Temporary protection of Ukrainian citizens in Montenegro: entry procedure, status registration and social guarantees
After the start of the full-scale war, Montenegro introduced special decisions that regulate the stay of Ukrainian citizens on its territory and determine the procedure for granting temporary protection. These are regulations adopted by the government and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which establish the procedure for entry, document processing and access to social guarantees. These decisions allow Ukrainians to legally stay in the country, use medical and educational services and work without additional restrictions.
Border crossing conditions and required documents
Despite the fact that Montenegro is not a member state of the European Union, its border policy towards Ukrainian citizens has been simplified. To enter, it is enough to have a valid international passport – biometric or non-biometric, as well as a copy of the document. Crossing the border with an internal passport in the form of a booklet or ID card is allowed, provided that copies are available.
If the trip is accompanied by a minor child, border authorities may require documents confirming the family or legal relationship with the child, in particular a birth certificate or the consent of the other parent to the child’s departure abroad. From June 1, 2022, the international insurance system “Green Card” has become mandatory for persons traveling by car, although for refugees it is not always checked at the border itself, but the need for it may arise during their further stay.
Confirmation of vaccination or test results are not required for entry. According to the Embassy of Ukraine in Montenegro, the import of pets is allowed even in the absence of a full package of veterinary documents, which became an important decision for families who left in difficult circumstances.
Those planning a trip must have a passport valid for more than 180 days from the date of entry, as in this case the general rules for short-term stays apply.
Procedure for obtaining temporary protection
Upon arrival in the country, citizens of Ukraine can apply to the regional departments of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Montenegro to submit an application for temporary protection. On the spot, the applicant is offered to fill out the appropriate form, take a photo and undergo a fingerprinting procedure. After that, the submitted materials are checked within a period of up to 30 days.
In case of a positive decision, the person is issued a certificate of granting the status of a foreigner under temporary protection. This status is granted for at least one year with the possibility of extension, which creates legal certainty for those who are forced to stay outside Ukraine for a long time.
The legal basis for this mechanism is enshrined in the decision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of March 1, 2022 and the decision of the Government of Montenegro of March 10, 2022, as well as subsequent conclusions that clarify the procedure for applying the norms.
Social guarantees
Obtaining the status opens access to a number of rights and social guarantees, primarily to free medical care in state healthcare institutions in Montenegro. Information about such institutions can be found on the official website of the country’s government.
Children have the right to primary and secondary education in state educational institutions, although this norm does not apply to kindergartens. Distance education platforms are also available for Ukrainian schoolchildren, which the Embassy of Ukraine in Montenegro reports on its official pages on social networks.
Temporary protection status allows employment without additional permits. According to the Employment Service of Montenegro, citizens can contact the territorial units of this institution to find a job or use online employment resources, in particular the MillionMakers platform.
The right to family reunification and the opportunity to apply for international protection – asylum (azil) are separately provided for, if the person considers it necessary.
Persons under temporary protection are not restricted in their freedom of movement within the country and can change their place of residence or work. Travel outside Montenegro is permitted subject to prior notification to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, indicating the reasons and duration of the trip. Return to Ukraine is possible at any time, while the temporary protection status is automatically terminated.
Help network and contacts for appeals
In addition to state institutions, Montenegro has an extensive help network for Ukrainians. If you need housing, transportation, humanitarian support or advice, you can contact local branches of the Red Cross or specialized assistance centers.
In Podgorica, the support center operates at Balšica 1–5 in the office of the Jet Travel travel agency, in Budva – at 29 Novembra bb, in Bar – at 10A Revolution Boulevard in the premises of the Honorary Consulate of Georgia in Montenegro, in Tivat – at the Omladinski club Tivat, in Herceg Novi – in the Intermedica building, where the Red Cross is located. Each of the centers has its own working hours and communication channels, including telephones and Telegram channels.
For consular support, you can contact the Embassy of Ukraine in Montenegro by phone +382-20-320-400 or by e-mail [email protected], and in urgent cases – via Viber at +382-67-69-86-86. Consular reception and consultations are held daily from 09:00 to 21:00 without prior appointment, on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition, the Embassy informs about the temporary procedure for extending the validity of foreign passports and pasting children’s photos to parents’ passports, which allows resolving document issues without returning to Ukraine.
The temporary protection mechanism introduced by Montenegro creates a clear legal basis for the stay of Ukrainian citizens on its territory, combining simplified entry conditions with access to social services and the possibility of legal work, as well as providing organizational support through state and public structures.
