Security travel advice for Monaco

How safe is Monaco?

Threat level: Low-Medium

COVID-19 Situation in Monaco
Due to a resurgence of new COVID-19 cases, the Principality of Monaco has installed on the 18th of December a series of new measures to tackle the spread of the virus. A curfew is in place from 19:00 to 6:00; citizens must stay at home during curfew time and can only go out to purchase food or medicines, seek medical advice, travel to and from work, offer assistance to vulnerable people or walk a pet. The use of face masks is mandatory in public. Retail shops remain open but must close at 19:00 in accordance with the curfew. Restaurants are only open to the public at lunch time and a distance of 1.5 metre between tables must be maintained, with a limit of 6 persons per table and the obligation to make a booking in advance. Nevertheless, restaurants can provide a takeaway service until 19:00 and can do deliveries until 21:00. However, establishments that do not serve foods such as bars are closed.

When travelling to Monaco, international travellers must notify local authorities of their visit in advance either by phone on 92.05.55.00 or at covid19@gouv.mc, providing contact and personal details, as well as dates of travel and information about where you are staying. Further to this, travellers must present a negative PCR test taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and must complete a declaration form if they are staying in a hotel in Monaco.

To limit contagion, apply good hygiene practices, self-isolate, maintain social distancing, and avoid gatherings and unnecessary travel. For more advice, refer to our healthcare section.

Security in Monaco

Monaco does not have any particular terror or security threat, it is home to and the playground of many of the world’s rich and famous and as such, does attract some organised crime, such as robberies. General travel advice for Monaco is that visitors should take care that they are not targeted by these organised gangs. Pick-pocketing and bag-snatches do happen, but violent crime is quite rare.

For the past decade, Intelligent Protection International Limited has provided its business and private clients with Bodyguard services in Monaco. If you are interested in these services, please see our page: Bodyguard Services in Monaco.

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate. Located on the French Riviera, it is host to the world-famous Monaco Grand-Prix, one of the most important races on the Formula One racing calendar and a spectacular race through the city streets.

Visitors to the Principality of Monaco should be mindful and respectful of the local laws and customs, it is not permitted to walk around in swimwear or with bare feet.

On the 25th of March 2017, there was an armed raid on a Cartier jewellery shop in Monte Carlo. The raid was well-planned, including starting a very large fire as a distraction for Police. Police arrested two of the men and it is thought that a third has evaded capture.

It should be noted that during the period of the Monaco Grand-Prix, the threat level in regards to terror threat is heightened due to the large number of people attending the event and the level of coverage worldwide. Basic security precautions should be taken to ensure a risk-free trip. Locate emergency fire exits when entering enclosed public areas and exercise a general level of caution at all times.

The petty crime rate also peaks during this time. Take extra precautions when at such events, as large crowds are popular areas for pick pockets to operate in. Ensuring that money and other important travel documents are close to your person and not displaying eye-catching jewellery will help to ensure you do not fall victim to theft.

For the most part Monaco is a very safe state. It is renowned for its constant police presence that are very professional at what they do, Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world on both a per capita and per area basis. It has been known as the safest square mile in Europe.

There have been some isolated incidents of jewellery shops being robbed at night. In June 2009, French police detained three members of a gang seen loitering near jewellery shops in Monaco. However, this does not represent an immediate threat to tourists in the area.

Monaco's International Relations

Monaco is a sovereign and independent state but is still linked closely to France, who have agreed to defend the independence and sovereignty of Monaco. The Monaco Royal family are very highly respected on the international stage and are involved greatly with a number of charities, including hosting large charity events annually.

Many countries worldwide including the United States of America and the United Kingdom enjoy a very strong friendly, diplomatic relationship with Monaco.

Travelling around Monaco

To drive in Monaco, you must have a valid UK or US driving licence or other EU national licence, insurance and vehicle documents. Roads are of a very high quality but can suffer due to the lay-out of Monaco from some congestion in the summer months or during the busy Grand-Prix.

The Monaco Police strictly enforce driving standards. Drink-driving laws are very strict, the legal alcohol limit in Monaco is 0.50 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood, which is lower than many places such as the UK.

As per many European countries, seat belts are required for all passengers, whether in the front or back seat of the vehicle. No children under ten years old can sit in the front. Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed but the use of 'hands free' equipment is allowed. The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger of any two-wheel motorised vehicle.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency services in Moldova

Emergency services: 112 112
Police emergency: 112 or 17
Fire emergency: 18 or +377 93 30 19 45
Medical emergency: 18 or +377 93 30 19 45

Moldova Overview

Capital: Principality of Monaco
Official languages: French
Religion: Christianity
Currency: Euro

Consular information for Monaco

The U.S. government does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Monaco. This area is managed by the U.S. Embassy in Paris, France.
U.S. Embassy Paris
2 avenue Gabriel,
75008 Paris,
France
Telephone: +33 1 4312 2222
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +33 143 122 222
Email: citizeninfo@state.gov

British Consulate Monaco
11 Ave. St. Michel,
98000 Monaco,
Monaco
Telephone: +377 935 099 54
Email: eric.blair-honcon@fconet.fco.gov.uk

Visa requirements for Monaco

Visitors to Monaco from the UK, EU and US can enter Monaco visa-free for 90 days. For further advice can be found here: Visa advice Monaco

Healthcare and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Monaco are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is further recommended that most travellers also get a Tetanus vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Coronavirus is present in Monaco and there is no vaccination against it. Protection is through prevention and to avoid contracting the disease, it is recommended to apply good hygiene practices, maintain social distancing, avoid unnecessary contact with others. If you are coughing and have fever, it is required to quarantine yourself and only call emergency services if you have severe respiratory issues.

Health facilities in Monaco are overseen by Caisses Sociales de Monaco (CSM) and facilities are very highly advanced. Visitors to Monaco should ensure that they have private health insurance as reciprocal medical arrangements are not in place with any other countries, including EU member states. Insurance should be adequate to cover medical and dental treatment overseas and in worse case repatriation after death.