Monaco: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world and has no airport or train station of its own: the usual way to get there is by train or road from Nice (France), about 20-30 minutes away, or by helicopter transfer from Nice airport. Since there's no border control with France, the same entry rules apply as in the rest of the Schengen Area.
The currency is the euro (EUR) and the official language is French. The emergency number is 112, the same as in France.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Monaco is not formally a member of the Schengen Area, but since it has no border control with France, it functions in practice under the same visa rules as France; the requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
Health & travel insurance: Monaco has extremely high-quality private medical care, but it's also among the most expensive in Europe; travel insurance with broad medical coverage is recommended.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Since there's no border control between Monaco and France, travelers usually enter with the same Schengen visa used to enter France. Passport holders exempt from a Schengen visa don't need any additional paperwork to visit Monaco.
- Passport valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure date from the Schengen Area.
- Valid Schengen visa if your nationality requires one to enter France.
- There is no visa specific to Monaco alone.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
Princess Grace Hospital offers high-quality care, but medical costs in Monaco are among the highest in Europe, so an emergency without insurance can be very costly.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in Monaco; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transport and Currency
The currency is the euro (EUR). With no airport of its own, most visitors arrive by train from Nice or by helicopter transfer; within the principality, walking or using the public elevators is the most practical way to get around.
When to Travel
High season coincides with the Formula 1 Grand Prix in May and summer on the French Riviera (June to August), when accommodation prices rise significantly. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Travel checklist for Monaco
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Monaco.
- Check the visa requirement for Monaco based on your passport: Monaco is not formally a member of the Schengen Area, but since it has no border control with France, it functions in practice under the same visa rules as France; the requirement depends on the traveler's passport.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Monaco has extremely high-quality private medical care, but it's also among the most expensive in Europe; travel insurance with broad medical coverage is recommended.
- Save Monaco's emergency number: 112, along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Euro (EUR)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a different visa to enter Monaco?
No; since there's no border control with France, the same Schengen visa used to enter France applies.
What's the emergency number in Monaco?
112, the same as in the rest of France and the European Union.
How do you get to Monaco if it has no airport?
By train or road from Nice airport (France), about 20-30 minutes away, or by helicopter transfer.
What currency should I use in Monaco?
The euro (EUR), the same as in France and Italy.
