Practical information
Entry and documents, money, driving, phone, health and emergencies. Checked against France Diplomatie.
The rules on entry, registration, winter driving and mobile phones were checked on 9 October 2026 on the France Diplomatie website. The other points (emergencies, time, electricity) are general information. These rules may change: check the sources before you leave.
Entry and stay
French citizens do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days. A valid national identity card is enough for a stay of under 30 days; beyond that, a passport is required. France Diplomatie nevertheless recommends using a passport when the identity card shows a printed expiry date that has passed despite an administrative extension (the Montenegrin authorities have accepted this extension).
Registering your stay: if you are staying with private hosts, the stay must be declared within 24 hours of arrival with the Tourism Organisation or the municipal police station. The minimum fine is €60. Hotels and professional accommodation generally handle this formality for their guests.
Money
Montenegro uses the euro without being part of the eurozone. Bank cards are widely accepted in the main tourist areas, but keep cash for Perast (boat, bell tower, parking), small shops and remote places.
Phone and mobile data
Montenegro is not in the European Union and EU roaming rules do not currently apply there (joining the roaming area is under discussion). France Diplomatie advises caution with EU SIM cards and notes that local operators offer inexpensive data plans for tourists. Check your operator’s rates before you arrive.
Driving
The main roads are generally in decent condition. Coastal traffic can be very heavy in season, and some secondary roads are narrow or less well maintained. In the mountains, the weather can quickly change driving conditions. From 15 November to 1 April, vehicles must be fitted with suitable tyres. Some passes may be closed in winter. After an accident, call the police to make a report.
See also the Budget page for car rental.
Health and insurance
Insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is strongly recommended. Check your coverage before you leave: the European Health Insurance Card scheme is not the same as that of the European Union.
Emergencies
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| European emergency number | 112 |
| Police | 122 |
| Fire brigade | 123 |
| Ambulance | 124 |
Other useful facts
- Time: Montenegro is in the same time zone as France.
- Electricity: 230 V, type C and F sockets, as in France.
- Language: Montenegrin, with English widely spoken in tourism. A few useful words on the page The name and the language.