Montenegrin citizens barred from entering Serbia; Rigorous checks cause long border queues

Montenegrin citizens are facing difficulties entering Serbia, with reports indicating they are being denied entry at the Gostun border crossing. This has resulted in substantial traffic jams, as evidenced by live camera feeds from the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs. Unofficial information suggests that similar restrictive measures are being implemented at other border points connecting the two neighboring countries.

According to Montenegrin media outlets, Serbian authorities are conducting "detailed security screenings" of Montenegrin nationals. Reports from outlets like Vijesti indicate that as of Wednesday evening, no Montenegrin citizens had been allowed to cross into Serbia at the Gostun, Jabuka, or Dracenovac crossings. The CdM portal further reported that adult male citizens from Montenegro are being singled out for these enhanced checks at all entry points into Serbia.

While Serbian authorities have not yet issued an official statement regarding these alleged restrictions or new protocols, the situation arises in the wake of a significant incident. On Wednesday, a group of 87 men, some identified as "persons of interest" or security risks, were detained at Tivat Airport and prevented from entering Montenegro after arriving on a charter flight from Belgrade. This group was subsequently returned to Belgrade.

These developments are particularly noteworthy as they occur shortly before the upcoming EU-Western Balkans Summit, which is scheduled to be held in Tivat. Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić is expected to attend the summit, adding a layer of diplomatic sensitivity to the border situation.