Border Crossings Between Croatia and Montenegro

Your journey between Croatia and Montenegro takes you along one of the most celebrated coastlines in the world. The border crossing is a direct gateway from the region of Dubrovnik to the magnificent Bay of Kotor. There is one primary coastal crossing connecting the two countries, located at Karasovići on the Croatian side and Debeli Brijeg on the Montenegrin side. This checkpoint is perched on a hillside offering spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea. A second, smaller crossing is located slightly inland at Vitaljina, which can sometimes be a quicker alternative to the main coastal route, especially during peak season.

Given that this is the main tourist route south from the popular city of Dubrovnik, you should be prepared for significant queues, particularly during the summer months of July and August. Wait times can often exceed an hour or more as cars and tour buses line up. The border marks a distinct entry point into the unique landscape of the Bay of Kotor, a submerged river canyon that creates a fjord-like environment unlike any other in the Mediterranean. The short drive from the border to towns like Herceg Novi or Kotor is a stunning introduction to Montenegro’s most famous natural attraction.