United States of America

Relations between Montenegro and the United States are based on friendly principles with continuous development, both bilaterally and through a strategic alliance within NATO. The realization of a series of bilateral meetings between officials of the two countries is a strong proof of continuous political dialogue.

Visa regime

Nationals of Montenegro are required to obtain a visa to enter the United States of America. 

Visa may be obtained from the Embassy of the United States of America in Podgorica, Montenegro. 

Diplomatic relations

The United States of America recognized Montenegro on 12 June 2006. Diplomatic relations between the two states were established on 7 August 2006.

The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to Montenegro is Judy Rising Reinke (assumed duties in 2018), while Montenegro covers the United States from the Embassy in Washington, currently at the level of charge d'affaires.

In 2007, the General Consulate of Montenegro was opened in New York.

Official visits

Outgoing

Deputy Prime Minister for the Political System, Internal and Foreign Policy Zoran Pažin paid a working visit to the United States from 3 – 7 March 2020.

The President of the Parliment, Ivan Brajović, was a guest at the 68th National Prayer Breakfast in Washington on 6  February  2020.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, prof. dr S. Darmanović participated on 16-18 July 2019 on the Ministerial Conference for the Promotion of Religious Freedom in Washington, organized on the initiative of US Secretary of State M. Pompeo.

On 2-4 July 2019, President Milo Đukanović participated in the Sedona Forum, organized by the McCain Institute for International Leadership, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he spoke at the panel "Why is American leadership (still) important?".

On 1-8 April 2019, Minister of Foreign Affairs prof. dr Srdjan Darmanovic paid a working visit to Washington on the occasion of his participation in the meeting of NATO Foreign Ministers.

On 7 February 2019, the President of the Assembly, Ivan Brajović, was a guest at the 67th National Prayer Breakfast in Washington.

Incoming

On 14 December 2020 Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs of the USA and the Special Representative for the Western Balkans, Matthew Palmer paid a virtual visit to Monetengro. 

On 4 October 2019, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo paid an official visit to Montenegro.

On 9 September 9 2019, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State and Newly Appointed Special Representative of the Secretary of State for the Western Balkans Matthew Palmer paid an official visit to Montenegro.

On 18 March 2018, Acting Director of the Office for Southern and Central Europe Affairs at the State Department Susan Falatko paid a working visit to Montenegro.

On 1-2 August 2017, US Vice President Mike Pence paid a visit to Montenegro.

Economic cooperation

Foreign trade between Montenegro and the United States is characterized by a high deficit on the Montenegrin side. For 2020, trade between the United States and Montenegro amounted to EUR 34 million, of which 31,9 million relates to imports, while 2,1 million relates to exports from Montenegro. The deficit was EUR 29,7 million. The foreign trade of Montenegro and the USA for 2019 amounted to EUR 27,3 million, of which EUR 25,5 million related to imports from the USA, while exports amounted to EUR 1,8 million (47.1% decrease compared to the same period 2018). The deficit was EUR 23,7 million.

During 2020, direct investments from the USA to Montenegro amounted to EUR 29,4 million. In 2019, direct investments from the USA to Montenegro amounted to EUR 13,5 million.

During 2020, tourists from the United States made 20,543 arrivals and 8,503 overnight stays in collective accommodation. During 2019, Montenegro was visited by 35,757 tourists from the United States who realized a total of 123,387 overnight stays (the number of tourists increased by 21,1% and the number of overnight stays by 28,8% compared to 2018).