Monaco entry requirements for Kenya passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Kenyan passport holders need a visa to enter Monaco. Since Monaco has no embassy network, you apply for a French Schengen visa, which also covers Monaco. Plan ahead — processing takes at least 15 days.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | Kenya passport holders need a Schengen visa to enter Monaco. Apply at the French embassy or consulate in Kenya since France handles visa processing for Monaco. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel — processing takes up to 15 calendar days. Use the official France-Visas portal to start your application.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Monaco. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines often enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at Monaco's border (entry via France) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy showing your departure from the Schengen zone within your visa's validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation, rental agreement, or a signed letter from your host in Monaco. Border officers may ask for it during visa checks or at the port of entry. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have bank statements, cash, or a credit card showing at least €65 per day of your stay. Monaco is expensive — officers expect to see enough for accommodation, meals, and incidentals. | Recommended |
Apply through France — not Monaco
Monaco has no embassy network. You must apply for a French Schengen visa. The French embassy in Nairobi handles applications for Kenya. Do not apply to a different Schengen country unless France is your main destination.
Travel insurance is mandatory for the visa
Your visa application will be rejected without proof of travel insurance covering at least €30,000 in medical expenses for the entire Schengen area. Buy a policy before your appointment.
No visa-on-arrival or e-visa available
There is no visa-on-arrival or e-visa for Monaco. You must get a visa before you travel. Plan ahead and book your appointment early.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, bank statements, and passport photos. Make copies of everything.
2
Submit your visa application
Book an appointment at the French Embassy in Nairobi (or the VFS Global centre handling French visas). Submit your application in person. Pay the visa fee (€80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for under 6).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if additional checks are needed. Do not book non-refundable travel until you have the visa.
4
Collect your passport
Once processed, you will be notified to collect your passport. Check the visa sticker carefully: name, dates, and number of entries must be correct.
5
Travel to Monaco
Fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (France), then take a bus, train, or helicopter to Monaco. At border control, present your passport with the valid Schengen visa. You may be asked for return ticket and accommodation proof.
Download Monaco Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
€100–200 (~$109–218 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Monaco. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a Monegasque educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Carte de Séjour (Retraité)
1 year, renewable
€100–200 (~$109–218 USD) application fee
For retirees with sufficient income and health insurance. Must show proof of pension or assets.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for adults. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Visa service feeAdditional handling fee may apply when applying through a visa center. | Varies by application center |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Monaco
No transit visa needed
Monaco has no airport; transit is via Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France. Kenya passport holders may need a Schengen transit visa for France if leaving the international zone.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsNice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for Monaco
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderCOVID-19Essential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Monaco, but present in some wooded areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions are sufficient.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Monaco
Direction de la Sûreté Publique
3 Rue Louis Notari, 98000 Monaco
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa and residency matters; appointments recommended.
Practical information for KE travellers
Country basics
CapitalMonaco
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 1 year; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.88 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (two round pins), E (French two-pin with earth), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Monaco.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Monaco does not issue its own visas. You need a short-stay Schengen visa from France, which also allows you to enter Monaco. Apply at the French embassy or consulate in Nairobi.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. The visa will specify the exact validity and number of entries (single, double, or multiple).
The standard Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply if you apply through a visa centre like VFS Global.
Processing usually takes 15 calendar days. It can take up to 45 days if more checks are needed. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned travel.
No. The Schengen visa cannot be extended for tourism. You must leave before it expires. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban from the Schengen area.
For stays longer than 90 days, you need a long-stay visa or residence permit from France (since Monaco does not issue long-term visas). This is a separate, more complex process.
If you are entering Monaco (even for a few hours), you need a valid Schengen visa. There is no transit exemption for Kenyan passport holders in Monaco.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.