Adriatic: Tax-free diesel in Montenegro again - without a minimum stay

In February 2025, Montenegro reintroduced the tax-free sale of diesel to foreign yachts. This measure was intended to attract owners of large yachts back to the Montenegrin petrol pumps after many had migrated to neighbouring Albania due to the tax exemption being discontinued in 2022. At the same time, border controls for yacht traffic between Croatia and Montenegro were adjusted, which has an impact on entry and exit formalities.

Tax-free diesel even for short stays

Under the current regulation, the price of tax-free diesel is set by the Montenegrin government and adjusted every fortnight in line with market developments. In February 2025, the price for duty-free and tax-free diesel was 0.74 euros per litre. However, in order to benefit from this offer, yachts flying foreign flags had to fulfil certain conditions. They were not only allowed to come to Montenegro to refuel, but also had to stay in the country for at least 72 hours before bunkering. This regulation was intended to ensure that Montenegro not only benefited from the sale of fuel, but also from the stay of the yacht crews. The government has now removed this restriction from the regulation. The additional relief came into force on 29 August.

"The amendments to the Regulation [...] remove the restrictive condition for the supply of duty-free fuel to vessels for private purposes, which required a prior stay in the territorial waters of Montenegro of at least 72 hours, as well as a more precise definition of what is considered a vessel for private purposes. The aim is to further promote the development of water tourism and attract a larger number of yachts, ships and wealthy tourists," said the customs administration. The advantages are to apply until Montenegro's accession to the European Union.

Word has got around that this holiday is worthwhile. Read on to find out what there is to experience for boat crews in Montenegro in this travelogue.

Petrol stations and capacities

Tax-free diesel is currently available at three locations: Marina Porto Montenegro, Marina Portonovi and Marina Bar. The capacities in Porto Montenegro are particularly noteworthy, where flow rates of up to 1,000 litres per minute are possible. For yachts requiring more than 100,000 litres, we recommend booking in advance by emailing bunkering@portomontenegro.com.

Adjustments in border traffic

A vignette is required to enter Montenegro and must be purchased when clearing in. Alongside the changes to fuel sales, border controls have also been adapted. The border harbour of Cavtat in Croatia, which reopened in August 2024 after a three-month renovation phase, is now the mandatory station for clearing in yacht traffic between Croatia and Montenegro. Yachts may only clear out in Dubrovnik or use the harbour in Cavtat, which is closer to the border.

Clearance options in Montenegro

For yachts travelling to Montenegro, there are several ports of entry to choose from. The official ports of entry are Zelenika, Portonovi, Porto Montenegro and Kotor. This flexibility allows yacht crews to choose the most convenient harbour for their route.

Impact on yacht tourism in Montenegro

The reintroduction of tax-free diesel and the adjustments to border traffic are clear signals that the land of the black mountains wants to strengthen yacht tourism. The new regulations are aimed at increasing the country's attractiveness as a port of call for international yachts.