Crossing the Border Between Croatia and Montenegro by car [2025]

If you’re visiting Montenegro for more than just a few days, chances are you’ll go through the Croatia Montenegro border to visit Dubrovnik. On our recent trips, we were crossing the border between Montenegro and Croatia by car at least five times, giving us plenty of firsthand experience with the process. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about driving across the border, including required documents, waiting times, and tips for a smooth journey.

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Where Is the Border Between Montenegro and Croatia?

Even though the border between Croatia and Montenegro is short (just 25 km of land), there are several official crossing points you can use. The one most travelers know is Debeli Brijeg–Karasovići (that’s the one we always crossed), right on the Adriatic Highway. This is where almost everyone passes if they’re going from Dubrovnik down the coast toward Herceg Novi, Kotor, or Budva. But it’s not the only option.

Here’s the full list of border crossings between Croatia and Montenegro:

• Debeli Brijeg – Karasovići (main crossing on the Adriatic coast, open for all traffic)
• Kobila – Vitaljina (smaller crossing for passenger traffic, less busy) – we tried to go through this border crossing point when driving from Montenegro to Croatia once but it was out of service – the system was not working so we had to go back to Debeli Brijeg – Karasovići anyway.
• Sitnica – Zupci (inland crossing, mainly used by locals and those driving from Nikšić or Podgorica toward Dubrovnik)

Croatia – Montenegro Border Crossing Time

Lines at the Border

The main border crossing from Croatia to Montenegro Debeli Brijeg – Karasovići can get really busy in summer, especially with day-trippers from Dubrovnik heading into Montenegro. From our experience, waiting times range from almost no delay in the low season early in the morning or late at night, to 2–3 hours on a packed August weekend in the middle of the day. The longest we waited to cross from Montenegro to Croatia was around 2 pm in May, when it took us about an hour and a half.

Smaller crossings like Kobila–Vitaljina or Sitnica–Zupci can sometimes be faster alternatives, though they’re a bit off the main coastal road. The one time we chose to go through Kobila–Vitaljina, it was actually closed, so instead of saving time, we ended up spending more. We also noticed that early mornings or late evenings are usually better, and more people travel from Croatia to Montenegro than the other way around. This means that if you’re heading from Croatia to Montenegro in the morning, you might face long lines, while the opposite direction is often quicker.

Check Times at the Border

Even if there’s no visible line at the border and Google Maps or Waze shows no traffic, you can still lose time if the guards decide to check your car and documents more thoroughly. I’m not sure if this has changed recently, but in May 2025, when we crossed the border from Montenegro to Croatia and back, the guards didn’t even check how many people were in the car. However, when we crossed again in September 2025, the checks were so thorough that we spent at least 30 minutes just being inspected.

Entering Croatia from Montenegro – Requirements

Croatia is part of the Schengen Zone, so the same entry rules apply as for any other Schengen country. Always check the official Croatian government website for the latest requirements based on your nationality.

Entering Montenegro from Croatia – Requirements

Montenegro is not part of the Schengen Zone. To enter, you’ll need a valid passport or ID, and since entry rules differ by nationality, it’s best to confirm the current requisites on the official Montenegro government website.

Tips for a Smooth Croatia – Montenegro Border Crossing

• Travel early or late: Crossing before 7 AM or after 7 PM usually means shorter queues.
• Know your options: If the main road is packed, try Kobila–Vitaljina or Sitnica–Zupci.
• Keep documents handy: Passport/ID, car insurance, and vehicle papers are a must.
• Check official updates: Rules change—get the latest info from Croatia’s MFA and Montenegro’s border page.
• If the border police ask whether you have any alcohol, cigarettes, or medicines, it’s best to show everything—even small amounts or basic tablets like painkillers.
• Be prepared for longer waits by bringing some snacks and water with you.
• Don’t plan tight schedules or flights on the same day as your border crossing—the wait times are unpredictable.

FAQs About Crossing the border between Croatia and Montenegro