Montenegro Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Turkish Citizens Amid Anti-Turkish Protests Following Stabbing Incident

Stabbing Incident Ignites Anti-Turkish Protests in Podgorica

Anti-Turkish protests and riots erupted in Podgorica, Montenegro, in late October 2025, following a stabbing incident that significantly escalated ethnic tensions. The unrest began after a 25-year-old Montenegrin man, M.J. (also identified as Marko Jačimović), was stabbed in the city's Zabjelo district. Initial reports and social media mobilization quickly attributed the attack to Turkish citizens, fueling public anger.

In the aftermath, large crowds gathered, particularly in front of Turkish-owned businesses and government buildings, chanting slogans such as 'Turks out' and 'Death to Turkish people'. These demonstrations, which included vandalism of vehicles with Turkish number plates and arson attacks on Turkish-run establishments, continued for several nights. Montenegrin police detained dozens of Turkish and Azerbaijani nationals, including suspects in the stabbing and others for lacking legal residency documents. However, reports later indicated that two Turkish suspects initially linked to the stabbing were released after security camera footage confirmed their alibi, though the protests persisted.

Montenegro Suspends Visa-Free Travel for Turkish Nationals

In response to the escalating unrest and to address public order and security concerns, the Montenegrin government announced the temporary suspension of its visa-free regime for Turkish citizens. Prime Minister Milojko Spajić stated that the decision was an 'emergency decision to protect public order'. The suspension, which requires Turkish nationals to obtain a visa for entry, was announced on October 27, 2025, and became effective on November 1, 2025, or the day after its publication in the Official Gazette.

Previously, a 2008 agreement allowed citizens of both countries to enter each other's territory without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Montenegrin officials emphasized that the measure is temporary and aims to strengthen border control and manage migration flows. The government also pledged accelerated visa processing for planned trips, stays, or transits.

Diplomatic Reactions and Underlying Tensions

The events prompted immediate diplomatic engagement between Türkiye and Montenegro. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan contacted Montenegrin officials, including Prime Minister Spajić and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Filip Ivanovic, to discuss the situation. Fidan conveyed Ankara's expectation that necessary measures be taken to ensure the safety and rights of Turkish citizens residing in Montenegro. Türkiye's Foreign Ministry confirmed ongoing coordination with Montenegrin authorities and emphasized the protection of its citizens.

The incidents have brought to the forefront underlying ethnic and religious tensions within Montenegro, with some reports suggesting that pro-Serbian nationalist groups fueled the anti-Turkish sentiment. Concerns were also raised regarding Montenegro's migration policy, which has seen a significant increase in Turkish citizens seeking residency or opening businesses. Approximately 13,000 to 14,000 Turkish nationals are among the 100,000 foreign residents in Montenegro. The Montenegrin government indicated that laws simplifying residency rights for foreigners would be 'urgently amended'.

Outlook on Türkiye-Montenegro Relations

The temporary suspension of visa-free travel and the accompanying protests have tested the resilience of Türkiye-Montenegro ties. While Montenegrin officials, including President Jakov Milatović, called for calm and condemned attacks targeting Turkish citizens and property, emphasizing that 'there must be no room for collective guilt or the stigmatization of an entire people,' the diplomatic fallout remains a key concern. Türkiye has expressed its determination to deepen cooperation and friendship, but also expects measures to prevent future incidents targeting its citizens. Both nations are expected to engage in intensive discussions to find a mutually beneficial model for future visa arrangements and to preserve their economic and bilateral relations.