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 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 early January!
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
- 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 procedure must be with agent from Montenegro.
- 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.
- 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.
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).Â
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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +38267132233.
We look forward to serving you and ensuring a seamless experience under the new framework.
