Montenegro Signs Agreement for Visa System Modernization and e-Visa Introduction 2026

Jul 30

3 min read

Updated: Jul 30

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović and UN Resident Representative Ekaterina Paniklova signed the financing agreement on July 29, 2026.

Published: July 30, 2026 | By VisasUpdate.com Editorial Team

Montenegro e-Visa system modernization agreement signing – Deputy Prime Minister Ervin Ibrahimović and UNDP Representative Ekaterina Paniklova sign financing agreement for visa system digitalization on July 29, 2026. — Deputy Prime Minister Ervin Ibrahimović and UNDP Representative Ekaterina Paniklova sign the financing agreement for Montenegro's visa system modernization and e-Visa introduction on July 29, 2026.

PODGORICA — Montenegro has taken a significant step toward digitalizing its visa system with the signing of a financing agreement between the government and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ervin Ibrahimović and UNDP Resident Representative in Montenegro Ekaterina Paniklova signed the agreement on July 29, 2026, establishing the framework for modernizing the Visa Information System of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and introducing an electronic visa issuance system (e-Visa).

What the Agreement Covers

Aspect	Details
Project	Modernization of Visa Information System & e-Visa introduction
Signatories	Deputy PM Ervin Ibrahimović & UNDP Rep. Ekaterina Paniklova
Date Signed	July 29, 2026
Partners	Government of Montenegro & UNDP
Goal	Digital transformation of visa services

Key Benefits of the New e-Visa System

For Applicants

Foreign citizens will be able to:

Submit visa applications electronically
Upload required documentation online
Pay administrative fees digitally
Collect visas without visiting a diplomatic or consular mission (except where required by applicable procedures)

For Montenegro

The new system will:

Contribute to more efficient operation of the diplomatic and consular network
Ensure a higher level of security and data protection
Comply with the highest international standards
Increase accessibility for citizens of countries without diplomatic missions in Montenegro
Facilitate the arrival of tourists, business people, and investors
Improve quality of consular services and international connectivity

Strategic Alignment

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the project is fully aligned with:

The Government of Montenegro's priorities in public administration digitalization
The Digital Transformation Strategy
The Public Administration Reform Strategy

"The partnership with UNDP will strengthen the capacities of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to more efficiently perform its responsibilities and contribute to the achievement of the strategic goals of Montenegro's foreign policy."— Ministry of Foreign Affairs Statement

Context: Montenegro's Visa Policy Alignment with the EU

This digitalization effort comes as Montenegro aligns its visa policy with the European Union. On July 23, 2026, the Government adopted a decree amending the visa regime, requiring nationals of Belarus, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye to obtain visas to enter Montenegro starting November 1, 2026.

The new e-Visa system is designed to be compatible with the EU's information systems, further supporting Montenegro's EU integration path.

Quick Reference

Aspect	Details
Agreement Type	Financing Agreement (MVP & UNDP)
Signing Date	July 29, 2026
Key Figures	Ervin Ibrahimović (Deputy PM/Foreign Minister) & Ekaterina Paniklova (UNDP Resident Rep.)
Project Scope	Visa Information System modernization & e-Visa introduction
Key Benefit	Online visa applications without consular visits
Alignment	EU standards & Montenegro's digital transformation strategy