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.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. What Is the Monaco Visa Cost for Indians INR?

The cost breakdown (rough estimates using July 2025 exchange rates):

Please note: Prices can fluctuate based on exchange rates and service charges.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.