Location: Montenegro
Event: The government of Montenegro has confirmed 105 cases of COVID-19 in the country and has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Montenegro has barred admission to foreigners, except for those with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro. Travelers who have arrived from countries affected by the epidemic and determined by health officials will be subject to mandatory self-isolation. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Visit the website of the Government of Montenegro for additional information on these new measures.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.
The Government of Montenegro has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19.
- 15-day ban has been put in place against individuals gathering in people’s homes, other than those belonging to the household.
- A curfew is in effect from 7:00pm to 5:00am on weekdays. On weekends, people will be required to remain in their homes from 1:00pm on Saturday until 5:00am on Monday. Exceptions will be made for those providing essential public services or leaving their home to go to a workplace. People will also be allowed to walk their pets in public spaces for up to 60 minutes. Persons younger than 12 years of age are not allowed to be in public spaces from 5am until 7pm, unless escorted by a parent or adult member of their household.
- All persons currently under quarantine or self-isolation in Montenegro will be required to self-isolate for an additional 14 days.
- All public gatherings, both indoors and out, are banned.
- A ban on weddings and funerals.
- All ports are closed to cruise ships and yachts.
- No visitors are allowed in prisons, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
- Cinemas and theaters are closed.
- A ban on all international flights, trains, and buses into and out of Montenegro, beginning Tuesday, March 17.
- A ban on entry of foreigners into Montenegro, except for foreigners with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro and foreigners entering by vehicle for the purpose of transporting goods.
- The movement of goods into Montenegro, as well as in transit to other countries, remains unhindered, but subject to special sanitary health controls.
- Compulsory 14-day self-isolation for all Montenegrin citizens, as well as for foreigners who have permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro, coming from any country abroad.
- A ban on guest services in hotels, except for already registered guests.
- Closure of all nightclubs, bars, cafes, cafeterias, and restaurants, except for take away and delivery service.
- Closure of children’s playrooms, of fitness centers, casinos, and betting clubs.
- Limiting the number of customers in relation to the size of a retail outlet. Only one customer at a time is allowed in a retail space less than ten square meters. In a retail outlet larger than ten square meters, regardless of surface, there can be no more than 50 customers at one time.
- Limiting the number of customers who can be in a market (i.e. farmer’s/green market) to 100.
- Suspension of public transportation, to include all in-country rail and buses.
- A ban on the operation of indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities and swimming pools.
- Closure of hair and beauty salons.
- The closure of all retail outlets, except pharmacies; grocery stores and facilities selling food, beverage, and hygiene products; and outlets selling fuel, construction material, baby products, construction products, plant protection products and planting materials, animal nutrition and treatment products, agricultural machinery, and funeral equipment.
- The suspension of taxi services.
- The closure of all dentist offices.
- A limit of two adults per vehicle.
- Closure of parks and outdoor recreational spaces.
- Suspension of international passenger traffic, except for the repatriation of Montenegrin nationals, with mandatory placement of those arriving into quarantine centers for 14 days.
- Prohibition on intercity travel, except for transportation related to the movement of goods, delivery of medicines, emergency medical services, utility services, supply of fuel and electricity, transportation of employees, and transportation of persons who are outside their place of residence in order to return home.
- Prohibition on the presence of more than two people together in an open public place, to include sidewalks, squares, streets, parks, beaches, etc., except for persons who are carrying out their regular work duties.
- Limiting working hours to 8am to 6pm for stores that are still allowed to operate (pharmacies; food, beverage and hygiene retailers; and outlets selling baby products, construction products, plant protection products and planting materials, animal nutrition and treatment products, agricultural machinery, and funeral equipment).
- Limiting the working hours of tobacco and press kiosks to 7am to 3pm, with two shifts of employees of four hours each.
- Validity of expired driver’s licenses is automatically extended if the driver possesses a valid insurance policy and proof of valid vehicle technical inspection.
- Extension of the validity of expired permanent and temporary residence permits.
Visit the local government COVID-19 website for updated information.
Effective March 16, 2020, U.S. Embassy Podgorica has suspended routine consular services. For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information https://me.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline. If we have any updates, we will send another alert.
Actions to Take:
· Visit our Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Montenegro.
· Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
· For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
· Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
· Check with your airlines regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
· Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Podgorica, Montenegro
Dzona Dzeksona 2
81000 Podgorica
+382 20 410 500
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Montenegro Country Information
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