Is Montenegro Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Insider's Safety Guide - Xplrverse

Introduction: My Love Affair with Montenegro’s Safety

The first time I landed at Podgorica Airport (TGD), I was admittedly nervous. It was 2018, and as someone who’d mostly traveled in Western Europe, the Balkans seemed like an intimidating unknown. Fast forward to today, after seven visits and countless nights exploring everything from Kotor’s walled city to remote mountain villages, I can confidently address the question that brought you here: is Montenegro safe for travelers?

During my most recent three-month stay in early 2024, I was repeatedly struck by how much safer I felt in Montenegro than in many Western European capitals. Walking alone at night in Budva or leaving my backpack momentarily unattended in a Podgorica café never resulted in problems. That said, no destination is without risks, and understanding the specific safety profile of Montenegro will ensure your 2025 trip is both secure and enjoyable.

Montenegro Safety Overview: The Statistics

Before diving into my personal experiences, let’s examine what the data tells us about safety in Montenegro for 2025:

Safety Metric	Montenegro Rating	Comparison to EU Average
Crime Index	Low (27.31/100)	Lower than most EU countries
Violent Crime	Very Low	Significantly lower
Tourist-targeted Crime	Low to Moderate	Similar to Southern European average
Road Safety	Moderate	Higher accident rate than EU average
Natural Disaster Risk	Low (except earthquake risk)	Similar to regional countries
Health Safety	Good	Slightly below EU standards

Sources: Numbeo Crime Index, US State Department, and UK Foreign Office.

Regional Safety Guide: Where to Be Extra Careful

Montenegro’s safety isn’t uniform across the country. Here’s my region-by-region assessment based on extensive travels throughout the country:

Coastal Areas (Budva, Kotor, Bar)

The coastal regions are generally very safe but experience more petty crime during the peak summer months when tourists flood in. In Budva especially, pickpocketing can occur along the crowded promenade. During my last visit in August 2023, I noticed significantly more police presence than in previous years, particularly around Old Town Kotor and Budva’s beaches.

Specific Safety Tip: In Budva’s nightclub area, be particularly vigilant between 1-4 AM when intoxicated tourists become easy targets. I once had my phone nearly pickpocketed outside Top Hill nightclub – the thief was extremely skilled and I only noticed because a local warned me.

Podgorica (Capital City)

As Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica has typical urban safety concerns but remains safer than most European capitals. The areas around the main bus station can feel sketchy at night, and the Konik neighborhood has higher crime rates. During daytime, I’ve never felt unsafe anywhere in the city.

Neighborhood Alert: The area between Stara Varoš and the bus station has some dimly-lit streets that I avoid after 11 PM. If you’re staying near there, take a taxi back at night – they’re remarkably affordable at around €3-5 within the city.

Northern Mountains (Žabljak, Kolašin, Plav)

The northern mountain regions are extraordinarily safe from a crime perspective, but present natural hazards. Winter driving conditions can be treacherous, and hiking trails in Durmitor National Park require proper preparation. Cell service is spotty, so emergency assistance can take time to arrive.

“Pazi se!” (Watch out/Be careful!) became a common phrase I learned from concerned locals when I mentioned hiking solo in Durmitor. Their concern wasn’t about crime, but about rapidly changing weather conditions and challenging terrain.

During winter 2022, I got caught in a sudden snowstorm while driving back from Žabljak. The road conditions deteriorated within minutes, and I was thankful for the winter tires on my rental car and the roadside assistance from helpful locals.

Border Regions

Areas bordering Kosovo and Albania have historically had higher smuggling activity but pose little risk to tourists. The Montenegro-Albania border crossing at Sukobin/Muriqan has significantly improved security since my first crossing in 2018, when it felt somewhat chaotic.

Common Safety Concerns in Montenegro

Petty Theft and Scams

While violent crime is rare, tourists should be aware of these common issues:

Taxi overcharging: Always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price beforehand. In Budva, I was once quoted €20 for a €7 ride. I simply said “Previše!” (Too much!) and walked away, immediately getting a fair price from another driver.
Restaurant bill padding: Always check your bill carefully, especially in tourist hotspots. I’ve had mysterious “cover charges” appear on bills in the busy Kotor marina area.
ATM skimming: Use ATMs attached to banks rather than standalone machines, particularly in Old Town Kotor and Budva’s tourist strips.

Road Safety

This is genuinely Montenegro’s biggest safety concern for travelers. Narrow mountain roads, aggressive driving habits, and poor road conditions in some areas create real risks.

My worst experience: A harrowing drive on the old Kotor-Cetinje road where local drivers overtook on blind corners at terrifying speeds. The newer tunnel route is much safer, though slightly longer.

Avoid driving at night on mountain roads
Always opt for full insurance on rental cars
Be prepared for aggressive drivers and don’t feel pressured to speed
During winter (November-March), snow tires are essential for mountain areas
The coastal highway (E65/E80) is generally good but gets extremely congested in July/August

Natural Hazards

Montenegro’s beautiful landscapes come with some natural risks:

Wildfires: Increasingly common in summer months along the coast
Earthquakes: Montenegro sits in a seismically active region
Flash flooding: Can occur in mountain areas after heavy rain
Winter storms: Can isolate northern towns like Kolašin and Žabljak

During my stay in Ulcinj in August 2022, a wildfire approached within a few kilometers of town. Local emergency services handled it efficiently, but it was a reminder of the increasing climate-related risks in the region.

Special Considerations for Different Travelers

Solo Female Travelers

Based on conversations with female travelers and my partner’s experiences traveling alone in Montenegro:

Street harassment is less common than in many European countries
Rural areas are generally very respectful, though traditional in outlook
Late-night safety in tourist areas is generally good, but the same precautions apply as anywhere
Women-only accommodations are limited outside major destinations

My partner says she feels notably safer walking alone at night in Podgorica or Budva than in Paris, Barcelona, or even Vienna. The main annoyance she’s experienced is occasionally persistent men in nightclubs, but nothing threatening.

LGBTQ+ Travelers

Montenegro has made significant legal progress but social attitudes lag behind:

Legal protection exists but discretion is advised, especially outside tourist areas
Podgorica and coastal towns are more progressive than the interior
Public displays of affection may draw unwanted attention
Pride events now take place in Podgorica with increasing acceptance each year

My gay friends who visited me in Montenegro in 2023 reported feeling completely safe but did modify their behavior somewhat in public spaces, avoiding obvious displays of affection outside specifically LGBTQ+-friendly venues in Budva.

Travelers with Disabilities

Accessibility remains a significant challenge:

Historic sites like Kotor’s walls are largely inaccessible
Newer hotels have better accessibility than small guesthouses
Public transportation has minimal accommodation for mobility devices
Sidewalks often lack ramps and can be uneven

I traveled with my mother who has mobility issues in 2022, and while we managed, it required significant advance planning and occasionally hiring private transport.

3 Money-Saving Safety Tips Only Locals Know

1. The “Tourist Police” Scam

During summer 2023, I witnessed a new scam in Budva where individuals claiming to be “tourist police” asked to see tourists’ wallets to “check for counterfeit bills.” Real Montenegrin police never ask to see your wallet or money. If approached, firmly say you’ll only discuss matters at an official police station.

Money-saving tip: This scam targets people who just exchanged money or withdrew from ATMs. I exchange limited amounts at a time and use bank ATMs during daytime hours, saving both potential losses and exchange fees.

2. The Hidden Beach Transport Deal

Water taxis to beaches like Dobrec near Herceg Novi advertise €10 round-trip fees, but many tourists don’t know that if you go after 2 PM, the price drops to €5-7 but is rarely advertised. Simply ask “Popust za kasnije?” (Discount for later?) – I’ve saved €40+ using this trick with friends.

3. The National Park Pass Hack

Many travelers pay individual entrance fees to multiple national parks. What isn’t widely advertised is the annual Montenegro National Parks card for €20 that covers all five national parks with unlimited entries. If you’re visiting even two parks (like Durmitor and Lovćen), this saves money and also lets you enter through quieter access points where single-entry tickets aren’t sold.

Emergency Information and Resources

Keep this essential information handy during your Montenegro trip:

Emergency Service	Number	English Spoken?
General Emergency	112	Usually
Police	122	Sometimes
Ambulance	124	Limited
Fire Department	123	Limited
Mountain Rescue	+382 40 256 084	Yes
Tourist Police (Budva)	+382 33 403 713	Yes

Key Phrases for Emergencies

“Treba mi pomoć” – I need help
“Pozovite policiju” – Call the police
“Treba mi doktor” – I need a doctor
“Izgubio/izgubila sam se” – I’m lost (male/female form)

Recommended Travel Insurance Options

Based on claims I’ve personally made and experiences from other travelers:

World Nomads – Good for adventure activities coverage in Montenegro’s mountains
SafetyWing – Budget-friendly with good medical coverage
Allianz – Excellent coverage for rental car issues, which can be common in Montenegro

Sustainable Safety: Protecting Yourself and Montenegro

Some of my favorite safety tips also help preserve Montenegro’s natural beauty and culture:

Water Safety That Saves Money

Montenegro’s tap water is generally safe to drink in most regions, saving you from buying plastic bottles. I’ve refilled bottles for years with no issues, except in some rural areas. My reusable bottle saved me approximately €200 over a three-month stay while preventing plastic waste.

In coastal areas during peak summer, water pressure can drop. Keep a 2-liter bottle filled in your accommodation as backup.

Hiking Safety and Conservation

Montenegro’s hiking trails can be poorly marked in less-visited areas. The Outdooractive app has the most reliable offline maps. By staying on established paths, you’re both safer and helping prevent erosion in fragile mountain ecosystems.

I once tried to “shortcut” a trail in Prokletije National Park and ended up in a dangerous position on loose scree. The lesson: well-trodden paths exist for both safety and environmental reasons.

Community-Based Safety Networks

Join Facebook groups like “Expats in Montenegro” where real-time safety information is shared. During the 2023 coastal fires, these groups provided more updated information than official sources. Connecting with these communities also supports local businesses that locals recommend as safe and ethical.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Safety Plan for Montenegro in 2025

After exploring Montenegro extensively over the years, I can confidently say it’s one of Europe’s safest destinations for travelers. The combination of low crime rates, friendly locals, and increasing tourism infrastructure makes it an excellent choice for everyone from solo travelers to families.

Here’s your actionable 5-step safety plan for visiting Montenegro:

Pre-Trip Preparation: Download offline maps for your destinations, register with your embassy’s travel program, and screenshot key emergency contacts and phrases.
Transportation Strategy: Book legitimate transport in advance when possible, especially airport transfers. If driving, get comprehensive insurance and research routes carefully.
Accommodation Security: Choose properties with good reviews specifically mentioning safety. In coastal areas during high season, confirm they have backup water and power systems.
Daily Safety Routine: Carry a photocopy of your passport while leaving the original in secure accommodation. Use money belts in crowded tourist areas and split resources between day bag and accommodation.
Environment Assessment: Check weather forecasts daily, especially if hiking or driving in mountain regions. During summer, monitor wildfire reports for coastal areas.

My final advice? Don’t let the minor safety concerns overshadow the incredible experiences waiting in Montenegro. By taking basic precautions – most of which are common sense you’d use anywhere – you’ll be free to fully immerse yourself in this Balkan gem. From swimming in the crystal waters of the Adriatic to hiking dramatic mountain landscapes, Montenegro offers exceptional experiences with minimal risk.

FAQ: Common Safety Questions About Montenegro

Is Montenegro safe for Americans?

Yes, Montenegro is very safe for American travelers. Despite some lingering anti-NATO sentiment among older generations due to the 1999 bombing campaign, this rarely translates to any issues for individual travelers. As an American who’s spent months there, I’ve never experienced any hostility based on my nationality. The U.S. State Department currently rates Montenegro at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions), their lowest advisory level.

Is it safe to drink the tap water in Montenegro?

Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban and developed areas of Montenegro. However, quality can vary by region and season. Coastal areas sometimes have water restrictions or quality issues during peak summer months. In Podgorica and mountain towns, the water is excellent. I’ve been drinking tap water throughout Montenegro for years without problems, but I do ask locals about specific areas when I visit somewhere new.

Are there dangerous animals or insects in Montenegro?

Montenegro has relatively few dangerous wildlife concerns. There are vipers (poisonous snakes) in rural and mountain areas, but encounters are rare and fatalities extremely uncommon. Brown bears exist in northern forests but avoid human contact. I’ve hiked extensively throughout Durmitor and Biogradska Gora without any concerning wildlife encounters. The most common annoyance is mosquitoes along the coast during summer months.

Is Montenegro safe during the Russia-Ukraine conflict?

Montenegro remains completely safe despite the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. While Montenegro joined EU sanctions against Russia and is now a NATO member, the country is geographically distant from the conflict zone. There have been no security incidents related to the conflict affecting tourists or residents. The only noticeable impact has been a significant decrease in Russian tourists, who previously made up a large market segment.

How good is healthcare for tourists in Montenegro?

Healthcare quality varies significantly. Public hospitals have skilled doctors but often lack modern equipment and may have long wait times. Private clinics in Podgorica, Budva, and Kotor offer better facilities with English-speaking staff. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to larger medical centers in neighboring countries might be necessary. I always recommend comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage. When I needed antibiotics for an ear infection in Kotor, I was impressed with the efficiency of a private clinic, where treatment cost just €40.

Is Montenegro safe for solo female travelers?

Montenegro is generally very safe for solo female travelers. Street harassment is less common than in many European countries, and violent crime is rare. However, in nightlife areas of Budva during peak season, unwanted attention can occur. Traditional attitudes exist in rural areas, but this rarely translates to safety issues. Most solo female travelers I’ve spoken with rank Montenegro among their comfortable solo destinations in Europe, though standard precautions still apply.

Is Montenegro Safe for Travelers in 2025? An Insider’s Safety Guide