Montenegro has temporarily suspended its visa-free travel arrangement for Turkish nationals following a violent incident in the capital, Podgorica, which raised significant concerns about public safety and national security. The suspension, announced on October 26, 2025, comes after a stabbing in the Zabjelo neighborhood and subsequent protests, during which Turkish nationals were detained. The government's decision aims to strengthen border control mechanisms and address the growing threat of organized crime, particularly by foreign criminal groups. The move is viewed as a temporary measure while authorities review and reassess their immigration and security policies.
Montenegro, a country known for its serene landscapes and a popular destination for travelers, has temporarily suspended its visa-free travel arrangement for Turkish nationals. This decision, announced on October 26, 2025, follows a series of violent incidents in the capital city of Podgorica that led to protests, arrests, and rising concerns about public safety. The government's swift action aims to review and strengthen mechanisms for monitoring foreign nationals' entry and stay, signaling a strong response to an escalation of criminal activity within its borders.
The suspension of the visa-free regime comes on the heels of a violent altercation that took place in the Zabjelo neighborhood of Podgorica on the night of October 25. The incident began when a 25-year-old Montenegrin citizen, identified as M.J., was assaulted and stabbed by a group of Turkish nationals following a verbal dispute. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries but was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
This violent incident sparked outrage among local residents, who soon gathered in protest. The situation escalated as the protesters, many of whom were angry about the assault, began chanting anti-Turkish slogans. Vehicles with Turkish license plates were damaged, and several properties owned by Turkish nationals were vandalized. Some Turkish citizens, fearing for their safety, sought refuge inside a local casino, where they barricaded themselves for a brief period.
In the aftermath of the violent altercation, Montenegrin police launched a series of raids in the Zabjelo area. The operation led to the arrest of two individuals, one Azerbaijani and one Turkish national, in connection with the stabbing. Furthermore, 45 Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals were detained for alleged immigration violations, as the authorities sought to assess whether any of the detained individuals were involved in organized criminal activity or other offenses.
This violent episode, coupled with a heightened sense of public unrest, prompted the Montenegrin government to take decisive action. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced that the country would temporarily suspend the visa-free regime for Turkish nationals, a policy aimed at addressing rising concerns about security and criminal activity. This suspension is seen as a temporary measure, intended to allow the government to conduct a thorough review of its foreign nationals' entry policies.
Prime Minister Spajić, in a statement made on Sunday evening, confirmed that the decision to suspend the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens would be adopted through an urgent procedure. He explained that the measure was necessary to preserve economic stability, protect national security, and ensure public safety. The government, he said, would work closely with Turkish authorities to find a mutually beneficial resolution.
In his remarks, Spajić emphasized that the suspension of the visa-free regime was not a permanent policy change but a temporary response to the current situation. He also reassured the public that Montenegro's long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with Turkey would remain intact, and that efforts would be made to find a diplomatic solution to the issue.
To address the immediate concerns of Turkish nationals who are already in Montenegro or planning to visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with expediting the visa application process. This move is expected to alleviate potential disruptions in travel while the government reviews its broader immigration and security policies.
The decision to suspend visa-free travel for Turkish nationals was not solely based on the violent incident in Podgorica. The Montenegrin government has also cited concerns about the growing influence of organized crime groups operating within its borders. According to the government's assessment of threats from serious and organized crime (SOCTA), foreign criminal groups -- particularly Turkish, Georgian, and Russian nationals -- have become increasingly active in Montenegro in recent years.
The involvement of Turkish nationals in the recent violent incidents further exacerbated these concerns. Authorities have expressed worry that such incidents are linked to organized criminal activity, with some speculating that the altercations were not purely spontaneous but may have been part of a broader, orchestrated effort. However, the investigation is still ongoing, and it remains unclear whether these actions were indeed the result of organized crime or simply a reaction to a local dispute.
Despite the investigation's current ambiguity, the government has moved forward with its decision to suspend the visa-free regime, citing the need for a stronger border security framework to prevent further escalations.
The announcement of the visa suspension has sparked a mixed response from the public and various political factions within Montenegro. While some support the government's decision as a necessary step to protect national security and address rising concerns over public safety, others have voiced concerns about its timing and potential long-term consequences.
The Center for Civic Education (CCE), a prominent Montenegrin think tank, condemned the suspension of the visa-free regime, arguing that it reflects a lack of maturity in handling migration and security issues. The CCE also raised concerns about the negative impact the decision could have on Montenegro's international reputation. According to the CCE, the visa suspension could be seen as a knee-jerk reaction to a single violent incident, undermining the country's image as a tolerant and welcoming destination for foreign visitors.
At the same time, the European Commission has weighed in on the issue, noting that Montenegro's visa policy should align with that of the European Union. This alignment would help maintain consistency across the region and ensure that Montenegro remains a reliable partner in the EU's broader visa policy framework. While the suspension of the visa-free regime for Turkish nationals may be seen as a step toward meeting these recommendations, critics argue that the decision could hinder Montenegro's integration with the EU and its image as a stable and welcoming destination for tourists.
As the situation continues to develop, Montenegro and Turkey are in close communication to resolve the issue diplomatically. Turkey has expressed concern about the safety and treatment of its citizens in Montenegro, with the Turkish Foreign Ministry calling for the immediate protection of Turkish nationals and a swift resolution to the suspension of the visa-free regime. Both countries have a long history of strong diplomatic and economic ties, and efforts are underway to prevent the situation from damaging their bilateral relationship.
Turkey has assured Montenegro that it will take all necessary measures to address the concerns of the Montenegrin authorities, including enhancing cooperation in combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of Montenegrin citizens. The Turkish government has also expressed its desire to continue supporting Montenegro's economic development, particularly in the areas of tourism and trade.
In the coming weeks, both governments are expected to engage in high-level talks to address the current tensions and find a mutually beneficial solution that will allow Turkish nationals to resume travel to Montenegro while ensuring the country's security concerns are met.
Montenegro's decision to temporarily suspend visa-free travel for Turkish nationals has highlighted the growing concerns about security and organized crime within the country. While the measure is seen as a response to recent violent incidents in Podgorica, it also reflects a broader concern about the influence of criminal groups in the region. As both governments work towards resolving the situation, it remains to be seen whether the suspension will have a lasting impact on Montenegro's relationship with Turkey and its position within the European Union's visa framework.
Montenegro has temporarily suspended its visa-free travel for Turkish nationals following a violent incident in Podgorica, which raised concerns over national security and public safety. The move aims to strengthen border control and address increasing criminal activity linked to foreign nationals.
For now, Montenegro is taking necessary steps to review its immigration policies, strengthen border security, and maintain its diplomatic ties with Turkey. As the investigation into the Zabjelo incident continues, the international community will be watching closely to see how Montenegro navigates this delicate issue.