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.

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!

DUTY FREE FUEL THIS SUMMER AVAILABLE ONLY IN MONTENEGRO AS ALBANIA SHUTS YACHTS TAX FREE BUNKERING FOR THIS SEASON

As per the latest regulation of Albanian authorities and customs, duty free fuel for yachts is not available in any of Albanian port, it is still cheaper than most of the surrounding countries as duty paid fuel, excluding Montenegro, where you can still get duty free fuel on departure for both commercial and private yachts.

It was announced by the end of the year that it might happen, but as it had a big impact on yachting in Albania and area, everyone thought it is unlikely to happen in such short notice. Starting from 1st of January bunkering in Albania will be possible only with duty paid fuel, two of the biggest refueling points in Albania, Porto Romano in Durres and bunker station in the port of Sarande, just across of the Corfu will be able to deliver diesel fuel for yachts as per government regulated price, currently around 0.90-0.95 Euro per liter, which will be changed depending on the world oil market. Of course, we will be watching the market and situation before the upcoming season and if any change occurs we will update you so that you can plan accordingly.

At the moment situation in Montenegro remains the same as it was in the previous year, there are four main refueling points for duty-free diesel:

⛽ Porto Montenegro in Tivat – can fit all current sizes of yachts with all kinds of connections, starting from a pistol with 40 liters per minute for sailing vessels and smaller yachts, up to 1000 liter per minute on the superyacht dispenser with all possible camlock connections;

⛽ Portonovi, Kumbor – operated by Turkish Asmira company, opened in 2021 this is new duty-free facility in Boka bay which can refuel a bit smaller vessel up to 70-75m LoA with dispenser up to 450 liters in a minute and two smaller dispensers, for yachts up to 35m in the inner part of marina up to 60 liters for single, or 100 liters per minute with dual pistol connection;

⛽ Port of Bar in Bar area – there are two refueling points in the commercial part of the Port which can fit all sizes of yachts and vessels, including cruise and commercial ships (13 meters of draft is limitation) with a fuel rate around 600 liters per minute;

⛽ Fuel station in Marina Bar – operated by Petrol, Slovenian company, this fuel dock is limited with 40 meters of LoA and it is usually for a smaller yacht that are departing further south towards Albania and Greece or crossing towards Italy. There is pistol connection with rate around 90 liters per minute and camlock connection with up to 350 liters per minute.

In other ports and marinas, only duty-paid fuel is available. For duty-free diesel as per Montenegrin government regulation you will need agent who is representing you and sorting out papers with customs representatives.

Besides above mentioned, our agency can provide you with support for all other needs that crew or guests might need while in Montenegro and are so feel free to contact us on our email montenegro@yachtagent.net or mobile +38267132233,  available on all messenger apps as well, and we will be eager to assist you and make your refueling or stay in Montenegro as pleasant as possible.

Also if you are part of managing company for yachts or fuel trader company you can contact us as well and can make collaboration for all your clients coming to Montenegro or the area around so that you have centralized services which will make your and your clients life much easier.

NEW FUEL STATION WITH DUTY-FREE DIESEL IN MONTENEGRO – D-MARIN PORTONOVI

In Montenegro tax-free diesel is available for private and commercial yachts.

In addition to the existing three fuel stations for tax-free diesel in Montenegro, another one has started operating. The new fuel station is located in the D-Marin Portonovi marina.

FUEL DOCK IN PORTONOVI

General information:

1. pier – length 70m and draft 9m

2. pier – length 35m and draft 12m

Quantity limitation: no limit

Working hours: 8:00 to 20:00 hrs

We remind you that, in addition to the Portonovi marina, duty-free fuel is also available in the Marina Porto Montenegro, Marina Bar and Port of Bar.

Important note: A valid vignette and a stamp with the yacht’s details (name of the yacht, registration number, and port of registry engraved in it) are required to acquire duty-free fuel. Upon completion of tax-free bunkering the yacht must leave the territorial waters of Montenegro without delay, except in some unexpected emergency situation with the allowance from custom and police authorities.

By standard retail prices of fuel, you can supply your vessel in Port of Kotor and Dukley Marina Budva.

Portonovi 

D-MARIN PORTONOVI MARINA

Location: 42°44''N, 18° 59''E

VHF: 74

D-Marin Portonovi marina, guarantee the highest yachting standards for your yacht.

This marina has a status border crossing. Here you can finish all formalities with customs and port authorities on arrival and departure from Montenegro. Also, there is the possibility of short-term and long-term berthing.

Marina Capacity:

⚓ 238 berths, up to 120m

⚓ Support for deep draft yachts

⚓ Fuel station (including duty-free fuel supply)

⚓ Helipad access

General Services:

⚓ 24-hour check-in/check-out (Border Cross)

⚓ 24-hour water supply

⚓ 24-hour power supply (up to 630A)

⚓ 24-hour dock assistance

⚓ Toilets and shower

⚓ Underground garage and car park

⚓ Wi-Fi connection

Technical Services:

⚓ Black and grey water disposal

⚓ Oil waste disposal

⚓ Other services on demand

If you planning to visit Montenegro feel free to contact us to learn what our knowledgeable staff can do for you! We look forward to providing you the ultimate yachting experience in Montenegro.

Tax and duty-free diesel in Montenegro

Montenegro offers tax and duty-free fuel for private and commercial vessels at a price of about 45% lower than the standard retail price, making Montenegro a tempting destination on the Adriatic Sea. 

Along the Montenegrin coast, there are three fuel stations where you can supply your yacht with tax and duty-free diesel. This are some important facts that can help you if you planning to visit Montenegro or other Mediterranean countries.

Port of Bar

Location: 42°05'36.6"N 19°04'42.3"E

D.O. grade: Euro diesel and GasOil 0.1 – TAX and DUTY FREE;

Yacht length: up to 140 meters;

Yacht Draft: up to 13 meters;

Quantity limitation: up to 1.000.000 liters;

Working hours: High season – 00:00 to 24:00 hrs;

                            Low season – 07:00 to 19:00 hrs.

NOTE: This is a commercial port and Port due (eg. firemans, mooring, unmooring, garbage, oil spill protecting system, etc.) will be charged.

Marina Bar

Location: 42°05'57.1"N 19°05'15.8"E

D.O. grade: Euro diesel – TAX and DUTY-FREE;

Yacht length: up to 45 meters;

Yacht Draft: up to 4,5 meters;

Quantity limitation: up to 30.000 liters;

Working hours: High season – (June 1st to September 30th) 8:00 to 20:00 hrs;

                            Low season – (October 1st to May 30th) 9:00 to 17:00 hrs.

NOTE: For quantities above 20.000 liters 2-3 days notice required. During summer season this fuel dock is also pretty busy.

Porto Montenegro Tivat

Location: 42°26'09.7"N, 18°41'26.7"E

D.O. grade: Euro diesel – TAX and DUTY-FREE

Yacht length: up to 250 meters

Yacht Draft: up to 15 meters

Quantity limitation: up to 800.000 liters

Working hours: High season (May 1st to September 30th) – 8:00 to 20 hrs; 

                            Low season (October 1st to April 30th) – 9:00 to 17 hrs.

NOTE: During summer season up to 7 days in advance notice required due to busy schedules.

Important note: For duty-free refueling, a valid vignette and a stamp with yacht’s details are required. Upon completion of bunkering, the yacht must clear out Montenegro territorial waters the shortest way. Duty-free fuel cannot be consumed in the country.

By standard retail prices of fuel, you can supply your vessel in Port of Kotor, Marina Kotor and Dukley Marina Budva.

For any information regarding diesel prices, berth availability and prices, do not hesitate to contact us through our website or by phone +382 67 552 287 any time 24/7.

Bar Marina - more than 600 berths

Marina Bar is located in the heart of the city of Bar. Due to its location it is suitable for mooring the ship during a tour of the Montenegrin coast.

With its capacity of 600 berths, it is one of the largest marinas on the Montenegrin coast. You can find many hotels, restaurants, banks, beaches, etc.. in the close proximity of the marina. Therefore, most of your needs during your stay here will be just a few steps away from your boat.

Tax and Duty Free diesel bunkering for private and chartered yachts is available in Bar marina at the price 50% lower than the regular diesel price. Save your money by refueling your yacht in marina Bar.

Marina Bar 

GPS coordinates of marina Bar:

N 42 05.897

E 19 05.265

Position of the Bar marina on Google Maps

Bar is a beautiful, dynamic, multi ethnic city that connects the modern and the traditional. It has a rich cultural and historical heritage and is the biggest nautical center at the entrance of the Adriatic Sea.

The weather is mild and Mediterranean, so it attracts a number of tourists every year. The seashore is 44 km long, of which 9 km are beaches and the remaining 67 km consist of Skadar Lake shore and the mountain range of Rumija (which is a watershed).

Bar is ideal for tourists who long for a vacation on beautiful beaches and in nature, who like visiting cultural and religious heritage, but also for those who like to spend their vacation actively, doing all sorts of sports like: sailing, diving, mountain climbing and hiking.

Bar is furthermore unique because it offers its guests enjoyment at both sea and lake, thanks to its ports and harbors in Bar, Virpazar and on Skadar Lake.

Bar Marina is an ideal starter port for sailing in Montenegro. There is also a possibility of boat, sailing boat and catamaran rentals at the charter agencies in Bar.

There is, additionally, a possibility of going on a diving tour of sunken ships as well as open sea fishing, where you can catch a swordfish or a tuna.

For more info about available berths in marina Bar and clearance upon arrival or departure please send us an email or call us on +382 67 552 287.

Your Yacht Agent Montenegro