Montenegro: Authorities to ease nationwide COVID-19-related curfew, as well as restrictions in certain areas from April 1 /update 32

Montenegro to ease some COVID-19-related restrictions, shorten curfew from April 1. Other restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Montenegro plan to ease certain COVID-19-related restrictions in some areas and shorten the existing nationwide curfew. Starting April 1, curfew hours will run 22:00-05:00 rather than the current 21:00-05:00 time frame. During curfew hours, residents may only leave their homes for essential purposes. In addition, catering establishments will be allowed to reopen in all areas except for Niksic and Savnik.

Tighter restrictions remain in place in Podgorica, Bar, Ulcinj, Cetinje, Niksic, Mojkovac, Bjelo Polje, Savnik, and Berane. In these cities, shopping centers, gyms, and daycare centers are closed. Moreover, residents are not permitted to travel outside their municipalities except for work, study, or medical purposes. These measures will remain in force through at least April 9.

Additionally, the following existing restrictions remain in effect nationwide:

Intercity traffic is prohibited from 21:00 on Fridays to 05:00 on Mondays.
Most public gatherings are prohibited; registered gatherings are possible up to a maximum of 25 people.
Nonessential businesses and services may operate between 07:00-21:00.
Where permitted to open, catering establishments may operate between 07:00-21:00; bars and clubs must remain closed.
Individuals must wear protective face coverings in indoor and outdoor public spaces and maintain at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) of physical distancing.

All travelers entering the country must present proof of vaccination or a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 48 hours prior to arrival; the test can be either a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or a rapid antigen test. All individuals arriving from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, or Serbia are exempt from this measure and may enter without restrictions. Freight transporters and aircraft cabin crews are also exempt.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments. Plan for queues and delays at available shopping centers.