Western Europe · UN member
Monaco: Travel Guide & Requirements
Principality of Monaco
Monaco is a country in Western Europe with its capital in Monaco. It has a population of 38,341 (#210 in the world) and covers 2 km². The official language is French. The currency is the Euro (EUR, €).
Where is Monaco? Map of Monaco
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy.
- Region
- Western Europe
- Coordinates
- 43.7333° N, 7.4° E
- Neighbours
- 1 — see list
- Coastline
- 4 km
- Monaco
- Neighbours
- Capital
Travel requirements
What you need to travel to Monaco
- Passport
The UK government says Monaco follows Schengen area rules: your passport must have a date of issue less than 10 years before the date you arrive and an expiry date at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the S…
- Visa or eTA
Depends on your passport: of 198 passports, 93 need no visa, 105 need a visa from an embassy. Check yours or see Monaco entry requirements for every passport.
- Return or onward ticket
No Monegasque source we could read states an onward-ticket requirement.
- Proof of funds
The UK government says France handles immigration matters for Monaco and that at border control you may need to prove you have enough money for your stay, the amount depending on your accommodation.
- Travel insurance
The UK government says France handles immigration matters for Monaco and that at border control you may need to show proof of your travel insurance.
- Arrival card
The UK government's travel advice for France says that when you travel into the Schengen area for short stays you may need to register biometric details such as fingerprints and a photo, and that there is no cost for EE…
- Customs allowance
Anyone entering or leaving Monaco with cash or bearer instruments worth more than €10,000 in total must declare them to the Public Security Department (Direction de la Sûreté Publique).
- Travel advice
Safe to visit — US and UK advice.
Entry rules: TravelRequirements.info — Entry Requirements Dataset (CC BY 4.0), each rule cited to an official government source. Always confirm with the airline and the official source before you travel.
Before you go
9 things to know before you travel to Monaco
- Safety: Yes — Monaco is generally safe to visit: the UK Foreign Office has no warnings against travel there.
- Best time to go: July to August — when daytime highs in Monaco are around 25°C.
- Money: the Euro (EUR) — 1 US dollar is about 0.8911 EUR.
- Plugs: type C and E, 230 V, 50 Hz — standard 220–240 V: devices from the US or Japan (110–120 V) need a converter unless they are dual voltage (100–240 V).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17, Ambulance 112 / 18, Fire 112 / 18.
- Language: French is official; English is also spoken.
- Driving: on the right — speed limits are 50 km/h outside built-up areas.
- Time zone: UTC+1 in Monaco.
- Capital: Monaco. About 38,341 people live in Monaco.
Key facts
Monaco at a glance
Languages spoken: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
Geography & history
About Monaco
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present-day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized control in 1297 but was not able to permanently secure its holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, coastal Mediterranean scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist and recreation center.
Location
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
Climate
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain
hilly, rugged, rocky
Highest point
Chemin des Revoires on Mont Agel 162 m
Natural resources
none
Natural hazards
none
National symbols
red and white lozenges (diamond shapes)
Driving
Speed limits & road rules in Monaco
The default speed limits in Monaco are 50 km/h outside built-up areas. Posted signs always take priority over these defaults.
- 5050 km/hOutside built-up areasCountry roads
- International Driving PermitRecognised: 1968 Vienna, 1949 Geneva, 1926 ParisCarry the IDP together with your national licence
- Driving sideDrive on the rightOvertake on the left
- Road deaths (2021)0.0 per 100,000 peopleSafer than most countries (median 12.4)
Speed limits: OpenStreetMap wiki — Default speed limits (CC BY-SA 2.0). Road-safety laws: WHO Global Health Observatory. Compare speed limits and alcohol limits by country. Defaults for cars; local signs, weather and vehicle type can lower them.
Safety
Is Monaco safe to visit?
Yes — Monaco is generally safe to visit: the UK Foreign Office has no warnings against travel there.
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)Latest update: New information about dual nationals returning to the UK (‘Entry requirements’ page).
Updated 10 Dec 2025 · Full travel advice
Sources: US Department of State travel advisories (public domain) and UK FCDO foreign travel advice (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). Checked daily. Advice can change quickly — always read the official page before you travel.
Weather
Best time to visit Monaco
The best time to visit Monaco is July to August, when daytime highs in Monaco are around 25°C. June and September are also a good time to go. August is the warmest month (25°C by day), February the coldest (9°C at night), and November the wettest with about 123 mm of rain.
- Jan12°C10°C
- Feb12°C9°C
- Mar13°C11°C
- Apr15°C13°C
- May19°C16°C
- Jun23°C20°C
- Jul25°C23°C
- Aug25°C23°C
- Sep23°C20°C
- Oct19°C17°C
- Nov16°C14°C
- Dec13°C11°C
Best time Good Less ideal
Before you go
Plugs, voltage & emergency numbers in Monaco
Plugs & sockets
230 V, 50 Hz · Standard 220–240 V: devices from the US or Japan (110–120 V) need a converter unless they are dual voltage (100–240 V).
Sources: Wikipedia — Mains electricity by country and List of emergency telephone numbers (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Currency · 26 October 2026
Euro exchange rates today
Monaco uses the Euro (EUR, €). One US dollar buys 0.8911 EUR; over the last 30 days the EUR has lost 1.5% against the dollar.
What other currencies cost in EUR
Currency converter
Daily reference rates from the open-source currency-api (CC0), 26 Oct 2026. Banks and exchange offices add a margin.
World rankings
Where Monaco ranks
How Monaco compares with the rest of the world — open any card for the full ranking.
Airports
Airports in Monaco
3 airports and airfields — 0 large, 0 medium and 0 small, plus 3 heliports. 1 have scheduled passenger flights.
Borders
Neighbouring countries
Monaco borders 1 country along 6 km of land borders. Coastline: 4 km.
People
Population & society
Religion
Largest cities: Monaco (39,000)
Economy
Economy
Main industries
banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products
Export partners
Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Spain (2021)
Top exports
jewelry, perfumes, watches, packaged medicines, cars (2021)
Travel tools
Handy before every trip to Monaco
Next public holiday
All Saints Day — Monday, 2 November 2026. Then National Day (19 Nov).
Monegasque or Monacan passport
Ranked #44: 109 countries visa-free, 38 with visa on arrival, 9 with an eTA and 23 with an eVisa.
Monegasque or Monacan passport photo
Exact size, head position and background for Monaco's passport and visa photos — make one free with AI checks.
Calling Monaco
Dial +377 before the local number. Internet domain .mc.
Entry requirements
Visa rules for every passport visiting Monaco: visa-free stays, eVisas, visas on arrival and documents to bring.
News
Latest travel news about Monaco
Travellers to San Marino Face New EU Quota Limits Under 2026 Deal
San Marino and Andorra signed association agreements with the EU in Brussels on 19 October 2026, opening the single market to both microstates. Their…
Hondurans Can Seek German Residence After Arrival, but Not to Work in Germany
Germany's Federal Foreign Office says citizens of Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino can apply for a residence permit afte…
Monaco Camper Van Rules: Two Parking Sites and No Sleeping in Vans
Camper vans can enter Monaco but may park only in two designated areas, where overnight stays inside the vehicle are banned. Caravans are not allowed…
Frequently asked questions about Monaco
What do I need to travel to Monaco?
How long must my passport be valid for Monaco?
Where is Monaco?
What is the capital of Monaco?
What language is spoken in Monaco?
What currency does Monaco use?
What is the calling code of Monaco?
Which countries border Monaco?
How strong is the Monegasque or Monacan passport?
What is the speed limit in Monaco?
Is Monaco safe to visit?
When is the best time to visit Monaco?
What plug type does Monaco use?
How many airports does Monaco have?
Sources: CIA World Factbook (public domain); World Bank Open Data (CC BY 4.0); names, languages and currencies: mledoze/countries (ODbL); flag: flag-icons (MIT); coat of arms: Wikimedia Commons (file page); exchange rates: Daily reference rates from the open-source currency-api (CC0); airports: OurAirports.