Monaco entry requirements for Madagascar 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
Madagascar passport holders need a visa to enter Monaco. Since Monaco has no embassy network, you must apply for a French long-stay visa or a Schengen visa—Monaco is a Schengen-associated state. Processing can take several weeks, so plan ahead.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a Schengen visa | Monaco is part of the Schengen Area. Apply for a short-stay Schengen visa at the French embassy or consulate in Madagascar, since France represents Monaco for visa processing. Submit your application at least 15 days before travel and no more than 6 months in advance. Processing takes around 15 calendar days.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure from the Schengen Area | Your passport must have at least two blank pages. The 3-month validity rule applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just Monaco. Airlines check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Monaco's border (entry via France) routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight or train booking out of the Schengen Area. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed letter of invitation from your host in Monaco. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card showing access to at least €65 per day of your stay. Immigration officers rarely check this, but it's a formal Schengen requirement. | Recommended |
Visa required—apply well in advance
Madagascar passport holders cannot enter Monaco without a pre-approved visa. Start the application process at least 6–8 weeks before your planned travel. The French embassy may have limited appointment slots, so book early.
Monaco is Schengen—use French visa
Monaco is not a full EU member but is part of the Schengen area via its border with France. A French Schengen visa (short-stay) or French long-stay visa covers entry to Monaco. You cannot apply for a 'Monaco visa' separately.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a French visa
Go to the France-Visas website (france-visas.gouv.fr) and fill out the online application. Select 'Monaco' as your destination. Book an appointment at the French embassy or consulate in your country. Bring all required documents.
2
Attend the visa interview
Show up at the embassy/consulate on time. You'll submit your passport, photos, application form, travel insurance, flight and hotel bookings, and proof of funds. They may ask about your itinerary. Pay the visa fee (typically €80 for adults).
3
Wait for processing
Processing usually takes 15–30 calendar days. You can track your application online. Once approved, you'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
4
Travel to Monaco
Fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) in France, then take a bus, train, or taxi to Monaco (about 30 minutes). At the border, show your passport with the visa. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof.
5
Enter Monaco
No separate immigration check at Monaco's border—it's an open border with France. Your French visa is valid for the entire Schengen area, including Monaco. Enjoy your stay.
Download Monaco Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar 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
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Standard short-stay Schengen visa. Must apply at French consulate (Monaco represented by France).
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year or longer, depending on history
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travellers. Requires proof of previous compliant travel.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Long-Stay Resident Permit)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For employment or self-employment in Monaco. Requires a job offer and approval from the Monegasque government. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Long-Stay Visa (VLS-TS)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Monegasque or French institution. Must prove sufficient funds and health insurance.
retirement visa
Retirement Residence Permit
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) application fee
For retirees with stable income and health insurance. Must show proof of financial resources and accommodation in Monaco.
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) |
| Overstay fine per dayApplied for overstaying visa-free or visa period. Maximum cap may apply. | €30 (~$33 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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 occurs via Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France. Madagascar holders transiting through Nice to a third country may need a Schengen transit visa if leaving the international zone.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
- Holders of a valid visa for the final destination may be exempt in some cases.
Transit hubsNice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for Monaco
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderSeasonal influenzaRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Monaco, but present in some forested areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but standard precautions advised.
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 (Police Department)
3 Rue Louis Notari, 98000 Monaco
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Handles visa and residence permit issues. For visa extensions, contact French authorities as Monaco uses French visa system.
Nice (France)
Préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes (French Immigration Office)
147 Boulevard du Mercantour, 06200 Nice, France
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Main office for Schengen visa applications and extensions for Monaco-bound travellers.
Practical information for MG 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. Madagascar passport holders must get a visa before traveling to Monaco. Since Monaco is a Schengen-associated state, you apply for a French Schengen visa or a French long-stay visa. The visa costs €80 for adults (€40 for children 6–12, free for under 6). Processing takes 15–30 days.
No. There is no visa on arrival for Madagascar passport holders. You must obtain a visa from a French embassy or consulate before you travel. Plan at least 4–6 weeks ahead.
A standard Schengen visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen area (including Monaco). If you need longer, you must apply for a French long-stay visa before traveling.
You apply at the French embassy or consulate in your country of residence. If there is no French embassy nearby, check if a visa application center (like TLScontact or VFS Global) handles French visas in your country. Start at france-visas.gouv.fr.
You'll need: a valid passport (6+ months validity, 1 blank page), completed visa application form, 2 passport-sized photos, travel insurance (€30,000 coverage), flight itinerary, hotel bookings, proof of funds (bank statements, payslips), and a cover letter explaining your trip. Check the embassy's specific list.
Yes. Travel insurance covering medical expenses up to €30,000 is required for the Schengen visa application. It must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Monaco and the Schengen area. Keep a copy with you when traveling.
You can appeal the decision within 30 days of receiving the rejection. The appeal goes to the French embassy or consulate that processed your application. Common rejection reasons include insufficient funds, unclear travel purpose, or incomplete documents. You can reapply after addressing the issues.
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.