Monaco customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Monaco is not in the EU customs union but applies French customs rules under the 1963 Franco-Monegasque Customs Convention. For non-resident adults arriving from outside the EU in 2026, standard EU duty-free allowances apply: 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of smoking tobacco, and goods up to €430 (about USD 470). Cash of €10,000 or more (about USD 10,900) must be declared to French customs. Note: Monaco does not offer VAT refunds to non-EU visitors.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveler must be 17+. Combined allowances not permitted.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,900
Any cash or equivalent (cheques, money orders, bearer shares) of €10,000 or more must be declared to French customs on arrival. This threshold is about USD 10,900 at current exchange rates.
Goods duty-free
$470
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is €430 (about USD 470) per adult. Goods above this value are subject to duty and VAT at standard rates.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (except for medical use with a permit)
  • Counterfeit goods and pirated items
  • Endangered species and products (CITES-listed animals, plants, ivory, tortoiseshell)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and weapons (including pepper spray and knives with locking blades) without a French or Monegasque permit
  • Obscene or indecent materials (including child pornography)
  • Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries (except limited quantities from approved sources)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine) – require a doctor's prescription and a personal use declaration
  • Plants, seeds, and soil – require a phytosanitary certificate
  • Pets (dogs, cats, ferrets) – must have a microchip, rabies vaccination, and EU pet passport
  • Drones – must comply with French/European drone regulations; registration and insurance may be required
  • Cultural goods (antiques, artworks) – may require an export certificate from the country of origin

Rules worth knowing

Monaco applies French customs regulations

Although Monaco is a sovereign state, it applies French customs regulations under the 1963 Franco-Monegasque Customs Convention. For duty-free allowances, treat Monaco as part of France for customs purposes.

No separate customs declaration for Monaco

Arriving travelers do not fill out a Monegasque customs form. The French customs declaration (available on arrival in Monaco or at the border) covers both countries.

VAT refunds not available in Monaco

Monaco does not offer VAT refunds to non-EU visitors because it applies French VAT rates. Any purchases made in Monaco are subject to the same VAT as in France.

Tobacco and alcohol limits are per person

The allowances are strictly per adult traveler. They cannot be combined with other travelers in the same group. Children under 17 have no duty-free allowance for alcohol or tobacco.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. If you are carrying €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in any currency, including traveler's cheques, money orders, or bearer shares), you must declare it to French customs on arrival. The threshold is about USD 10,900. Failure to declare can result in seizure and fines.
Generally no. Meat and dairy products from non-EU countries are prohibited unless they come from approved countries and are in small quantities for personal use (e.g., up to 2 kg of powdered infant formula). Always check the latest EU rules.
For non-resident adults (17+): 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine/beer; 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of smoking tobacco. You cannot mix categories for tobacco.
Yes. Prescription medicines for personal use are allowed, but if they contain controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine, diazepam), you must carry a doctor's prescription and a personal use declaration. It is advisable to keep medicines in original packaging and carry no more than a 3-month supply.
Yes, but it must comply with French/European drone regulations. Drones over 250g must be registered with the French civil aviation authority (DGAC). You may need liability insurance. Flying near the palace, the port, or over crowds is restricted. Check current rules before travel.
Personal goods and gifts up to a total value of €430 (about USD 470) per adult are duty-free. Goods above this value are subject to duty and VAT. This applies to items bought outside the EU, including online purchases.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (French Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects (French Customs) before travelling.