Monaco is my 115th country! I booked a hotel in Mento, France, and took a 20-minute train ride to Monte Carlo, Monaco. There was a gorgeous Yacht show during that time, and I was able to see it. Monaco is a magnificent country with scenic views. You should come by, especially since Filipinos only needs a Schengen Visa to enter.

The Principality of Monaco doesn't have its own visa policy and is not part of the Schengen Area or European Union. But, they have a relationship with France, and therefore, you need a Schengen Visa to enter. Check out our guide on Monaco Tourist Visa and getting a Schengen Visa, too!

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Monaco Visa Entry

You need a Schengen Visa to enter Monaco. There is no passport control in Monaco and France, so your Schengen Visa count might not stop, and there are no passport stamps. You can, however, get a stamp at the tourism office as a souvenir.

Getting a Schengen Visa through the Embassy of France in the Philippines

Validity: short stay for up to 90 days in every 180 day

Number of Entries: Single, Double, Multiple Entry

Processing Time: 15 days

Where to Apply: VFS France Global
Address: 30th Floor, The World Centre, Senator Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines

Embassy: Embassy of France in Manila
Address: 16th Floor Pacific Star Building, Sen. Gil Puyat Extension corner Makati Avenue, 1200 Makati City, Philippines
Telephone Number: +632 8 857 6900
Website: ph.ambafrance.org

Please read this guide on How to Apply for France Tourist Visa for Philippines Passport.

Note that you can enter Monaco with a Schengen Visa from other countries besides France, too!

Monaco Overview

Capital: Monaco-Ville

Language: French

Currency: Euro

The second smallest country in the world is the Principality of Monaco. It's one of the microstates in Western Europe that has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297. Monaco is also one of the richest countries in the world and mostly occupied by rich people due to high real estate prices. It's also a tax haven!

Getting to Monaco

Arrive by plane to Nice Airport then either take bus No. 110 or take a car from there to Monaco
From Paris, take a TGV train to Gare de Monaco
From Italy, you can use the Trenitalia train service as they connect Milan, Genoa, Rome, and Venice to Monaco
From Russia, there's a weekly service from Moscow via Russian Railways to Nice, France

Things to do in Monaco

1. Go on a Hop-on Hop-Off Tour

Do you want to see Monaco but only have a little amount of time? Then you can take a grand tour. There are only 12 stops, starting from Monte-Carlo to Larvotto, passing to Moneghetti, La Condamine, Fontvieille, and Monaco Ville. You can buy a one-day (EURO 22) or two-day passes (EURO 25). There are also commentaries provided in different languages. It's a convenient way to explore Monaco!

2. Visit the Palais du Prince

Check out where the Prince of Monaco lives and see the scenic views of the country in the Prince's Palace of Monaco. This has been home to the royals since the early 13th century. Check out Chapel, Mirror Gallery, the Red and Yellow rooms, and the Throne room. Check out the schedule, too, as they might be times they are closed for the public.

3. Shop!

Monaco is also a Tax-Free Haven like its fellow Microstates, Andorra and San Marino. Enjoy luxury shopping here as prices are much cheaper than its neighbors. Try going to the luxurious Métropole Shopping Center, Fontvieille Shopping Center, or YCM Gallery.

4. Play in the gorgeous Casinos

Monaco, particularly Monte Carlo, is known for its Casinos. It's one of the main attractions and the primary sources of income in the country. Have fun and games in this establishment. Plus, the casinos look gorgeous here! See the Casino Gardens, Buddha-Bar Monte-Carlo, or Monte-Carlo Casino. P.S. The last one, Monte-Carlo Casino, was used in Hollywood films like James Bond: Casino Royale, Never Say Never, and GoldenEye and Ocean's Twelve.

5. Visit Museums!

There are incredible museums in this country, mostly collections of the Royal Family. See the car collections of the Prince of Monaco, Museum of Stamps and Coins, or Oceanographic Museum of Monaco. They all shout elegance and history and are a must-do!

FAQs for your Travel in Monaco

1. Is Monaco Visa-free?

Monaco has no Visa Policy of its own, so you need a Schengen Visa to enter since it’s accessible in France.

2. What if I only have a Single Entry Schengen Visa?

That's okay; Monaco is a de facto Schengen area, so you can enter it without passing through borders.

3. Is it safe to travel to Monaco?

Monaco is one of the safest places to travel. However, be vigilant as there may be thefts. Follow also the dress code of the country. I always recommend buying travel insurance since we don't know what will happen to us. Make sure it is included in your AXA Schengen policy.

4. Is it expensive in Monaco for tourists?

If you are shopping and touring in Monaco, then it's a bit cheaper than France. Food is comparable to France, but living there, you need to be a billionaire.

5. When is the best time to visit Monaco?

The best time to visit is from March to May (Spring Season); May is the Grand Prix season, so you need to book in advance in case you want to stay there. The Yacht Show is also on Autumn Season, September to November, the rates are higher. June to August, summer, is also peak season. If you want to be on a budget, try going before winter or after the winter season.

I hope this Monaco guide will help you in your travels to this tiny but gorgeous country. Prepare your Schengen Visa for this. If you need help in applying for a Schengen visa, you can hire me to be you can avail of our Visa Application Bundle, and we will help you along the way!