Important Update – Duty-Free Fuel Regulations in Montenegro for 2025

With tax-free diesel fuel reinstated, we are pleased to inform you about significant updates regarding duty-free fuel regulations in Montenegro, which are set to enhance operational efficiency while ensuring compliance with local policies. With the return of this significant benefit, we anticipate a successful 2025 season and look forward to continuing our collaboration.

As part of these updates, all duty-free fuel transactions will now require the involvement of a licensed yacht agent to ensure a seamless and compliant process. Below are the key policy changes you should be aware of:

Key Updates to Duty-Free Fuel Regulations

1. Mandatory Agent Involvement 

All duty-free fuel transactions must be arranged through a registered agent, you can use fuel traders for organization of refuelling but local documentation handling and customs procedures must be with agent from Montenegro.

2. Fuel Pricing & Fees 

Prices will be set according to the official Government of Montenegro rates within their validity period, which is set to update on the night between Monday and Tuesday, every two weeks (14 days period). A Fuel Dock Usage Fee might and will be applied based on the quantity supplied and fuel supplier.

3. Documentation & Compliance

All yachts must prepare required documentation in a timely manner, with all requested information along with a valid vignette (transit log) for a period of stay in Montenegrin territorial waters. Customs will require the approved duty-free fuel Request Form along with supporting evidence which needs to be signed and stamped with a boat stamp (mandatory ink stamp on board), captains signature as well as appointed agent sign and stamp.

Awesome drone view on Boka Bay - main tourist hotspot in Montenegro

Eligibility & Booking Requirements

Minimum Stay: Vessels must remain in Montenegro for at least 72 hours after arrival to qualify. 

CLARIFICATION: Counting of the 72 hours begins on first midnight (00:00 CET) after vignette is issued and yacht free practice is approved by Harbour Master.

So, if the yacht arrives at Monday, 08:00 in the morning, or 17:00 afternoon, they will be able to refuel from Friday morning onwards.

Advance Notice: Requests must be submitted at least 72 hours prior to the intended fuelling date.

Booking Confirmation: A confirmed booking is required at least 24 hours before bunkering (urgent requests may be considered on a case-by-case basis).

Regulations that remain same as before

- Upon competition of bunkering and customs and police clearance operations yachts must depart from Montenegrin territorial waters

- Refuelling with these benefits is possible in Port of Bar, Marina Portonovi in Kumbor, and Marina Porto Montenegro in Tivat.

We appreciate your attention to these regulatory changes and encourage you to plan accordingly to ensure a smooth fuelling process. Should you require further clarification or assistance in arranging duty-free fuel, our team at Yacht Agent Montenegro remains at your disposal.

For inquiries and assistance, please contact us at montenegro@yachtagent.net or +38267132233.

We look forward to serving you and ensuring a seamless experience under the new framework.

Why Duty-Free Fuel in Yachting is Important for Yachts Itineraries and Plans?

The reintroduction of duty-free fuel for yachts in Montenegro is a transformative development for the yachting industry. Effective from January 2025, this policy solidifies Montenegro's status as a premier destination for both private and commercial vessels. It offers substantial benefits to yacht owners, charter operators, and the broader maritime tourism sector, further enhancing the country’s appeal as a nautical hub in the Mediterranean.

A Game-Changer for Yachting Itineraries

Fuel costs play a pivotal role in planning yachting routes and itineraries. With the reintroduction of duty-free fuel, Montenegro provides a significant cost-saving advantage for yacht owners and operators. This incentive positions the country as a highly attractive stopover point or even a base for extended stays, encouraging vessels to include Montenegro in their Mediterranean itineraries.

Adding to the appeal is the tax-free delivery of spare parts, which simplifies maintenance and repairs, allowing both private and commercial vessels to optimize their operations.

Enhancing Montenegro’s Nautical Infrastructure

Montenegro boasts a mix of luxury marinas and functional facilities catering to a diverse range of vessels. Porto Montenegro, Portonovi, Lustica Bay, Lazure Hotel & Marina, and Marina Budva represent the pinnacle of luxury, offering premium services and amenities ideal for superyachts and smaller yachts seeking an exclusive experience. These marinas provide an elegant gateway to Montenegro’s captivating coastline.

In addition, the Port of Kotor and Marina Bar serve as strategic hubs for smaller yachts and sailboats. While not positioned as luxury marinas, they are well-equipped and worth visiting for their proximity to cultural landmarks and local charm. Combined, these facilities underscore Montenegro’s capacity to accommodate diverse yachting needs.

The country also boasts two prominent shipyards, Navar in Tivat and Adriatic42 in Bijela, providing world-class maintenance and refit services. These facilities cater to superyachts and other vessels, ensuring a comprehensive support network for maritime operations.

View on Sveti Stefan with amazing M/Y Titania

Benefits for Private and Commercial Yachts

Both private yachts and commercial charter vessels stand to gain significantly from this policy:

Private Yachts: Owners can enjoy extended cruising opportunities with reduced operational costs. The 72-hour minimum stay requirement - applicable to all yachts, both pleasure and charter - encourages longer visits, allowing yacht owners and their guests to explore Montenegro’s rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and luxurious amenities.

Commercial Charters: Lower fuel costs translate into more competitive charter pricing, benefiting clients and boosting operator profitability. The policy’s alignment with Montenegro’s strategic location enables charter operators to integrate Adriatic routes seamlessly into broader Mediterranean itineraries. Additionally, tax-free spare parts delivery and duty-free fuel ensure smooth operations and minimized downtime.

Boosting Economic Growth and Tourism

The economic and tourism impact of this measure cannot be overstated. By attracting more yachts, Montenegro is poised to experience increased spending on local services such as provisioning, maintenance, and tourism. The influx of high-net-worth individuals and affluent travellers will stimulate growth across various sectors, reinforcing Montenegro’s reputation as a premium destination.

Additional Incentives for Yacht Owners and Crews

Berth in Marina Bar

Complementing the duty-free fuel initiative, Montenegro offers duty-free alcohol and tobacco products. These perks elevate the overall luxury experience for yacht owners, guests, and crew members, further enhancing Montenegro’s standing as a yachting haven. The availability of tax-free spare parts delivery ensures that yachts remain operational and well-maintained, making Montenegro a practical and efficient choice for extended stays.

Why This Matters

For the global yachting community, the reintroduction of duty-free fuel is more than a financial advantage. It underscores Montenegro’s commitment to fostering a thriving nautical sector that caters to the unique needs of yacht owners and operators. By integrating cost-saving measures, world-class infrastructure, and practical support services, Montenegro positions itself as a forward-thinking, yacht-friendly destination.

Conclusion

As Montenegro reclaims its place among the Mediterranean’s premier yachting destinations, the duty-free fuel initiative becomes a cornerstone for sustainable growth in the sector. Combined with luxury marinas, reliable maintenance facilities, and additional incentives, this policy invites yacht owners, charter companies, and maritime enthusiasts to rediscover the unmatched allure of Montenegro’s waters and to put them on map and plotter of every yacht in Med from this summer onwards!

Whether planning your next Mediterranean voyage or seeking a base for charter operations, Montenegro’s competitive advantages - now amplified by duty-free fuel - make it an essential destination. Let’s embark on a new era of yachting excellence in Montenegro!

Yacht Agent Montenegro is always at your disposal for all your inquires and questions!

Duty-Free Fuel Regulations in Montenegro: A Timeline of Changes

From June 2022 until January 2025, duty-free fuel in Montenegro was limited to commercially registered yachts and commercial and cargo vessels. During this pause, privately registered yachts were not eligible for duty-free fuel. As of January 2025, the regulations have resumed, allowing all yachts to take advantage of the duty-free pricing, but with updated requirements.

Key Comparisons: Then vs Now

Eligibility and Pricing

Before and Now: The price for duty-free fuel remains unchanged completely free of duties and taxes. This makes Montenegro more cost-effective than neighbouring Albania, where only VAT is excluded from fuel pricing.

72-Hour Stay Requirement

Before: There was no requirement for yachts to stay in Montenegrin waters for 72 hours before refuelling. Yachts could simply arrive, complete check-in procedures, refuel, handle clearance out procedures, and depart.

Now: All yachts must stay in Montenegrin territorial waters for a minimum of 72 hours after the day of arrival before being eligible to refuel duty-free. This means that itineraries must now account for this condition when planning refuelling stops.

Documentation and Compliance

Before and Now: Yachts are required to hold a valid vignette (transit log) to stay in Montenegrin territorial waters. The vignette’s validity must extend at least three hours beyond the planned end of refuelling operations to ensure compliance.

Timing and Scheduling

Before: Timing was more flexible, and same-day bunkering slots were often, except for the peak of the summer, available. Yachts could refuel with minimal advance planning.

Now: Refuelling operations require much more advanced planning due to stricter time regulations. Same-day bunkering is now unlikely, and all refuelling operations must be scheduled well in advance.

Refuelling of a wonderful Perini Navi sailing yacht in Portonovi Marina

How Yachts/Captains/Clients Should Organize Accordingly?

To navigate these updated regulations and ensure smooth operations, yacht captains, management, operators and owners should take the following steps:

Plan Itineraries Carefully

Ensure itineraries account for the 72-hour stay requirement before refuelling. Work closely with agents to synchronize schedules and avoid unnecessary delays.

Engage Professional Yacht Agents

Experienced agents are essential for navigating the new regulations. They handle reservations, documentation, communication with fuel suppliers, and coordination with customs officials. Agents can also assist with potential inspections to ensure compliance.

Prepare Documentation in Advance

Communicate with your dedicated agent and verify that all paperwork, necessary for obtaining the vignette and departure clearance, is in order and aligns with the updated compliance requirements. For obtaining vignette in Montenegro you have to have all following documentation valid:

1. Yacht / Boat Registration Certificate

2. Minimum valid Third Person Liability Insurance - on 800.000,00 EUR minimum sum

3. Valid STCW or other skipper or Captains licence that is adequate for yacht

4. PoA (Power of Authorization) - If owned by private person, either owner have to be on board or Captain should have notarized PoA from the owner of the vessel, or if Company or Legal entity is owner of the yacht then it need to be present PoA with valid sign and stamp from legal entity

5. List of all crew member as well as guest on board with their identifications documents number and expiry date - please be noted that visa regulations must be check before arrival to Montenegrin boarders and passport should be valid for no less then 3 months.

Communicate on all relevant topics which may influence or change timeline for refuelling

As we are all aware that guest plans can change in a moment, it is important to have good communication with your agent so that we can also plan ahead all the small details that may influence timings so that fuel providers, authorities, other clients and everyone else in supply chain does not get affected by sudden changes.

Key Takeaways

Montenegro’s duty-free fuel regulations continue to offer significant cost-saving opportunities, but the updated requirements demand better planning and coordination. By staying informed about these changes and working with experienced agents, yacht owners can still greatly benefit from Montenegro’s competitive pricing while ensuring compliance with the latest rules.

Planning ahead, maintaining open communication with agents who will then further communicate with suppliers, customs, police and harbour master authorities, and understanding the updated processes are essential for a smooth and efficient refuelling experience.

For more information or assistance with navigating Montenegro’s duty-free fuel regulations, feel free to reach out. Our team is here to ensure your operations are seamless and stress-free.

Duty-Free Fuel Returns to Montenegro

Big News for the Yachting Industry: Duty-Free Fuel Returns to Montenegro! 🚤⛽

We are excited to share some fantastic news! 

Montenegro is reintroducing duty-free fuel for foreign yachts and vessels, both private and commercial.

This benefit was cancelled in 2022 but now is reinstated and will be available for everyone in 2025.

Key points:

* Significant savings on fuel for private and charter yachts, putting Montenegro back on itineraries and maps for all yachts in Med!

* Tax-free refueling available along the Montenegrin coast - Porto Montenegro (all sizes of yachts), Portonovi (up to 90 meter yachts), Port of Bar (all sizes of yacht and vessels) 

* This regulation will come into effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette of Montenegro in January!

Stay tuned for updates regarding the exact conditions under which duty-free fuel will be available for private and commercial yachts.

If you have any additional questions feel free to ask us anytime as always!

Montenegro's stunning coastline and exceptional hospitality and Yacht Agent Montenegro await you with renewed benefits in 2025!