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Region: Europe
Full Name: Principality of Monaco
Capital City: Monaco
Language Spoken: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
Get travel insurance to Monaco from Direct Travel Insurance. We offer low cost and high quality travel insurance to Monaco and most of the world.
43 44 N, 7 24 E
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m highest point: Mont Agel 140 m
total: 4.4 km border countries: France 4.4 km
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none
arable land: 0% permanent crops: 0% other: 100% (urban area) (2005)
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Monaco has a mild climate throughout the year, the hottest months being July and August, and the coolest being January and February. Rain mostly falls during the cooler winter months and there is an average of only 60 days' rain per year.\nRequired clothing\nLightweights are worn, with a warm wrap for cooler summer evenings. Light- to mediumweights are advised for winter.
time difference: UTC+1 daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
32,543 (July 2006 est.)
0-14 years: 15.2% (male 2,539/female 2,417) 15-64 years: 62.1% (male 9,959/female 10,266) 65 years and over: 22.6% (male 3,015/female 4,347) (2006 est.)
total: 45.4 years male: 43.3 years female: 47.3 years (2006 est.)
0.4% (2006 est.)
9.19 births/1,000 population (2006 est.)
12.91 deaths/1,000 population (2006 est.)
7.68 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2006 est.)
at birth: 1.05 male(s)/female under 15 years: 1.05 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.69 male(s)/female total population: 0.91 male(s)/female (2006 est.)
total population: 79.69 years male: 75.85 years female: 83.74 years (2006 est.)
1.76 children born/woman (2006 est.)
Business meetings are usually formal in Monaco, with suit and tie expected, promptness important and business cards usually exchanged. . It is considered impolite to begin a conversation in French and then revert to English. Office hours are 0900-1200 and 1400-1700 Monday to Friday.
Monaco has a very low rate of violent crime. The city is equipped with 60 video cameras fitted with zoom lenses, operating 24 hours daily, installed on buildings, rooftops, and street poles. However, crime such as pickpocketing does occur, especially at the Monaco train station. As elsewhere, travelers should be wary of theft of unattended baggage, and theft from rental cars. Criminals frequent tourist attractions such as museums, monuments, restaurants, hotels and beaches.
Some of the most luxurious hotels and conference facilities in Europe are located in Monaco, and all are equipped with extensive modern amenities. The principality has over 18 hotels, one of which is in the 5-star deluxe category and six of which are in the 4-star category. Apartments are available to rent and are generally expensive.
Full telephone IDD service is available. The country code is 33 93 and the outgoing international code is 19. Some hotels have fax facilities. The Main Post Office is at The Scala Palace, Beaumarchais Square. Opening hours: 0800-1900 Monday to Friday and 0800-1200 Saturday.
is 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round 2-pin plugs are in use. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.
C,D,E,F
Restaurants in Monaco offer a wide choice of food. Service and standards are excellent. Cuisine is similar to France.
National specialties:
? Barbagiuan (a type of pastry filled with rice and pumpkin).
? Fougasse (fragrant orange flower water pastries decorated with nuts, almonds and aniseed).
? Socca (chick-pea flour pancakes).
? Stocafi (dried cod cooked in a tomato sauce).
Tipping:
Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a 15 per cent service charge; however, where this is not added it is customary to leave a 15 per cent tip. Taxi drivers are usually tipped 15 per cent of the fare.
Nightlife
The world-famous Monte Carlo Casino is a perennial attraction. The building also houses the Casino Cabaret and the Salle Garnier, the delightful gilded Opera House offering a winter season of ballet, opera and music. There are further gambling venues in the Monte-Carlo Grand Hotel and the Monte Carlo Sporting Club and the Caf? de Paris. There are also several nightclubs, cinemas, discos and variety shows.
The passport and visa requirements for persons visiting Monaco as tourists are the same as for France. Monaco is not a member of the EU, however, so residency and long-stay requirements differ and are liable to change. For further details, contact any French Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). Note France is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement. * Please see note 1 in passport section
The passport and visa requirements for persons visiting Monaco as tourists are the same as for France. Monaco is not a member of the EU, however, so residency and long-stay requirements differ and are liable to change. For further details, contact any French Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy).
Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all except:
(a) 1. EU/EEA nationals (EU + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and Swiss nationals holding a valid national ID card.
Note: EU and EEA nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU/EEA nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU/EEA Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
(b) Nationals of Andorra, Monaco and San Marino, holding a valid national ID card.
Required by all except the following for a period not exceeding three months:
(a) Nationals of countries referred to in the chart and under passport exemptions above;
(b) nationals of Argentina, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong (SAR; blue passport holders only), Iceland, Israel, Korea (Dem Rep), Macau, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Romania, Singapore, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela;
(c) Transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. The following nationals always require an airport transit visa when not leaving the airport, unless they are permanent residents in the UK, or Indian nationals with a visa for the UK: Afghanistan, Albania, Angola, Bangladesh, Congo (Rep), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syrian Arab Republic and holders of Palestinian refugee travel documents issued by the Egyptian, Lebanese or Syrian authorities.
Note
(a) Pupils travelling on a school trip may also be exempt from visa regulations if their names are entered on a 'List of Travellers' obtainable from the British Council (tel: (0161) 957 7755), for those resident in the UK. (b) Nationals of Bermuda, although visa-exempt when entering France, may still require visas to enter other Schengen countries. (c) Visa-exempt nationals may still be required to produce proofs of financial means of support, hotel bookings or a return ticket to country of residence, either at borders of entry or within the Schengen area.
A uniform Schengen visa is issued for Short-stay visits (tourist, business and students), Airport Transit, Transit and Long-validity (circulation) visits. A circulation visa allows the holder to freely travel within the Schengen visa area for one to three years. The visa will be given to those who can prove their frequent trips are for family or business purposes. Visa application fees must be paid at the time of application. No visa application fee can be refunded, whatever the result of the application. A Long-Stay visa is available for those who wish to reside (more than 90 days), retire, work or study in France, Andorra, Monaco or a DOM/TOM (French Overseas Territory).
Schengen visa applications are charged at a fixed rate of US$41, irrespective of the duration of stay requested (except for long-stay visas: stays over 90 days). The fee remains payable in Pounds Sterling only, approximately US$38 -US$45; Long-Stay visas are approximately US$113 -US$120; Student fee is US$60 to US$69
Note
(a) Prices change with the prevalent exchange rate, so visitors are advised to check the exact price before travelling. Payment is by cash or by credit/debit card (excluding American Express and Diners), and in Pounds Sterling only. (b) Spouses and children of EU nationals can obtain a visa free of charge on presentation of relevant documentation.
Short-stay visas are valid for a maximum of six months from date of issue for single or multiple entries of maximum 90 days in total. Transit visas are valid for single or double entries of maximum five days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended; a new application must be made each time. Circulation visas are valid for one to three years from date of issue, for single or multiple entries for a maximum of 90 days over a six month period.
All persons wishing to apply must make an appointment by telephone or on the Internet before attending and submitting their documents in person at the consulate. An automated telephone appointment booking service is available; see Passport/Visa Information. It is also possible to arrange a meeting by post although this is much slower. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).
(a) Passport valid for at least three months longer than validity of the visa with blank pages to affix visa stamp. If British, the British Residence Permit must exceed the validity of the requested visa by more than three months. An exception will be made (one month) for those returning permanently to their country on presentation of travel tickets. (b) One completed application form. (c) Two passport-size photos. (d) Evidence of sufficient funds for stay (e.g. a recent bank statement less than one month old or traveller's cheques; a minimum of ?40 per day spent in France is required). (e) Proof of occupation with letter from employer, accountant, school or university (less than three months old) and last three payslips. If self-employed, submit up-to-date letter from solicitor/accountant/bank manager/local Chamber of Commerce; if student, submit up-to-date letter from educational institution (less than three months old), stating course, type of studies and attendance record; if inactive and married, submit letter from spouse's employer and marriage certificate. (f) Return ticket to country of residence, and visa for next destination if required, or confirmed booking from travel agent. (g) Evidence of hotel reservations, a certificate of board and lodging to be obtained by your French host from the local town hall, means of support or proof of official invitation from host or company. (h) Evidence of medical insurance (including repatriation and covering the duration of the requested visa). (i) Fee; payable by cash or credit/debit card. If applying by post, fee must be paid by credit card or postal order only. (j) For business travellers: a letter of invitation from a French company. (k) For student trips: a letter from school stating dates of trip, address in France and name of persons responsible for student. (l) A self-addressed, pre-paid special delivery envelope for the safe return of documents. (m) Minors: Birth certificate of the child with an official translation in French or English, certified by the consular representation of the country of the applicant; passports of both parents or certified copies; minors who apply for a visa without their parents, or with one parent, must provide a letter from their parents or legal representative authorizing them to reside in France. This authorization must be certified by a lawyer or the consular representation of the country of the applicant. A copy of the parents' passport must be sent with the form.
Note
(a) Postal applications are only acceptable for certain nationals; consult the Consulate (or website: www.ambafrance-uk.org) for further information. (b) Each document must be presented with one photocopy. (c) Minors under 18 must present original full birth certificate, stating both parents' names with official translation if not in French or English, plus parents' original passports or certified copies if the parents are residing abroad. If travelling alone or with only one parent, nationals will need to submit a completed and signed application form granting parental authorization, and appointing the person responsible for the minor's welfare. This letter must be duly authenticated by a solicitor or Commissioner of Oaths, or by a Consular Officer of the applicant's nationality. In cases of adoption/fostering, contact the Embassy for further advice. (d) For Long-Stay visas the application requirements depend on the individuals circumstances; Contact the consulate general for information (see Passport/Visa Information).
From a few hours to several weeks depending on nationality and if applying by post.
A Work Permit may have to be obtained in France. For full details, contact the long stay visa section of the Consulate General; see Passport/Visa Information.
Passport/Visa Information
Embassy of the French Republic in the UK
58 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7JT, UK
Tel: (020) 7073 1000.
Website: https://uk.ambafrance.org/
7 Upper Grosvenor Street, London W1K 2LX
Website:http://embassy-to-uk.gouv.mc/
21 Cromwell Road, London SW7 2EN, UK
Tel: (020) 7073 1200 (consular section) or 508 940 (visa information service; calls cost ?1 per minute) or (09065) 540 700 (automated telephone appointment booking) or (020) 7073 1295 (visa applications in progress; Mon-Thur 1500-1700 only) or (09065) 266 654 (24-hour visa application form request service; calls cost ?1.50 per minute).
Visa section: 6A Cromwell Place, London SW7 2EW, UK
Opening hours: Mon-Wed 0845-1500, Thurs-Fri 0845-1200 (general enquiries); Mon-Fri 0845-1130 (visa applications).
Website:https://uk.ambafrance.org/-Consulate-in-London-
Embassy of the French Republic in the USA
4101 Reservoir Road, NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
Tel: (202) 944 6195.
Website: https://uk.ambafrance.org/ or https://franceintheus.org/ (consular section).
Most visits to Monaco are trouble-free but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Tel: (0845) 850 2829.
Website: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/monaco
US Department of State
No Test Required
None
British Honorary Consul, Monaco
Telephone: (377) 93 50 99 54
Facsimile: (377) 97 70 72 00
The first Euro coins and notes were introduced in January 2002. For details of the Euro currency, exchange rates and currency restrictions, see France section.
Mon-Fri 0900-1200 and 1400-1630.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
Widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.
| City/Region | City/Area code | Followed by |
|---|---|---|
| Monaco | 9 | + 7 digits |
A high standard of dental care is available in Monaco
Supplies of international medications are generally available. Pharmacists have to have a current licence
Blood supplies are considered as safe, collected from volunteer donors and screened to international standards
Medical care comparable to that found in the United States is widely available.
Recent medical and dental exams should ensure that the traveler is in good health. Carry appropriate health and accident insurance documents and copies of any important medical records. Bring an adequate supply of all prescription and other medications as well as any necessary personal hygiene items, including a spare pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Hikers should take protective measures against ticks.
All routine vaccines (such as DTP or Td, Hib, MMR, polio, varicella, influenza and pneumococcal) should be kept up-to-date as a matter of good health practice unrelated to travel.
The general level of community sanitation is good. Water is safe. Good pasteurized milk is available. Insect-borne illness: Leishmaniasis (visceral and cutaneous) - occurs Sandfly fever - occurs Typhus (Murine and tick-borne) - occurs West Nile fever (mosquito-borne) - occurs (The above occur in Mediterranean coastal areas.) Lyme disease - occurs Other hazards: High levels of immunization coverage have reduced the incidence of diseases such as measles and diphtheria. Influenza risk extends from November to April. Rabies - occurs in animals
None.
No recent disease outbreaks
| Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Centre Cardio-Thoracique de Monaco | 11 bis Avenue d'Ostende-MC- Monaco 98000 |
| Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace | Avenue Pasteur Monaco 98000 |
The influence of Monaco's broadcast media extends far beyond its borders. From the 1960s, Radio Monte-Carlo has reached listeners across much of France, and in the 1970s broadcasts to Italy began.
Press: There are no daily newspapers in Monaco, but French papers - and the tabloid magazines, cover news from the principality. The principal regional daily is Nice-Matin (which includes two pages on Monaco). Weekly publication, the Monaco Hebdo covers Monaco's current affairs. The Journal de Monaco (website: www.gouv.mc/Dataweb/jourmon) an internal government journal, is published weekly. Other newspapers include Gazette Monaco-C?te d'Azur, Monaco Actualit? and Monte Carlo M?diterran?e. French newspapers are widely available, as are English books and magazines. The Riviera Reporter, the only English-language magazine for residents in the French Riviera, is published every two months.
TV: TV Monte-Carlo (TMC).
Radio: Radio Monte-Carlo (RMC) Info is a French-language network, Radio Monte-Carlo (RMC) is an Italian-language network. Riviera Radio is a privately run English-language network. Radio Monte-Carlo Moyen Orient is a pan-Arab station, now based in Paris and operated by Radio France Internationale.
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