Before anything else, always check with the embassy for the latest updates since Montenegro visa policies change frequently. You can send an email or reach out to their contact details found on their website.
Substitute visa is a visa policy that allows travelers to enter a country using a visa or residency permit issued by another country. This often applies to holders of visas or residence permits from countries or regions that have high security standards and stringent entry requirements. The main reasons for implementing substitute visa policies include mutual trust and cooperation between the countries and to encourage tourism.
Traveling to a new country often brings a sense of excitement, mingled with the inevitable hassle of visa applications. However, Montenegro, a hidden gem in the Balkans, has simplified this process for many international travelers with its innovative substitute visa policy. I know that countries like Mexico allows this using a Japan visa. What I didn’t know is that Montenegro also allows Japan visa as a substitute for a Montenegro visa. Here’s how I discovered this convenient option and how I used it for my trip to this Balkan country.
Revelation of the Substitute Visa for Montenegro Visa
I am familiar with the intricate and sometimes frustrating process of obtaining visas. When my employer informed us about a company-paid conference in Montenegro, I naturally began researching the visa requirements. I clouded my initial thoughts with the usual concerns: lengthy applications, document preparations, and waiting periods. However, a deeper dive into Montenegro’s visa policies revealed a pleasant surprise—the substitute visa.
Stated on Article 7 of their Decree on Visa Regime found on their government website, you can check it here.
Holders of valid foreign travel documents containing a valid Schengen visa, a valid visa of Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Croatia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland may enter, pass through the territory and stay in Montenegro up to 30 days, and not longer than the expiry of visa if the period of validity of the visa is less than 30 days.
Holders of valid foreign travel documents with a residence permit in the countries of the Schengen zone, Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Republic of Croatia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, Romania, the United States of America and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland or with Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Travel Cards issued by the member countries of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) may enter, pass through the territory of and stay in Montenegro up to 30 days, and not longer than the expiry of the validity of the residence permit or APEC Business Travel Card, if the period of validity is less than 30 days.
So if you have a valid multiple-entry Japan visa, you can stay in Montenegro up to 30 days.
Correspondence with the Embassy
A colleague of mine inquired at the Montenegrin embassy about the visa application process, and the staff confirmed that some visas could indeed serve as a substitute for a Montenegro visa. This confirmation was the green light I needed. I swiftly moved forward with my travel plans, booking a Turkish Airlines flight that connected through Istanbul and ultimately landed in Tivat, Montenegro.
Airline Personnel and Immigration Encounters
Anticipating that some airline and immigration officers might not be familiar with the process, I prepared printouts of Montenegro’s Decree on the Visa Regime as well as the email sent by the staff from the Montenegrin embassy.
Turkish Airline Staff at NAIA Terminal 3
Before reaching the check-in counter, an airline staff member was checking flight details and passports. She asked for my visa, and when I mentioned that I would be using my Japan visa, she simply checked it and asked me to proceed to the check-in counters. The check-in counter staff also quickly verified my documents, printed my boarding pass, and processed my checked baggage.
Immigration Officer at NAIA Terminal 3
In contrast, the immigration officer at NAIA Terminal was shocked when he heard that I would be using my Japan visa, especially after seeing my flight ticket to Montenegro. He then verified it in their system, and once confirmed, he simply asked for the invitation letter for the conference and stamped my departure.
Turkish Airline Staff at Istanbul Airport
Since it was a connecting flight with Turkish Airline to Tivat, Montenegro, and I had only a 2-hour layover, I didn’t need to clear immigrations at Istanbul Airport. I immediately proceeded to my assigned gate upon landing. When boarding was announced, a Turkish Airlines staff member held me back and asked for my Montenegro visa. I mentioned that I would be using my Japan visa. After confirming the visa policy in their system and seeing my valid multiple-entry Japan visa, he asked for previous Japan arrival stamps.
I was prepared to argue that the Montenegro visa policy doesn’t specify that the visas need to have been used. Fortunately, I had visited Japan a month before that trip. After confirming my previous arrivals and visa usage, they allowed me to board the flight. However, please take note of this in case you plan to use your Japan visa (or another substitute visa) to visit Montenegro. It is safer to use the Japan visa for travel to Japan before using it as a substitute visa for Montenegro. This ensures that obtaining a Japan visa, rather than applying for a Montenegro visa, as a substitute was not your primary intention.
Immigration Officer at Tivat, Airport
The airport experience was smooth, and the immigration process was surprisingly quick. The officer asked for my visa, the moment I mentioned that I’ll be using my Japan visa, he quickly searched for it on my passport, stamped with my arrival, and welcomed me in Montenegro. The entire process was as easy and efficient as the embassy had promised.
Another note: a colleague intended to use their valid multiple-entry Australian visa to stay longer, as they were only granted a week of stay. However, the immigration officer noted that the visa was not a sticker in their passport. My colleague said the Australian embassy doesn’t issue visa stickers, but their visa wasn’t accepted as a substitute. Since they had a Montenegro visa, they were allowed to enter.
Upon checking with local authorities and the Montenegrin Embassy in the Philippines, we discovered that, since Australia no longer issues visa stickers, they should have honored the electronic visa printout. We believe there was likely a miscommunication between the local authorities of Montenegro. A local friend verified the information. A week later, my colleague’s family entered Montenegro using their Australian electronic visa printout. Therefore, double-check with authorities in cases like this. I can only attest to the use of a Japan visa as a substitute.
Practical Tips for Using the Substitute Visa
If you’re considering taking advantage of Montenegro’s substitute visa policy, here are a few practical tips:
- Verify Your Eligibility: Ensure your multiple-entry visa from Schengen, Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Romania, US, and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Island, is valid for the duration of your stay in Montenegro. It’s always a good idea to double-check with the Montenegrin embassy or consulate.
- Keep Documentation Handy: Carry a printed copy of your valid visa along with your passport. While digital copies are often sufficient, having physical copies can expedite the process in case of any technical issues.
- Confirm with Airlines: Inform your airline about the substitute visa policy when booking your ticket. This can help prevent any misunderstandings during check-in or boarding.
- Contact the Embassy: If you have any doubts or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to the embassy. They are responsive and can provide up-to-date information.
- Travel Insurance: Although not related to the visa, travel insurance is always recommended. It adds an extra layer of security, ensuring a worry-free trip.
Montenegro’s substitute visa policy is a testament to the country’s commitment to welcoming international travelers with open arms. This innovative approach simplifies travel and enhances the experience by eliminating a common stressor of international trips. If you’re looking to discover a new and exciting destination without the usual visa hassles, Montenegro awaits. Embrace the simplicity of the substitute visa, pack your bags, and get ready to explore one of Europe’s hidden gems.
Omg! Thank you for sharing this tip.