Last updated: 22 Oct 2025
Monaco
About
| Although the second-smallest independent state in the world, Monaco benefits from an excellent climate and beautiful settings on the Côte d'Azur. In the main harbour, expensive luxury yachts and boats, which are a permanent fixture, corroborate Monaco's reputation as a glamorous destination for the rich and famous. The world-famous Monaco Grand Prix Formula One race takes place every year in the principality’s narrow winding streets, attracting thousands of spectators. Gamble in style at the Grand Casino, located in Monaco’s most famous quarter known as the Golden Circle, where all the most luxurious and fashionable hotels, restaurants and boutiques can also be found. Relax at Monaco's health spas and beauty centres, the most famous one being the Thermes Marins de Monte Carlo. |
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| Capital: | Monaco-ville (MCM) |
| Currency: | Euro (EUR) |
| Language: | French. Monégasque, English and Italian are also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 377 |
| Time Zones: | UTC / GMT +1 (1 hour behind South Africa) |
| Daylight Savings Time: | From last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October: UTC / GMT +2 (same time as South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to Go: | March & April, September & October. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is held in May. July & August are the hottest and busiest months. Winters are mild. |
| Best for: | Grand Prix, Casinos, Opera |
| Plugs: | 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use |
| Drinking Water: | Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. |
| Health: | There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Doctors will require cash payment regardless of whether you have health insurance. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it. If you are bringing a prescription with you, ensure that your doctor uses generic names of medication. |
| Customs: | Normal social courtesies. Some restaurants, casinos and clubs may require more formal attire (jacket & tie). Swimwear should be reserved to beaches / poolside. When visiting churches, dress should be modest. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | Arrival by train or bus from France is best. Prices of food are very expensive; if visiting for the day it is best to bring lunch with you. Tickets for the Grand Prix need to be bought in advance. |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported by persons over 17 years of age without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 4L of wine and 16L of beer and 1L of spirits over 22% or 2L of alcoholic beverages less than 22%. • Other goods up to the value of €430 for air and sea travellers and €300 for other travellers (reduced to €150 for children under 15). |
| Prohibited Imports: | Items which are either prohibited or require a licence include weapons and ammunition, drugs (other than those prescribed for personal use), live animals, plant products, cultural artefacts and endangered species. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1, 27; Apr 21; May 1, 29; Jun 9, 19; Aug 15; Nov 1, 19; Dec 8, 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1, 27; Apr 6; May 1, 14, 25; Jun 4; Aug 15; Nov 1-2, 19; Dec 8, 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by South African passport holders.
- Holders of Schengen visas may enter Monaco. If Monaco is the main destination, the Schengen visa will be issued by the relevant French Authorities.
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Paris, France
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | None |
| Recommended Travel Vaccines: | Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Polio |
