Why is this important
The simplified visa regime stimulated tourist and business ties between the countries. The abolition of such a regime will complicate travel, especially for tourists and businessmen from Uzbekistan.
What happened
- At the 98th session of the Cabinet of Ministers of Montenegro, previous decisions exempting citizens of Uzbekistan, Egypt, and Armenia from visas were canceled.
- The government stated that visa exemptions are suspended as part of its commitment to aligning visa policy with EU rules and Chapter 24 (visa policy issue).
- Now Uzbek citizens will need to obtain a visa in advance through the Embassy of Montenegro.
- The visa-free regime was previously in effect during the tourist season from June 15 to August 30 — during this period, Uzbekistanis could enter with a tourist voucher.
- The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan stated that it does not have official information about the lifting of the regime.
Context
The visa-free regime for Uzbek citizens with Montenegro has been in effect since June 2023. Montenegro, which is applying for EU membership, is now aligning its visa regulations with EU unified standards.
