Monaco entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders need a visa to enter Monaco. Since Monaco lacks its own embassy network, you apply through the French embassy or consulate in China. Plan ahead — processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visa before travel | Monaco requires a visa for Chinese passport holders. Apply at the French embassy or consulate in your country — Monaco does not operate its own visa offices. Processing takes 2–4 weeks, and you need a valid Schengen visa to enter Monaco.Monaco visa info | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Monaco's border (or French border control en route) may ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready showing your exit from the Schengen area within the 90-day limit. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed invitation letter from your host in Monaco. Immigration may ask for this at the border, especially if you arrive by road from France. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient financial means | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing you can support yourself during the stay. The Schengen guideline is roughly €65 per day, but Monaco is expensive — €100 per day is safer. | Recommended |
Apply well in advance
Visa processing can take up to 45 days during peak travel seasons (summer, Chinese New Year). Don't book non-refundable flights or hotels until your visa is approved.
Monaco uses French Schengen visa
Monaco does not issue its own visas. You apply for a Schengen visa through France. The visa will say 'France' but is valid for Monaco too.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed visa application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, bank statements, and any additional supporting documents.
2
Submit your visa application
Book an appointment at the French embassy or consulate in your region (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.). Submit your application in person. Pay the visa fee (approx. €80 for adults, reduced for children).
3
Wait for processing
Standard processing takes 15 calendar days, but can extend to 30-45 days during peak season. Track your application online via France-Visas.
4
Collect your passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check that all details (name, dates, validity) are correct before leaving the embassy.
5
Travel to Monaco
Fly into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (France), then take a bus, train, or taxi to Monaco (about 30 minutes). At border control, present your passport with the visa. Have your return ticket and hotel booking ready just in case.
Download Monaco Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Standard short-stay visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (or longer with justification)
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Allows multiple visits; same fee as single entry.
Long-stay visa (national visa)
Max stayOver 90 days (up to 1 year)
ValidityUp to 1 year, renewable
Cost€99 (approx. $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsor.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
€99 (approx. $108 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
€99 (approx. $108 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a Monegasque educational institution. Must show sufficient funds and health insurance.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
1 year, renewable
Varies; significant investment required
For individuals making a substantial economic contribution to Monaco. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for Chinese nationals. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying Schengen area. | €30 per day (approx. $33 USD), max €300 (approx. $327 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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. Schengen transit rules apply. Chinese nationals generally need a Schengen visa to transit through France to Monaco.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsNice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE)
Health & vaccines for Monaco
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidConsiderSeasonal influenzaRecommended
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but present in wooded areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Food and waterborne diseasesLow risk
Standard hygiene precautions sufficient; tap water safe.
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 – Service des Étrangers
3 Rue Louis Notari, 98000 Monaco
Mon–Fri 08:30–12:30, 13:30–16:30
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Appointments recommended.
Practical information for CN 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
Yes. Monaco does not have visa-free access for Chinese citizens. You must apply for a Schengen visa through the French embassy or consulate in China before traveling.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days, but can take up to 30-45 days during busy periods. Apply at least 4-6 weeks before your planned departure.
The Schengen visa fee is €80 for adults (approx. 630 CNY), €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Additional service fees may apply at the visa application centre.
Yes. If you hold a valid Schengen visa issued by any Schengen state, you can enter Monaco for the duration allowed by that visa (up to 90 days in any 180-day period).
You apply at the French embassy or consulate in your jurisdiction in China. Major application centres are in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang, and Wuhan. Check France-Visas for the correct office.
You will receive a formal rejection letter stating the reason. You can appeal within 30 days to the French embassy or reapply with corrected documents. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak travel itinerary, or incomplete paperwork.
Yes. You need to show you have enough money to cover your stay — typically around €65 per day. Bank statements from the last 3 months are the standard proof.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.