COVID-19 Update: Cruising in Montenegro

There are currently zero active cases of COVID-19 in Montenegro, and the government and health authorities have announced that from June 1, foreign nationals are allowed to enter Montenegro, without the need for any quarantine or self-isolation measures. However, the criterion for entry is a rate of active coronavirus cases of less than 25 per 100,000 inhabitants in the country of which the foreigner is a resident and in the country from which the foreigner enters Montenegro. These countries are updated weekly by the Public Health Institute of Montenegro.

Ports and airports are also operational from June 1, respecting the above measures for arriving nationalities. Anyone arriving by commercial plane from countries or with residency in countries that are not listed, will be subject to a quarantine which can be revoked after 14 days following a negative result from PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2.

Private aircraft for up to 10 passengers may land in Montenegro and in this case crew and passengers should present a negative PCR test taken within the previous 48 hours.
 
Porto Montenegro Marina has strict access procedures in place so anyone entering must undergo thorough controls to protect crew and guests.

Measures such as mask wearing, hand sanitization and social distancing are also in effect in all public places. Cinemas, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and shops are all open, complying with the national heath guidelines.

Where to go

Porto Montenegro

Porto Montenegro is arguably one of the top superyacht ports in the world and only one of two classified as a PLATINUM PORT. The marina has implemented the strictest safety protocols, making it one of the most secure superyacht marinas in the Adriatic. Set against the beautiful UNESCO protected Kotor Bay, guests can venture off the yacht with the knowledge that they are in a secure and controlled environment. The marina is home to exclusive designer boutiques, beautiful restaurants and despite the restrictions, there will be intimate small scale events over the summer.

Lake Skandar National Park

Lake Skandar is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, it is a freshwater lake two-thirds in Montenegro and the rest falling within Albanian territory.  It is well-known for its diversity of flora, fauna and birdlife and is the perfect daytrip from Porto Montenegro.  The pristine wilderness is untouched by development or commercialization, and is ideal for hiking, kayaking or a private riverboat trip. There are are several local vineyards that can be visited. 

Sveti Stefan Island

Sveti Stefan is a unique island in the Mediterranean, connected to the mainland just north of Porto Montenegro by a sand isthmus.  This island was initially a fort in the 15th century which later became a small, walled village and its photogenic jumble of 15th-century stone villas overlooks an impeccable pink-sand beach and tempting turquoise waters.  In the 1950s the village was converted into an exclusive resort and made famous by guests such as Sophia Loren, Doris Day and Princess Margaret in the 1950s.  Still a haven for the rich and famous, as well as world leaders of today, this iconic site of the Adriatic is not accessible to the public, open only to guests with prior reservation.

For information and advice on cruising this summer in Montenegro please contact Marina Pejovic here.

Images: Supplied by Evolution Yachts, Pixabay