Kotor Travel Guide
Tourists to Montenegro will most likely spend the bulk of their time exploring the small Balkan country's natural landscape. From snowy peaks to tall pine forests, from the coastlines to the fjords, Montenegro is an outdoor lover's dream come true.
However, for those looking to get to grips with the culture of Montenegro, the medieval city of Kotor is certainly the place to visit, especially in recent years as Montenegro has swiftly established itself as one of Europe's top tourist destinations.
It's not hard to see why this is. The surrounding Mediterranean coastline, with its limestone cliffs and thick vegetation, is punctuated by the port of Kotor, which in turn is surrounded by city walls that were built by the Republic of Venice. These ramparted and bastioned city walls, together with the Venetian-inspired old city, are a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and lauded for their role in the diffusion of Mediterranean culture in the Balkan region.
A small city, with a population of just under 14,000 permanent inhabitants, Kotor is a wonderful place to navigate on foot, soaking up the scenery and admiring the medieval buildings. In terms of tourist sights, the Maritime Museum is a must-visit attraction, as is the Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (built in 1166) and the Church of Our Lady of Health, which is located on a small promontory overlooking Kotor and provides unbeatable views of the bright blue Adriatic Sea beneath.
Things to do in Kotor
Montenegro travel info
Electricity
Electrical current in Montenegro is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong round pin attachment plugs are in use.
Language
Montenegrin (very similar to Croatian) is the official language of Montenegro, although Serbian and Albanian is commonly used in some areas. English is widely understood in the capital, Podgorica, and in the coastal resorts.
Money
The official currency is the Euro (EUR). Visitors entering Montenegro with more than €10,000 should declare the amount on entry. Without declaration on entry large amounts may be confiscated on departure. Serbian Dinars are not accepted in Montenegro and should be exchanged for Euros. There are ATMs, which accept international bank cards in major cities and towns, and most of the larger hotels, shops and main restaurants accept Diners Club, Visa, American Express, Maestro, and MasterCard. Money can be exchanged at the numerous banks in the towns and cities.
Tipping
Service charges are generally not included in restaurant and hotel bills in Montenegro. A tip of 10 percent is appreciated. Taxi drivers do not expect tips but a small gratuity would be appreciated.
Health
Though Montenegro has few health risks and pharmacies across the country stock a good supply of medicines, it doesn't have all of the medicines prescribed in the UK. Visitors should pack sufficient medical supplies for the duration of their stay; all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. A reciprocal health agreement entitles visitors from the UK to free emergency treatment.
Safety
Montenegro is a safe destination for travellers, although it is wise to take sensible precautions against street crime in the towns and cities, as is the case in any other European country.
Local customs
Dress should be modest when visiting monasteries in Montenegro, and it's expected that visitors to shrines walk backwards when exiting. There are designated nudist beaches and over-exposure is frowned upon elsewhere. Discussing national politics and ethnic issues is considered in bad taste.
Doing business
Business relationships in Montenegro are founded on hospitality, so visitors should expect to be wined and dined. Dress is formal and conservative, and handshakes are the norm at the beginning and end of meetings. Business hours are generally between 9am and 5pm.
Duty free
The following can be brought into Montenegro without paying duty: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; two litres of wine and 250ml of perfume for personal use. Pets can be brought into the country with a veterinary certificate of good health.
Communications
The international dialling code for Montenegro is +382, and the outgoing dialling code is 00. Mobile phone coverage is mostly good; internet access is fast and efficient. Many hotels offer free WiFi to guests.
Passport & Visa
Visitors are advised to carry their passports on them at all times. Travellers must only enter Montenegro through recognised border crossings, and may be required to show proof of a return or onward ticket, the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in Montenegro. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid at least three months after the planned date of departure from Montenegro. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
UK citizens must have a passport that is valid at least three months after the planned date of departure from Montenegro. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid at least three months after the planned date of departure from Montenegro. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid at least three months after the planned date of departure from Montenegro. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Montenegro. A visa is required, except for a max stay of 30 days for holders of a valid visa issued by Ireland, the UK, the US, or a Schengen Member State.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid at least three months after the planned date of departure from Montenegro. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid at least three months after the planned date of departure from Montenegro. No visa is required for touristic stays of up to 90 days.
Useful contacts
National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro, Podgorica: +382 77 100 001. Visit www.montenegro.travel/
www.montenegro.travel
122 (police); 124 (medical emergency); 123 (fire and rescue).Embassies / consulates in other countries
Montenegrin Embassy in Washington, D.C.: (+1) 202 234 6108.
Embassy of Montenegro, London, United Kingdom: (+44) 20 33 02 72 27.
Embassies / consulates in Montenegro
United States Consulate, Podgorica: +382 (0)20 410 500.
British Embassy in Podgorica: (+382) 20 618 010.
Canadian Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (also responsible for Montenegro): +381 (0)11 306 3000.
Australian Embassy, Belgrade, Serbia (also responsible for Montenegro): +381 (0)11 330 3400.
South African Embassy, Athens, Greece (also responsible for Montenegro): (+30) 210 617 8020.
Irish Embassy, Budapest, Hungary (also responsible for Montenegro): +36 1 301 4960.