Montenegro Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Turkish Citizens Amid Tensions in Podgorica
Montenegro will temporarily suspend its visa-free regime for Turkish citizens following a violent incident in Podgorica that has fuelled public unrest, Prime Minister Milojko Spajić announced on Sunday evening.
«Tomorrow, through an urgent procedure, we will decide on the temporary suspension of visa-free entry for Turkish citizens,» Spajić wrote on social network X. He added that the government would soon begin intensive discussions with Turkey to «find the best model in our mutual interest, in the spirit of good cooperation and alliance,» stressing the need to protect both economic activity and bilateral relations.
Sjutra po hitnoj proceduri donosimo odluku o privremenom ukidanju bezviznog režima za državljane Turske. U cilju očuvanja ekonomske aktivnosti i dobrih bilateralnih odnosa, u narednom periodu iniciraćemo intenzivne razgovore sa Republikom Turskom kako bi u duhu dobre saradnje i…
— Milojko Spajić (@MickeySpajic) October 26, 2025
Police Operations in Zabjelo After Violent Attack
The announcement came as tensions escalated in Podgorica’s Zabjelo district, where police carried out a major operation after a 25-year-old local resident, identified as M.J., was beaten and stabbed late on Sunday. Dozens of residents gathered in protest, chanting anti-Turkish slogans.
A heavy police presence was deployed, and several locations in the area were searched. According to local broadcaster Television Vijesti, three Turkish nationals barricaded themselves inside a casino after a confrontation with locals. Police later removed and detained two of them, one of whom is suspected of involvement in the attack, the channel reported, citing unofficial sources.
Following the arrests, the assembled crowd gradually dispersed.
Investigation and Diplomatic Sensitivity
Earlier in the day, the police confirmed they were searching for three suspects in connection with the assault, which left M.J. seriously injured. The victim told officers he had been attacked by Turkish citizens while sitting with friends at a bar terrace in Zabjelo after closing hours.
Authorities have notified the prosecutor’s office, and the classification of the offence remains under review as the investigation continues.
Kursiv also reports that eralier, Montenegro has suspended its temporary visa-free regime for citizens of Uzbekistan, as well as Armenia and Egypt.
