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.