March 16, 2020 - An overview of the situation with coronavirus in Montenegro, with the latest health, travel and containment measures explained.
UPDATE MARCH 17, 2020 - Montenegro confirms first two cases of COVID-19.
UPDATE MARCH 17, 2020 - Montenegro has announced full closure to international traffic.
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How many cases of coronavirus are there in Montenegro?
At time of writing, March 16, 2020, Montenegro reminds the only European country with no recorded cases of coronavirus infection.
What is the situation in countries neighbouring Montenegro?
There are also no reported fatalities in Montenegro's four neighbouring countries - Serbia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, Croatia, Kosovo and Albania. At the moment, Serbia has 55 cases, Bosnia and Herzegovina 24, Croatia 57, Kosovo 13, and Albania 51.
Are the borders of Montenegro open?
There are still no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Montenegro, but nevertheless all preventive measures have been taken, so no schools are open from today, all public gatherings are banned. Starting from today, border crossings to all countries in the region are closed - no entries to and from Serbia, Albania, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Of course, Montenegrin citizens are welcome to come back home, but will be isolated for the next two weeks.
Are there any travel restrictions for people travelling to Montenegro?
Yes. From midnight, the Government of Montenegro introduced rigorous measures, which also include a temporary ban on entry into the country of foreigners, except for foreigners with permanent or temporary residence in Montenegro and foreigners operating motor vehicles engaged in the transport of goods.
The transport of goods remains undisturbed with extraordinary measures of health and sanitary control.
How badly have flights to Montenegro been affected? Have there been many flight cancellations?
Are schools open in Montenegro?
Schools in Montenegro, as well as kindergartens and universities, are closed from today for an initial two weeks.
Is there panic buying in shops in Montenegro, and are there enough supplies?
How will coronavirus affect the tourist season in Montenegro?
With no confirmed cases of CONVID-19 infection yet, Montenegro is currently one of the most desirable places to be. However, it is unrealistic to expect that a coronavirus epidemic will bypass this small Balkan country. On the other hand, given that it bases its economy primarily on tourism, these will undoubtedly be one of the states hit hardest by the economic impact of the pandemic.
Impacts on the tourist pre-season are already evident, with the cancellation of a lot of arrangements for Montenegro. Considering the latest measures by the Government of Montenegro, which closed its borders and suspended the air traffic from seven European markets, it seems like the situation would be only more serious.
What should I do if I think I have coronavirus in Montenegro?
The recommendation of the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro is that patients suspected of having coronavirus symptoms should not report in person, but only by telephone to the nearest health institution, or the Institute of Public Health itself, for instructions on how to proceed.
Where can I find the most current and reliable information about coronavirus in Montenegro in English?
The information on coronavirus at the Government of Montenegro webpage
The Montenegin Institute of Public Health
What restrictions are in place in Montenegro due to coronavirus?
As mentioned above, schools, kindergartens and universities have been closed throughout the country, effective Monday, initially for 2 weeks. Public meetings are prohibited, as well as all sports and religious events. The authorities suggest citizens to stay at home, avoiding any indoor meetings if not necessary. The Montenegrin Health Institute launched the public campaign "Stay at Home."
The Ministry of Health has adopted the new provisional measures, starting from 16 March, including prohibition of entry to foreigners, compulsory self-isolation for all Montenegrin citizens who come from abroad, ban on providing catering services in hotels, the closing of disco clubs/ bars and nightclubs/ bars, closing of catering establishments - cafes, pubs, cafeterias, restaurants and bars, except catering establishments, ban on providing shopping and catering services in shopping malls, closing of children's playrooms, fitness centres, casinos, betting shops and gambling houses, limiting the number of customers in the retail outlets, markets and bazaars. The Decree for taking temporary measures to prevent the introduction into the country, suppress and prevent the transmission of new coronavirus is available in English at the Government of Montenegro website.
