Monaco visa

 

Monaco = Schengen-area Visa

Monaco does not issue its own visas. Instead, it falls under France’s visa policy due to their customs union agreement. So, you must apply for a Schengen visa via French authorities to visit Monaco 

 Who Needs a Visa?

  • Citizens of Schengen-exempt countries (e.g. EU, UK, US) don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days.

  • Every other nationality, including Indian passport holders, must apply for a Schengen short-stay visa to enter Monaco .

 Application Process (for Indians)

  1. Visit France‑Visas and complete the online application—specifying Monaco as the main destination

  2.  Gather documents: passport (valid ≥3–6 months), photos, travel itinerary, accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance (€30k min), cover letter, etc. 

  3. Book an appointment at VFS Global (or another VAC) for fingerprinting and document submission 

  4. Track application via the online receipt.

  5. Once processed, collect your Schengen visa sticker (courier/pick‑up options).

Processing Time

  • Standard timeframe: 7–15 business days (~2–3 weeks) Plan ahead: Allow up to 30 days, or even 60–90 days in complex/peak-season cases .

  • Tip from a Redditor:

    “I secured an appointment … flights were six working days after… I received the passport … the morning of my flight”
    Still, it’s wise to apply 2–3 months in advance.

 Fees

  • Schengen visa application fee: typically €80 for adults (children pay less) .

  • Service & biometric fees apply at VFS—expect +₹2,000–3,000.

  • Optional courier or expedited service may incur extra charges.

Key Requirements

  • Valid passport (≥3–6 months beyond stay)

  • Completed visa application form

  • Recent photo

  • Health insurance (min €30,000 coverage)

  • Proof of accommodation & a detailed itinerary

  • Proof of funds & return flight bookings

  • Cover/invitation letter

  • Bank statements, previous visas if any

 What You Can’t Do

  • Cannot work or study on a short-stay visa.

  • No visa extensions—visit stays are capped at 90 days within any 180-day period 

 Summary Table

StepTimeline
Prepare & applyImmediately
VFS appointment + biometricsUpon booking
Standard processing7–15 business days
Buffer for delays+2–4 weeks
Total recommended lead time6–12 weeks before travel
 Pro Tips
  • Apply 2–3 months in advance, especially around Monaco events (e.g. Grand Prix).

  • Use VFS Global—they’re the recognized service center.

  • Ensure all documents match exactly (names, dates, addresses).

  • Add a covering letter explaining your Monaco-specific itinerary.

Bottom Line

To visit Monaco, you’ll need a Schengen short-stay visa via France. Expect 2–6 weeks for processing, but apply early to avoid peak-season delays. The cost is around €80 + service fees, and it's strictly a tourist/business visa, not valid for work or study.

Would you like help with drafting a cover letter, selecting travel insurance, or tracking your VFS appointment?

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