How to Get Around Montenegro

Montenegro has two international airports, Podgorica 12 kilometres from the capital and Tivat 4 kilometres from Tivat's centre, about two hours from most European capitals; there are good bus connections with Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia and a local network, with tickets bought online through the BusTicket4.me service the tourist board names or at the station counter; and marinas at Porto Montenegro, Kumbor-Portonovi and Luštica Bay with border crossing points for those arriving by sea. Anyone sailing in must enter at a designated port or contact the harbour master or police first. A railway runs inland from Bar through Podgorica to Bijelo Polje, but it publishes no fares in a readable form, so none are given here.

Driving is the usual way and the main risk. The tourist board calls the main roads well kept, the coast and the northern mountains linked by the Adriatic Highway; the Canadian advisory says most roads are poorly maintained and secondary roads narrow, that heavy snow and ice are winter hazards and that the Morača canyon road is particularly dangerous. The car must carry visibility vests in the cabin rather than the boot, a European accident report form, spare bulbs, a first aid kit and a warning triangle, plus snow tyres and chains between 15 November and 31 March. An international driving permit is required, the blood alcohol limit is 0.03 per cent, and priority to the right applies at intersections even on secondary roads -- which, the advisory notes, surprises foreign drivers into accidents. Use licensed taxis ordered in advance or by app.

Entry

Visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the passport must have been issued within the last ten years and be valid three months beyond the planned departure. Land border crossings may close at short notice. Valuables -- expensive jewellery, photographic and computer equipment -- must be declared, as must anything subject to tax or duty. By sea, enter only at a designated port, or contact the harbour master or police first.

Registration -- 24 hours

Every visitor must register with the local tourism office or police within 24 hours of arrival. Hotels and some holiday lets do it for you; in private accommodation you must do it yourself. Failure can mean a fine, detention or a court appearance.

Getting there and around

Airports: Podgorica (12 km from the city) and Tivat (4 km), roughly two hours from most European capitals. Buses: local network plus international routes to Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Serbia; book online or at the counter. Sea: marinas at Porto Montenegro, Kumbor-Portonovi and Luštica Bay. Road: main roads good, the Adriatic Highway linking coast and north.

Driving

International driving permit required. Carry visibility vests in the passenger compartment, a European accident report form, spare bulbs, a first aid kit and a warning triangle; snow tyres and chains from 15 November to 31 March. Blood alcohol limit 0.03 per cent; a visibly drunk passenger may not sit in front. Priority to the right at intersections, including secondary roads. Secondary roads narrow and poorly maintained; the Morača canyon road is the worst. Car theft targets rental and luxury vehicles.

Money

Visa, Visa Electron, Mastercard, Maestro, American Express and Diners are accepted. Use ATMs inside banks where possible and check street machines for tampering.

Emergency numbers

112 general; police 122; medical 124; fire 123; roadside assistance and road closures 19807. No Canadian office in Montenegro.