Montenegrin authorities have launched a coordinated enforcement operation at the country’s two main international airports, issuing 55 measures against taxi operators, rent a car providers and other service personnel for violations ranging from tax rules to unauthorized activity in border zones. The operations at Podgorica and Tivat airports reflect a stronger government focus on improving the experience for visitors arriving in Montenegro, particularly at transport hubs where tourists have previously reported concerns about inflated fares, unlicensed services and questionable rental practices.
At Podgorica Airport, Border Police worked with municipal police, the Labor Inspectorate, the Tax Administration, the Road Traffic Inspectorate and the Institute of Metrology to inspect taxi and car rental services, as well as people working for businesses operating within the border crossing area. The operation resulted in 53 enforcement measures, including eight misdemeanor warrants for unauthorized movement or residence in the border zone, 13 traffic citations and four tax fines of €2,000 each for fiscalization violations.
Road transport inspectors issued six additional fines totaling €4,000, while metrology officials took 22 measures, including eight corrective orders and 14 misdemeanor warrants worth a combined €3,480. Taken together, the penalties and measures at Podgorica Airport demonstrate the scale of the operation and the authorities’ effort to tighten oversight of businesses serving international travelers.
Tivat Airport Also Targeted as Controls Intensify
A parallel operation at Tivat Airport involved Border Police and municipal inspection services checking 12 people and issuing two fines. One penalty, worth €1,500, concerned a road transport violation, while a separate municipal traffic citation amounted to €100. Although the Tivat operation was smaller, the coastal airport is particularly important during the summer tourism season because it serves visitors heading to some of Montenegro’s busiest destinations.
The authorities have made clear that the airport inspections are not intended to be one off actions. The Police Directorate said intensified controls will continue at both airports in cooperation with state administration and local authorities, with the goal of identifying irregularities and maintaining a safe and orderly environment for travelers and airport workers.
The enforcement campaign comes during Montenegro’s busiest tourism period, when large numbers of international visitors pass through Podgorica and Tivat. For a country where tourism plays a major role in the economy, authorities are signaling that protecting visitors from unfair practices is also part of protecting Montenegro’s reputation as a holiday destination.
With airport traffic remaining high during the summer season, the continued inspections could put additional pressure on taxi companies, rental operators and other businesses to comply with regulations. The message from authorities is clear, Montenegro wants visitors to encounter a professional and transparent service environment from the moment they arrive.
