Monaco tourist visa
Monaco Visa for Indian Citizens: A Complete Guide to the Monaco Tourist Visa
Monaco, located on the Mediterranean, is the second smallest country in the world and the second most visited country in the world. It is famous for its luxury yachts, casinos, Formula 1 Grand Prix, and Monaco is well-known for its lavish lifestyle. It has become a dream destination for tourists across the world including Indians. However, since Monaco is not a part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, a lot of Indian travelers get confused about visa requirements for traveling to Monaco.
These guidelines will help you know how to get a Monaco visa for Indian citizens with information on applying for a tourist visa for Monaco and other details about the visa to ensure a smooth trip.
- Does India Require a Visa for Indians?
Yes. Indian passport holders need a visa to enter Monaco, however, Monaco doesn’t issue its own visa. The country follows the Schengen Visa System because it has a deal with France that allows Schengen Visa holders to freely enter Monaco.
Therefore, if you are an Indian citizen who wants to visit Monaco for business, transit or sightseeing purposes, you must apply for Schengen Visa-Type C through the French Embassy or Consulate as France manages Monacos border control.
- Types of Monaco Visas Available for Indians
Although Monaco does not issue specific visas on its own, for any visit one would need to apply for a corresponding Schengen visa through France, depending on the purpose of visit.
2.1 Monaco Tourist Visa (Short-Stay Schengen Visa – Type C)
- Purpose: Tourism, family/friends visit, leisure travel.
- Duration: Up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Visa Validity: Access to most Schengen countries, including France and Monaco.
2.2 Monaco Business Visa
- Purpose: Used for meetings, conferences, or other business-related activities.
- Documents: Business invitation letter from the Monaco partner.
2.3 Monaco Transit Visa
- Purpose: Mostly used for transiting through Monaco to get to another location.
- Note: Very few people use this unless you’re switching transport in Monaco.
- Apply for Monaco Tourist Visa from India: Step-by-Step Guide
Because you need to apply for a French Schengen visa to travel to Monaco, we have outlined a step-by-step below.
Step 1: Identify Visa Type
If your visit is for leisure or tourism, select the short-stay Schengen visa (Type C).
Step 2: Schedule an Appointment
Appointments can be booked via the France-Visas official page and also on VFS Global, the company that handles French visas in India.
Step 3: Fill the Visa Application Form
Complete the visa application form online then print it out. You will have to enter “France” as your primary destination, but also include Monaco as part of your travel plans.
Step 4: Gather Required Documents
Here is the checklist for Indian applicants applying for a Monaco tourist visa:
Mandatory Documents:
- Completed and signed Schengen visa application form
- Indian passport (issued within the last 10 years, 2 blank pages, valid for 3 months beyond travel date)
- Two passport-sized photographs taken within the last 6 months meeting white background criteria
- Cover letter detailing your intended trip
- Covering documents detailing the travel plan and hotel reservations
- Document confirming travel insurance (minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies)
- Confirmed flight reservations (must include both onward and return flights)
- Proof of sufficient funds (3-6 months bank statements, salary slips, and Income Tax Returns (ITR))
- No objection certificate (NOC) from employer (if employed) or school/college (if student)
- For cross verification, photocopies of PAN card and Aadhaar card are needed
Step 5: Document Submission and Biometrics Appointment
Documents need to be submitted to the closest VFS France Visa Application Center. You may need to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph) unless you have submitted biometrics for a Schengen visa within the last 59 months.
Step 6: Payment of Visa Fees
Starting in 2025, Indian nationals will be charged the following fees for Monaco’s Schengen visa:
- Adults: €80 (around ₹7,200)
- Kids aged 6-12 years: €40 (around ₹3,600)
- Toddlers: Free
VFS may charge additional service fees.
Step 7: Check the Status of Your Application
You can track your visa application online by using the reference number provided during submission.
- Processing Time for Monaco Visa for Indians
For Indian passport holders, the average processing time for a tourist visa to Monaco is about 15 to 20 days. During peak seasons or if documents are incomplete, the processing time may increase.
Insider Tip: Make sure to apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before your intended travel dates.
- Visa Validity and Duration of Stay
With a Monaco tourist visa (Schengen short-stay), you can stay for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visa could be valid for:
- Single-entry
- Double-entry
- Multiple-entry at the consulate’s discretion
Be careful not to overstay your visa as penalties may include bans on future visa applications.
- Does Monaco Tourist Visa Let You Visit Other Countries?
Of course! Since Monaco is part of the Schengen region through France, you can travel to all 27 Schengen countries using your Schengen visa, which includes France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, and others.
However, ensure that:
- Your main destination (the country you’ll spend more time in) is France/Monaco.
- You should enter from France or Monaco if it’s your first entry in Schengen Area.
- Indian Citizens Living Abroad Have Visa Free Entry To Monaco
If you are an Indian citizen with a valid Schengen multiple-entry visa or a resident of the UK, USA, or Canada, that by itself will not grant you the exemption Monaco does not provide visa-free access, so you must still go through Schengen entry procedures.
Though, if you do have a Schengen tourist Visa, then you don’t need a visa to visit Monaco.
- What Is the Monaco Visa Cost for Indians INR?
The cost breakdown (rough estimates using July 2025 exchange rates):
Visa Type | Fee in Euro (€) | Approximate Fee in INR |
Adult | €80 | ₹7,200 |
Child (6-12 years) | €40 | ₹3,600 |
Child (below 6 years) | Free | ₹0 |
VFS Service Fee | €25-30 | ₹2,200–₹2,700 |
Please note: Prices can fluctuate based on exchange rates and service charges.
- Where to Apply for Monaco Visa in India?
Indian nationals residing in India apply for Monaco visa through VFS France Visa Application Centers located in:
New Delhi
Mumbai
Bengaluru
Chennai
Kolkata
Hyderabad
Pune
Ahmedabad
Jalandhar
You can schedule your appointment and check the center’s location on the VFS France India site.
- Tips for Successfully Applying for a Monaco Tourist Visa
Make sure to have all documents current, genuine, and the set complete.
Keep good travel plans and provide confirmed accommodation details.
Your bank statement should show a good amount like €60–70 (₹5,000–6,000) per day for each day of stay.
Do not file using fictitious paperwork. It will get you denied and banned for future applications.
- If you’re going as a group, make sure everyone submits their applications at the same time with the same travel plans.
- What Should I Expect Once I Arrive in Monaco?
Monaco doesn’t have its own airport, so the closest one is Nice Côte d’Azur Airport in France. From there,
- It’s located 30 km from Monaco, which takes around 30 to 40 minutes by road.
- You can get a bus, taxi, or helicopter shuttle.
There aren’t any passport checks between France and Monaco, but you need to have some form of ID and photocopies of your visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Indians need a visa to visit Monaco?
Yes. Indian citizens must apply for a Schengen visa via the French embassy to visit Monaco.
Is the Monaco tourist visa the same as the Schengen visa?
Yes. There is no separate Monaco visa. A Schengen visa issued by France will allow you to visit Monaco.
How much bank balance is required for Monaco visa?
You should show a minimum of €60–70 per day for your stay. For a 7-day trip, aim for a balance of at least ₹50,000–60,000.
Can I work in Monaco with a tourist visa?
No. The tourist visa does not permit employment. You must apply for a work visa or residence permit separately through Monaco’s Directorate of Labor.
Conclusion
Monaco is an incredible destination with royal charm, Mediterranean beauty, and unmatched luxury. For Indian travelers, getting a Monaco visa is straightforward as long as you apply through the French consulate and meet the Schengen visa requirements. Whether you’re visiting for a short vacation, honeymoon, or just to explore the Monte Carlo lifestyle, a Monaco tourist visa opens the doors to one of Europe’s most exclusive travel experiences.
With proper planning and accurate documentation, your Monaco visa for Indian citizens journey will be smooth, memorable, and full of breathtaking experiences!