General Information
Tivat Airport (TIV) is the second most important international airport in Montenegro, located 4 km from the center of the city of Tivat. It is the main hub for tourists heading to Kotor, Budva, and the resorts of the Luštica Peninsula.
The airport has a pronounced seasonality: from May to September it handles up to 80% of the annual passenger traffic. During this period, the terminal may be overcrowded. In winter, the number of flights is minimal (mainly Belgrade and Istanbul).
- IATA code: TIV
- Address: Adriatic Highway, Mrčevac, Tivat
- Phone: +382 32 671 337
- Working hours: 24/7 (in practice, flights operate during daylight hours due to landscape features).
Recommendation: During the summer season (July–August), arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. The security and passport control areas are small, and queues often occur.
How to Get from the Airport
The airport does not have direct railway connections. The main means of transportation is road transport.Taxi
The official taxi stand is located right outside the terminal exit.- Tivat (city center): 8–12 euros.
- Kotor: 15–25 euros.
- Budva: 25–35 euros.
Important: International ride-hailing services like Uber do not operate in Montenegro. Use licensed taxis at the counter or call local services (Red Taxi and similar) via Viber/WhatsApp. Unofficial drivers may charge 2–3 times more.
Bus
There is no dedicated bus stop at the terminal. To catch a passing intercity bus, you need to: 1. Exit the terminal and walk about 150–200 meters to the main road (Adriatic Highway). 2. Flag down the bus on the road (special bus bays may not be available). 3. Fare: 1–3 euros. 4. Cash payment to the driver. This option is not recommended for tourists with large luggage or children.Car Rental
Arrival hall hosts desks of international (Hertz, Europcar) and local rental companies.- Daily price: from 25 euros (winter) to 60+ euros (summer).
- Requirements: minimum age 21, driving experience from 1–2 years.
- Parking: The airport does not have its own long-term parking, but there is a public paid parking lot nearby.
Visa Rules and Registration
For Tourists (Short-Term Stay)
Citizens of the EU, USA, Russia, and CIS countries may stay in Montenegro visa-free for up to 30 or 90 days (depending on citizenship and season).- The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the intended departure date.
- Holders of Schengen, UK, or US visas may enter for up to 30 days.
Mandatory registration: Every foreigner must register with the police or a tourist office within 24 hours after entry (obtain the “white card”). If you stay in a hotel, the administration does this. If in apartments, request proof of registration from the host. Fine for lack of registration upon departure starts from 40 euros.
For Expats (Long-Term Stay)
For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for:- Visa D: Long-term visa (3 to 6 months) for work, study, or medical treatment.
- Temporary Residence Permit (Boravak): Grounds include property ownership (from 50% share), company registration, employment, or family reunification.
Infrastructure and Services
The Tivat Airport terminal is compact and offers a basic range of services:- Wi-Fi: Free throughout the terminal.
- Food: A small café in the check-in area and a café in the departure area (after passport control).
- Duty Free: Duty-free shop operates in the departure area.
- Business Lounge: Available for an additional fee. Offers drinks, press, and Wi-Fi.
- VAT Refund (Tax Free): For purchases over 100 euros. Passport, receipt, tax-free form, and the goods must be presented to a customs officer before baggage check-in.
Passengers with Reduced Mobility
The airport is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility (ramps, special parking). Assistance services for boarding/disembarking must be requested from the airline when booking the ticket.
Expat tip: If you plan to live in Tivat, consider the Porto Montenegro area. It offers developed infrastructure, the Knightsbridge International School, and walking distance to the city center. The personal income tax rate in Montenegro is only 9%, making the country attractive for tax residency.