Montenegro Tourist Tax & White Card: Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Every foreign national staying in Montenegro for more than 24 hours must register and pay the daily tourist tax (boravišna taksa) within the first 24 hours of crossing the border. Fines for non-compliance range from €60 to €600 per person, potentially accompanied by an entry ban. Here is a full breakdown of how the system works, who needs to register in person, and how to handle the process smoothly.

Key facts:

• Registration deadline – 24 hours from border crossing (up to 72 hours if arrival falls on a weekend or public holiday)
• Tourist tax – €1 per day per adult in major resort towns (Budva, Tivat, Kotor)
• Children under 12 are exempt; those aged 12–18 pay €0.50
• Fine for missing registration – €60 to €600 per person
• 30% discount on fines if paid within 8 days (€60 becomes €40)
• After 30 consecutive days at one address, the tax is no longer charged
• Property owners in Montenegro and their immediate family are exempt from the tax but must still register

Historically, registering as a tourist meant receiving a paper document known as the "White Card" (bijeli karton). Since 2015, Montenegro has operated an electronic registration system called eVisitor. In most towns, the paper card is no longer issued – instead, you receive a small pink or white receipt confirming your payment.

The exception is the Boka Kotorska region (Tivat, Kotor, Herceg Novi), where some tourist offices may still hand out the classic White Card. Legally, there is no difference: your data enters the electronic database either way, accessible to border police and law enforcement.

Keep your receipt until departure. Border officers can verify registration digitally, but having the paper slip saves you from unnecessary questioning.

Not every traveller needs to handle registration themselves.

Your accommodation handles it (no action needed):

Hotels, hostels, aparthotels, and licensed campsites are legally required to register guests within 12 hours of check-in. The tourist tax is typically included in the room rate – look for "local taxes" or "tourist charge" on your invoice.

You must register yourself:

• Apartment rental where the host is not connected to the eVisitor system
• Staying with friends or family
• Renting directly from a private owner
• Camping in a motorhome or at an unlicensed site

Tip for vacation rental guests: Many hosts on international booking platforms are registered and will handle your registration. Ask directly at check-in: "Will you register me at the tourist office?" If the answer is no, go yourself.

You will need:

• Original passport (or EU national ID card)
• Full address of your accommodation in Montenegro (street, number, city)
• Name of the property owner or accommodation
• Cash in euros to pay the tax

Registration takes place at a "Turistički Informativni Centar" (Tourist Information Centre) in the municipality where you are staying. These offices operate in all major towns: Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Herceg Novi, Bar, Ulcinj, Podgorica, and others. In summer, seasonal kiosks open near beaches and promenades.

Registration at a police station is a last resort if the tourist office is closed or unavailable.

The agent will enter your data into the electronic system, calculate the fee based on your length of stay, and print a receipt. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes.

Note: Some offices accept only card payments, others only cash. Carry both options to be safe.

Double-check that your passport number, dates, and number of days are correct. Errors could cause complications when leaving the country.

(Updated: February 2026)

For perspective: a week for two people in Budva costs €14 in tourist tax – less than a single restaurant meal on the waterfront.

The penalty structure looks strict on paper:

• Minimum fine – €60 (reduced to €40 if paid within 8 days)
• Maximum fine – €600, potentially with an entry ban
• Tourist offices will not accept late registrations – after 72 hours, the electronic system blocks registration and you must visit the foreigners' inspector
• Fines are paid at a post office or bank – police officers do not collect cash

In practice, enforcement is inconsistent and many visitors leave without issues even if unregistered. However, the risk is not worth taking: a single spot check at Tivat or Podgorica airport, a police traffic stop, or a residence permit application will turn an unregistered stay into a serious problem.

Moving between cities. If you spend more than 12 hours in a different municipality, you must register there as well. Moving from Budva to Kotor for a couple of days means a separate registration in Kotor.

Property owners. Owners of real estate in Montenegro must register but do not pay the tax. Present a recent property title (List Nepokretnosti) at the tourist office. The exemption extends to immediate family: spouse, parents, children, and siblings.

Extended stays. After 30 consecutive days at one address, the daily charge stops. Registration remains mandatory regardless.

Planning to apply for residency? Tourist registration is the mandatory first step. Without it, your residence permit application may be delayed, and border officials could ask you to exit and re-enter to obtain a fresh passport stamp.

For vacation rental guests. Before booking, message the host: "Will you register me in the eVisitor system?" Their response reveals whether the rental is operating legally – and signals what else might be off.

For those renting a car. Police may ask about your registration during a traffic stop. Keep the receipt in the car alongside your rental documents. For more on driving in the country, see our guide Car Rental in Montenegro.

For short-stay visitors. Even a 2-day stay in an apartment requires registration. There are no exceptions based on trip length.

Check visa requirements for your nationality. Many nationalities can enter Montenegro visa-free for up to 90 days. Registration within 24 hours is a legal requirement regardless of visa status.

1. Do I need to register if I am staying in a hotel? No. Hotels, hostels, and officially registered accommodation must handle your registration within 12 hours of check-in. The tax is typically included in your bill. It is worth confirming at the front desk and requesting a receipt if one is not provided automatically.

2. What is the fine for missing registration? Between €60 and €600 per person. Paying within 8 days qualifies for a 30% reduction, bringing the minimum to €40. In severe cases, an entry ban may also be imposed.

3. Do they check registration when leaving the country? Border officers have access to the electronic database and can check. In practice this does not happen every time, but random checks are documented regularly – particularly at Tivat and Podgorica airports.

4. I moved to a different city – do I need to register again? Yes, if you spend more than 12 hours in the new municipality. Each municipality operates its own tourist office, and registration is handled separately.

5. Where can I find the nearest Tourist Information Centre? Offices are located centrally in every major town – usually near the waterfront or main square. Additional seasonal points open in summer. Look for signs reading "Turistički Informativni Centar" or ask at any hotel.

Registration in Montenegro is a 10-minute formality costing €1 per day that saves you from fines worth many times more. If you are at a hotel, confirm that registration has been done. If you are staying in private accommodation, visit the tourist office within your first 24 hours. Keep the receipt until you leave the country. This is one of those rules where ignoring it costs far more than complying.

Read also: Montenegro Prices in 2026 · Travel Insurance in Montenegro · How to Get from Tivat or Podgorica Airport to Your Resort

Tivat Travel – Tourist registration

Total Montenegro News – Migration Registration for Foreigners

Adriatic Ways – Tourist Tax Montenegro

Montenegro for Travellers – Visa and Registration

Government of Montenegro – Ministry of Tourism