Montenegro: Authorities to tighten certain COVID-19-related restrictions from March 11 /update 29

Montenegro to tighten certain COVID-19-related restrictions on international entry and domestic activity starting March 11.

Event

Authorities in Montenegro plan to tighten certain COVID-19-related restrictions. Effective March 11, 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.

With regard to domestic restrictions, authorities are tightening certain measures in the cities of Podgorica, Bar, Cetinje, Herceg Novi, Niksic, Pluzine, Ulcinj, Budva, and Tivat. Starting March 11, public catering establishments, shopping centers, gyms, and daycares will be closed. Moreover, residents of the cities in question will not be permitted to travel outside their municipalities except for work, study, or medical purposes. The restrictions will last through at least March 17. Additionally, the following existing restrictions remain in effect nationwide:

A daily 2100-0500 curfew is in force; residents may only leave their homes for essential purposes during this time.
Intercity traffic is prohibited from 2100 Fridays to 0500 Mondays.
Most public gatherings are prohibited; registered gatherings are possible up to a maximum of 25 people.
Nonessential businesses and services may operate between 0700-1800.
Where permitted to open, catering establishments may operate between 0700-1800; 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.

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.