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Montenegro will temporarily suspend visa-free travel for Turkish nationals following a knife attack in the capital, Podgorica, in which Turkish migrants were suspected, Prime Minister Milojko Spajic announced Sunday.
“Tomorrow, under an urgent procedure, we will make a decision on the temporary suspension of the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens,” Spajic said on Sunday.
“With the aim of preserving economic activity and good bilateral relations, in the coming period, we will initiate intensive discussions with the Republic of Türkiye to find, in the spirit of good cooperation and partnership, the best model in our mutual interest,” he added.
Montenegro, one of the most popular European destinations for Turkish tourists, allows Turkish citizens to stay for up to 90 days without a visa within 180 days.
Montenegrin media reported that police detained two Turkish nationals suspected of stabbing a 25-year-old Montenegrin man in Podgorica’s Zabjelo district and took an additional 45 Turkish citizens into custody.
Authorities said the incident involved “a fight in which one person was stabbed in the chest and arms,” and that investigations were ongoing. Police added that checks across the capital would continue, and those found violating local laws could face deportation.
Footage circulating on social media appeared to show suspects being taken into custody as a crowd allegedly shouted racist slogans, including “Kill the Turks.” Officials have not provided further details on the victim’s condition.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry stated Monday that it has maintained continuous contact with Montenegrin authorities following weekend incidents affecting Turkish citizens, and that security measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of Turkish nationals in the country.
The Foreign Ministry issued a written statement regarding developments that occurred in Montenegro over the weekend, which affected Turkish nationals.
"Over the past weekend, some unfortunate developments occurred in Montenegro that also affected our citizens. Immediately upon the outbreak of events, contact was established with Montenegrin authorities; necessary measures were taken to ensure the security of our citizens. Developments are being closely monitored in all their dimensions, and contact and coordination with Montenegrin authorities continues uninterrupted," the ministry said in its statement.
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