What you can bring into and out of Montenegro

Montenegro’s customs aren’t complicated, but gov.uk describes the rules as strict, and a couple of them catch British visitors out, especially on food. Here’s what you can bring in, what to declare and how to claim VAT back on your shopping when you leave.

Food, the tricky bit

gov.uk is clear. Meat and dairy, and anything made with them, stay out of your luggage. The only exceptions are things like formula milk, baby food and special diets or pet food needed on medical grounds. So no packed lunches with ham or cheese. If you’re planning to bring back Njeguši prosciutto, the question is really what UK customs allow on your return, not Montenegro. More on it in Njeguši prosciutto.

Money and valuables

Any cash or travellers’ cheques from €10,000 upwards must go on a declaration. You’ll get a certified declaration showing you brought it in, and without it your money could be seized on the way out. gov.uk also asks you to declare valuable items, such as expensive jewellery, photographic and computer equipment, or anything that may be prohibited or taxable. Montenegro uses the euro, so you shouldn’t need much cash anyway, as I explain in Montenegro’s currency.

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Medicines and pets

Your usual medication is fine in quantities to last up to half a year. Narcotic-based medicines are a different matter, and must be declared on arrival, limited to 30 days’ supply and accompanied by a prescription or a doctor’s certificate less than 90 days old. Without proper paperwork it may be confiscated and lead to legal action. If you’re travelling with a dog or cat, Montenegro accepts pet passports, up to five animals, as long as they meet the medical and other requirements. Coming from the UK, check the return rules for your pet as well before you go, because Montenegro sits outside the EU and that affects the paperwork for coming home, which is set by the UK, not by Montenegro.

Tobacco, alcohol and duty free shops

I’m not going to give figures here. The tobacco and alcohol allowances I found in official Montenegrin documents differ between versions, and I couldn’t confirm which is in force. What I can confirm is that both Podgorica and Tivat airports have a Montenegro Duty Free shop in departures, selling souvenirs, tobacco, food, drink and cosmetics. On the way home, what counts are the UK’s own allowances, which you’ll find on gov.uk.

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Claiming VAT back

This is the most useful part if you shop seriously. If you don’t live in Montenegro, Tivat airport will refund the VAT on any receipt of €100 or more. At the customs desk, before check-in, show your passport, boarding card, the form the shop stamped and the goods, still unused. Drink and cigarettes are excluded. There’s more in Tivat airport.

Once your dates are set, check which hotels are still free in Tivat before prices climb.