Monaco

Monaco is situated in southwest Europe on the Mediterranean Sea, close to Nice and the French Riviera and the border with Italy. Because it is so close to France and Italy visitors can easily make an excursion into Monaco, but it should be remembered that Monaco is a Principality and independent country and not a member of the EU. 

TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR MONACO
Find out about European Travel Insurance. It is important to note that, the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Monaco, so it is very important to carry comprehensive travel insurance.

Monaco is divided into several areas, but the main tourist spots are Monaco, or Monaco-Ville (the old city), which is situated on a spectacular high spot overlooking Monte Carlo and the entire area.  Monte Carlo is the main residential, resort, marina, and beach area, and location of the famous Casino. 

Monegasque, French, English and Italian are all spoken in Monaco although French is the official language. Popular attractions include the Monte-Carlo Casino, Royal Palace, Opera House, Cathedral and the yacht-filled marina.  Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City.  It is also a tax haven for the wealthy.

Set aside a good chunk of time to visit Monaco-Ville, where you will find the Royal Palace, Saint Nicholas Cathedral (Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception), Oceanographic Museum and aquarium.  If you time it right you could catch the changing of the guard at the palace.  Take your camera because the views from up there are terrific and the gardens are lovely.  The Oceanographic Museum and aquarium is well worth a tour, and known for its associations with the late Jacques Cousteau.  The Cathedral is a magnificent building and also the resting place of Rainier III, Grace Kelly and many members of the Grimaldi family.

Monaco hosts many festivals throughout the year, including music and the arts, tennis tournaments, and of course the memorable Monaco Formula One grand prix.   

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - MONACO
Useful travel advice from the Foreign & Commonweath Office for travel to France.
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Visit the website of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FC) for important and updated travel information for Monaco, as part of their excellent ‘Know Before You Go’ campaign.  The FCO advice includes the following:

Visitors may be surprised to know that Monaco is a fairly conservative place.  They expect you to wear appropriate clothing in all public places and religious buildings.  For example: it is not permitted to go bare foot, stripped to the waist, or wearing only a swimsuit!

The FCO warns that visitors should be careful when travelling to and from Monaco by rail as thieves may be operating.  Nice airport is also a place where thieves may operate, especially at car rental areas.

Check the entry requirements for passports and visas before visiting Monaco.  France handles all immigration and customs for Monaco. 

Even though the currency is the euro, at the time of writing Monaco is not a member of the EU and therefore the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid.  This means there is no access to free emergency medical care in Monaco.  It is very important that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover all your planned activities.
http://www.travel-insurance.net/info/european-health-insurance-card.php

Monaco does not have a British Diplomatic Mission.  In case of emergencies you will need to contact the British Consulate in Marseille.  For emergency contact information for routine or emergency matters visit the FCO website.

Useful website:   http://www.visitmonaco.com/en

Disclaimer: While we have tried to ensure the information in this Travel Guide is correct we do not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy, or the content of external links.

Inclusion in this Travel Guide does not guarantee travel insurance is available in any country at any given time. Travel Insurance is not available in countries where the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued an advisory against travel.

You are strongly advised to visit the FCO website for updated travel information and general travel advice before you travel.