Monaco entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No 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
Bulgarian passport holders can enter Monaco without a visa for short stays. As of 2026, tourism and business visits up to 90 days don't need prior authorization. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Monaco. No minimum validity beyond that is required by Monaco, but airlines may ask for 6 months. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration at Monaco's border (or when entering via France) may ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing you leave the Schengen area within 90 days. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Monaco. Border officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash on hand. Monaco doesn't publish a minimum amount, but around €100 per day is a safe benchmark if questioned. | Recommended |
No separate visa for Monaco
Monaco doesn't issue its own visas. Entry follows French immigration rules because Monaco has an open border with France. Your Bulgarian passport gives visa-free access to the entire Schengen Area, which includes Monaco for practical purposes.
Track your Schengen days carefully
Your 90-day allowance applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Monaco. If you've spent time in France, Italy, Spain, or other Schengen countries before arriving in Monaco, those days count toward your limit. Use the EU's short-stay calculator to avoid overstaying.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Monaco border
Monaco has no airport. You'll likely arrive via Nice Côte d'Azur Airport in France, then take a bus, train, or helicopter. At the Monaco border, there's no formal immigration checkpoint — you enter from France, part of the Schengen Area. French border police may check your documents at the airport or on the train.
2
Present your passport and documents
When asked, hand over your Bulgarian passport. If requested, show your return ticket and accommodation booking. Be ready to answer questions about your visit's purpose and duration.
3
Receive entry stamp
If you enter via France, you'll get a Schengen entry stamp in your passport. This records your entry date and allowed stay (up to 90 days within any 180-day period). Keep your passport safe — you'll need it when leaving.
Download Monaco Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Apply at French consulate; required if you need to stay longer than visa-free period or have been denied entry before.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 5 years
Cost€120 (~$130 USD) for 6-month validity; longer validity may cost more
Ideal for frequent travellers; must show strong ties to home country.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit) – Salarié
1 year, renewable
€269 (~$293 USD) for application + tax stamps
For those with a job offer in Monaco. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows long-term residence and work.
investor visa
Carte de Résident (Resident Card) – Investor
10 years, renewable
€1,000 (~$1,090 USD) plus proof of investment (minimum €500,000)
For high-net-worth individuals investing in Monaco real estate or business. Requires proof of funds and clean criminal record.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant (Student Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
€99 (~$108 USD) for application
For enrollment in a Monaco educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial means.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Optional for longer stays or if visa-free entry is not suitable; issued by French consulate (Monaco uses French visa system). | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity; same application process as single entry. | €120 (~$130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstaying the 90/180 rule incurs fines; may also lead to entry ban. | €30 per day (~$33 USD), max €300 (~$326 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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; travellers transit via Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (France). Bulgaria passport holders do not need a transit visa for France/Schengen area for airside transit.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsNice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for Monaco
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderSeasonal influenzaRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare in Monaco but present in surrounding regions; consider vaccination if hiking in wooded areas.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Tap water is safe, but standard precautions for street food are 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 08:30–17:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, proof of accommodation, and funds.
Nice (France)
Préfecture des Alpes-Maritimes – Service des Étrangers
147 Boulevard du Mercantour, 06200 Nice, France
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For long-stay visa applications; Monaco relies on French immigration services for visa processing.
Practical information for BG 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 = 0.86 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
No, Bulgarian passport holders don't need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days within any 180-day period) for tourism, business, or family visits. This applies as of 2026.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day rolling period, per standard Schengen Area rules. For longer stays, apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit before your 90 days are up.
You need a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from entry), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Travel insurance is strongly recommended but not always required.
No, you can't extend a short-stay visit in Monaco. For longer stays, apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit from French authorities (since Monaco uses French immigration procedures) before your 90 days expire.
No, there's no border control between France and Monaco. You enter the Schengen Area through France (usually at Nice Airport or on the train), then travel freely to Monaco. French border police may check your documents at the airport.
Overstaying can result in fines, a ban from the Schengen Area, and difficulties with future travel. Track your days carefully. If you'll overstay, contact the French prefecture in the region (Monaco has no immigration office) as soon as possible.
No, transit through Monaco doesn't require a visa for Bulgarian passport holders. You can pass through without entering the Schengen Area (e.g., on a cruise that docks briefly). But if you leave the port or airport, you enter the Schengen Area and the 90-day rule applies.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.