translate does not currently support Montenegrin as a direct translation language. You can however use Serbian to translate, as Montenegrin and Serbian are very closely related languages, you should be able to use the Serbian language option to communicate with little difficulty.
Weather in Montenegro
The best months to visit Montenegro are considered to be between May – September. From July to August are usually the hottest months with temperatures ranging in highs around the high 20’s to the mid 30’s, however the weather occasionally rises up to 40°C during heatwaves. The weather during the summer is typically hotter in the central plains and costal regions.
While July – August are the hottest months, these months are also when crowds are the busiest, May, June and September are months where the weather is still warm but there are fewer crowds.
If you’re planning to explore Montenegro during the winter, the temperature will vary from region to region. In the winter the coastal areas temperatures range from 6°C to 12°C, but in the mountainous regions can drop as low as -6°C, these regions typically experience heavy snowfall in the winter too.
Are there Campsites available in Montenegro?
You’ll find a range of different campsites in Montenegro suitable for Motorhomes and Campervans. Motorhoming is gradually becoming more popular in Montenegro with many opting to explore the country over other Europe destinations because of its stunning natural beauty as well as its generally low cost of living.
Can I bring pets to Montenegro?
Pets such as cats or dogs over the age of 3 months are able to be transported into Montenegro, however they must meet the conditions for non-commercial transportation of pets listed here.
UK Government Foreign Travel Advice for Montenegro
Before you travel you should always look to get the most up to date travel guidance from the GOV.UK website. Here you will be able to check the latest information on advice on warnings & insurance, entry requirements, safety and security, health, and getting help. The government’s specific guide for travel advice to Montenegro can be accessed here www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/montenegro. You may find it useful to take a printable version of the guide with you, a link to a printable copy of the entire guide can be found towards the bottom of the page.
Get Cover for your European Motorhome Adventures today!
Planning a European road trip? Get a Motorhome or Campervan Insurance quote today! We cover over 30 different European territories, giving comprehensive cover and peace of mind for your voyages throughout Europe. To see a full list of the countries we cover as standard see our Horizon Motorhome & Campervan Policy Booklet or our Twilight Campervan Policy Booklet.
The newest country we have added to our territorial limits is Montenegro! If you have an annual policy with Comfort underwritten by Aviva we are now able to provide you with a green card and temporary comprehensive cover for your dates of travel to Montenegro under your existing policy, please email us or give us a call on 0208 984 0777 to find out further details.
