Montenegro border permit for Peaks of the Balkans

Which stages need a permit?

On the classic loop there are three real border crossings: Vusanje → Theth (Montenegro to Albania), Dobërdol → Milishevc (Albania to Kosovo) and Kosovo → Babino Polje (Kosovo to Montenegro). Hikers usually apply for each country they enter and stay in.

Short detours that touch the border and return the same day are generally treated differently, but rules are applied locally. If in doubt, ask the border police when you apply.

How to apply for the Montenegrin permit

• Send your request to the border police in Plav. We are confirming their current contact; until then, ask the Plav tourist organisation or message us and we point you to the right office. The tourist organisation can help with questions but does not issue permits.
• Each hiker fills in a form with full name, passport number, address, phone, e-mail, the crossing point and the date and time of crossing. Attach a passport copy.
• Apply 2–6 weeks ahead. Hikers report approval by e-mail within a few days, sometimes within 24 hours.
• Pay the state fee at a bank or post office in Montenegro and keep the payment slip. Reported amounts are small, a few euros per request plus per person; if banks are closed the police may accept cash with a surcharge.
• Collect the paper permit in person at the border police office in Plav. It is not the town police station by the lake, so check the location before you go.

Albania and Kosovo

Albania and Kosovo issue their permits free of charge by e-mail, and the approval e-mail is the permit. Albania is often the slowest to reply, so apply early and write in English and Albanian.

Agencies

If you prefer not to apply yourself, agencies such as Zbulo apply for all three countries for a small fee per crossing plus the Montenegrin state fee, and send the permits by e-mail.