Monaco is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area, but it is considered a de-facto member because it has a close relationship with the Schengen Area countries and follows their visa policies.

ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization system that will be implemented by the European Union to screen visitors from visa-exempt countries before they enter the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of 27 European countries that have abolished passport and other types of border control at their mutual borders, allowing for free movement of people within the member countries.

ETIAS is similar to the ESTA system used by the United States and the eTA system used by Canada, which are both electronic travel authorization systems that allow visitors from certain countries to travel to their respective destinations without a visa, as long as they meet certain eligibility requirements and do not pose a security threat.

All three systems require visitors to complete an online application and pay a fee before traveling. The information provided in the application will be used to screen the visitor for potential security threats and determine their eligibility to travel without a visa. In ETIAS, once it is approved, the ETIAS authorization will be valid for a certain period of time, usually a few years, and will allow the visitor to travel to the Schengen Area multiple times during that period. ETIAS is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2025.

What is Monaco’s role within the Schengen Area?

Located on the Mediterranean coast and surrounded by France, Monaco is a small, independent country that is not a member of the European Union or the European Economic Area, which sets it apart from other non-EU European countries such as Norway and Liechtenstein. It is surrounded by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world by land area, after Vatican City, and has a population of about 39,000 people. Monaco has a strong economy and is known for its luxury real estate, tourism, and banking sectors. It is also a popular destination for sports, such as Formula One racing, and cultural events.

Monaco has a special relationship with the EU and participates in certain EU programs and agencies. For example, Monaco is a member of the Council of Europe, which is an international organization that promotes cooperation on human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe. Monaco is also a member of the International Organization of La Francophonie, which promotes French language and culture around the world.

As a small, independent country, Monaco relies on its close relationship with France and other countries to leverage its international relationships. Although Monaco is not a member of the EU or the EEA, it follows many of the same rules and regulations as the EU countries, particularly in the areas of trade, customs, and immigration. Monaco also uses the Euro as its official currency, which is the same currency used by the EU member states.

Monaco does not have its own visa policies, but because Monaco is a member of the Schengen Area, it will be covered by the same arrangement as the other Schengen countries through its shared border with France. This means that visitors arriving in Monaco via France will need to apply for an ETIAS before traveling.

Why visit Monaco?

Monaco is a small, independent city-state located on the Mediterranean coast in Western Europe. It is known for its luxury real estate, tourism, and banking sectors, and is a popular destination for sports and cultural events. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world by land area, after Vatican City, and has a population of about 39,000 people. Monaco is divided into four districts: Monte Carlo, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, and Fontvieille

Monte Carlo, is the most famous district of Monaco and is known for its casinos, luxury hotels, and high-end shopping. It is located in the central part of Monaco and is home to the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo and the Monte-Carlo Opera. 

La Condamine district is located in the eastern part of Monaco and is the commercial and business center of the country. It is home to the Port of Monaco, the main port of the country, and the Monaco Market, where visitors can find local produce and products. 

Monaco-Ville is the capital of Monaco and is located on a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. It is home to the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the ruling monarchy, and the Monaco Cathedral, where Princess Grace (formerly Hollywood actress Grace Kelly) is buried. 

And Fontvieille – this district is located in the western part of Monaco and is the newest part of the country. It was built on land reclaimed from the sea and is home to the Monaco Heliport, the Monaco Stadium, and the Princess Grace Rose Garden.

Oceanographic Museum, the Museum of Napoleonic Souvenirs, and the Monaco Top Cars Collection are the main museum attractions. For palaces, it includes the Prince’s Palace, the official residence of the ruling monarchy, and the Monte-Carlo Casino, which was built in the 19th century in the neo-classical style. And for churches, it includes the Monaco Cathedral, where Princess Grace (formerly Hollywood actress Grace Kelly) is buried, and the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception, which is located on a hill overlooking the city. 

Art galleries and their gardens are also places worth to visit in Monaco, they include the Nouveau Musée National de Monaco and the Grimaldi Forum, which is a modern exhibition center. And gardens including the Jardin Exotique, which is home to a collection of cactus and succulents, and the Princess Grace Rose Garden, which has more than 4,000 roses.

Additionally, Monaco’s waterfront is also a popular destination, where visitors can see the superyachts belonging to the rich and powerful. Monaco may be a small country, but it has many to offer that will sure be of your interest.

How do I apply for an ETIAS to enter Monaco?

If you are planning to visit Monaco, you will most likely need to apply for an ETIAS, or the European Travel Information and Authorization System, before traveling. ETIAS is a new system being implemented by the European Union to screen visitors from visa-exempt countries before they enter the Schengen Area. Monaco is considered a de-facto member of the Schengen Area, so it follows the same visa policies as the other Schengen countries.

Most transportation options to Monaco run through France, where Schengen visa rules apply, so you will need to apply for an ETIAS if you are traveling to Monaco from a country that requires a Schengen visa. If you are an EU or Schengen block passport holder, you will be allowed to freely enter and exit Monaco. Similarly, if you currently require a Schengen Visa to visit Monaco, your travel requirements will not change after the ETIAS launch.

You can apply for an ETIAS online in 2025 when the system is launched. The application process is expected to be quick and easy, and you will need to provide some personal and travel information, as well as pay a fee. Once approved, the ETIAS authorization will be valid for a certain period of time, usually a few years, and will allow you to travel to Monaco multiple times during that period.