Türkiye said on Monday it is closely monitoring events in Montenegro after what it described as “unfortunate developments” over the weekend that affected Turkish citizens, while Montenegro announced the suspension of its visa-free regime for Turkish nationals.
“In Montenegro last weekend, some unfortunate developments occurred that have also affected our citizens,” the Turkish Foreign Ministry said, adding that Ankara had immediately contacted Montenegrin authorities after the incidents began.
“Contact was established with the Montenegrin authorities right after the events started, and necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of our citizens,” the ministry said, noting that coordination with Podgorica was continuing without interruption.
Turkish diplomatic sources said Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan held telephone talks with Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milojko Spajić and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimović. During the conversations, Fidan urged Montenegro to take “necessary measures to ensure the safety and protection of the rights of Turkish citizens.” Montenegrin officials provided assurances in response, the sources said.
Montenegrin media earlier reported that a stabbing incident in the capital, Podgorica, involved Turkish nationals. Shortly afterward, Spajić announced on social media platform X that Montenegro had “temporarily suspended visa-free travel” for Turkish citizens.
The Montenegrin government later confirmed the decision, saying it had adopted a decree amending the visa regime regulation “without holding a session, based on the obtained consent of a majority of government members.”
“The suspension of the visa-free regime for Turkish citizens will take effect the day after its publication in the Official Gazette,” the government said in a statement.
Montenegro’s government added that it “fully takes into account the interests and status of around 14,000 Turkish citizens currently residing” in the country and would take all necessary steps to ensure their stay remains “undisturbed and in accordance with the law.”
The statement said Montenegro’s Foreign Ministry, in coordination with relevant institutions, would implement an expedited visa process for Turkish citizens planning to visit, stay or transit through Montenegro, aiming to minimize disruptions during the transition period.
The government said the decision was motivated by “the need to preserve public order and security of all citizens,” following recent isolated security incidents.
“This decision, as an institutional response, is a clear message that laws must be respected and that no exceptions can be made,” it said, adding that Montenegro would enforce the measure “with full respect for human rights and the dignity of Turkish citizens.”
Authorities also called on the public to remain calm and trust state institutions, which they said would manage the process “responsibly and transparently.”