A beautiful country with stretches of coastline and £2 beers is an underrated European gem, and what is more, you will not need to go through the European Union Entry/Exit System to get there. Since the full rollout of the EU Entry/Exit System, there has been major travel disruption for Brits jetting off abroad to Europe. Holidaymakers have faced lengthy queues, some stretching up to four hours, and missed flights as they attempt to navigate the new digital border system.
The EES requires all Brits travelling to the Schengen area to create a digital record and register their biometric details. Yet, as it causes chaos, particularly during peak travel periods, some Brits have been prompted to seek alternative destinations to avoid going through the EES altogether.
Why Montenegro Is an Ideal Alternative
One beautiful European destination that is not in the Schengen area is Montenegro. Nestled between the Adriatic Sea, Croatia and Albania, Montenegro is an under-visited European gem, with dramatic landscapes of rugged mountains, canyons and stunning Adriatic coastline that have often been compared to Croatia, but without the crowds.
Its coastal resort of Budva ranks among the most sought-after destinations, thanks to its sweeping stretches of golden sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, alongside a buzzing nightlife scene and a charming historic Old Town. There is also the capital, Podgorica, with ample green spaces, incredible architecture, and a lively café culture.
Tivat: A Monaco-Style Marina
Another notable location is the coastal town of Tivat, offering a Monaco-style atmosphere around its picture-postcard marina, home to superyachts against its dramatic backdrop of rugged mountains. One visitor shared on TripAdvisor: "We heard about this place a lot, and this marina and location is really the most beautiful, charming place! A lot of good luxury shops and the best restaurants!"
Budget-Friendly Travel and Cheap Flights
What is more, Montenegro is generally far more wallet-friendly than its Western European counterparts and the considerably more touristy Croatia. Highlighting this, Which? found that local beers like Nikšićko and Pivo will set you back around £2-3, while an hour's bus journey can cost around £5-8. Visitors have frequently raved about the food, with some meals costing just a mere £10. While travelling during peak season will inevitably cost a little bit more, there is no shortage of budget-friendly places to stay, whether that is in a beach resort, mountain chalet or an apartment set against its striking terrains.
Budget-friendly airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2 and Wizz Air all fly to parts of Montenegro from a list of UK airports. According to Skyscanner, one-way direct flights are available from as little as £29 from Manchester to Tivat in Montenegro. Meanwhile, one-way direct flights from London Gatwick to the capital of Podgorica start from a mere £17. The flight takes less than three hours, and without the need to go through the EES, you could find yourself exploring the lesser-known gem in no time.
Travel Requirements for British Citizens
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office outlines that for British citizens entering Montenegro, their passport must: have been issued less than 10 years before the date you enter Montenegro – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago; have an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave.
The Foreign Office also confirmed that Brits can visit Montenegro without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period if travelling as a tourist, to visit family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training. However, they stated that travellers must ensure their passports are stamped on entry and exit. For more travel advice to Montenegro, visit the Foreign Office website.
