Montenegro: Authorities to tighten COVID-19-related restrictions in two additional townships starting March 25 /update 31

Montenegro to tighten COVID-19-related restrictions in two additional towns from March 25. Other restrictions remain in place.

Event

Authorities in Montenegro plan to tighten certain COVID-19-related restrictions in the towns of Savnik and Berane effective March 25, bringing the areas in line with locations where stricter measures are already in place, such as Podgorica, Budva, Bar, Herceg Novi, Ulcinj, Cetinje, and Niksic, Mojkovac, and Bjelo Polje. In these cities, public catering establishments, 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. The new directives will remain in force in Savnik and Berane through at least April 1.

Additionally, the following existing restrictions remain in effect nationwide:

A nightly 21:00-05:00 curfew is in force; residents may only leave their homes for essential purposes during this time frame.
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 07:00-20:00.
Where permitted to open, catering establishments may operate between 07:00-18:00; 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.