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Montenegro's foreign minister said he expects the country to lift its suspension of visa-free travel with Türkiye within 10 to 15 days, following an incident in late October that prompted the temporary measure.
Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic made the announcement during a joint press conference with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in the Montenegrin capital Podgorica. "We are in constant communication with the Prime Minister (Milojko Spajic)," Ibrahimovic said. "I believe the decision to suspend visa-free travel will be canceled in 10-15 days."
The suspension came after Montenegrin media reported an alleged stabbing incident in Podgorica involving Turkish citizens. Prime Minister Spajic subsequently announced on social media that visa-free travel for Turkish citizens would be temporarily suspended.
The Podgorica High Court later determined that two individuals arrested in connection with the alleged incident had no involvement in the case and ordered their release. The court's findings effectively cleared Turkish citizens of any connection to the reported incident.
Visa-free travel agreements between countries allow passport holders to enter and stay for limited periods without obtaining advance visas, typically to promote tourism and business ties. Such arrangements can be suspended during security concerns or diplomatic disputes.
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Ibrahimovic noted that Turkish diplomatic missions in Montenegro have experienced increased activity since the suspension took effect. Turkish citizens now require visas to enter Montenegro, reversing the previous arrangement that allowed visa-free entry.
The foreign minister's comments suggest diplomatic discussions between Podgorica and Ankara are progressing toward restoring the previous travel arrangement. Montenegro's decision to suspend the agreement drew attention given the lack of evidence connecting Turkish nationals to the initial incident that prompted the action.
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