Monaco Tourist Visa - Definitive Guide

A tourist visa for Monaco is issued to the ones who are looking forward to visiting Monaco for tourism mainly. There are several benefits to this permit. The holder of a Monaco tourist visa is allowed sightseeing, attending cultural events and concerts, and other such leisure activities. The validity of the permit and the duration of the stay may differ as per the number of entries that are required. Also, having a visa does not guarantee you an entry into the country. If there are any kind of issues found with your permit or yourself, there are chances that you'll not be allowed to get through the border.

To be able to apply for a tourist visa for Monaco, you first need to be an eligible candidate. You need to meet the eligibility criteria for the same. Since there is no diplomatic mission of Monaco based in India, therefore, to apply for a Monaco tourist visa for Indian citizens, the application must be made to the French Embassy. The process is given as follows:

1. Visit the online portal of visa application.
2. Fill out the online visa application form.
3. Upon completion, print out the visa application form.
4. Collect all the required documents as per the checklist.
5. Submit the application form as well as the supporting documents to the visa application centre (VAC).
6. Pay the required visa fee.

When you are filling out the application form, there are a few things that you need to take care of. The application form must be filled out with correct and appropriate details. The information in the application form and the travel documents must match. If there is any kind of false or incorrect information, there are chances that the application will get rejected. There are other reasons for a visa rejection as well. This can affect your future applications to Monaco or to any other country.

There are certain parameters that are set by the Monaco Embassy that are to be met before applying for a tourist visa for Monaco, these are referred to as eligibility criteria. The list of eligibility criteria for issuing a Monaco tourist visa for Indian citizens are given as follows:

• You must possess proof of purpose of visit

• If you are visiting your acquaintances, you must have an invitation letter from the resident in Monaco.
• You must visit for tourism only, or visiting acquaintances and not searching for or taking up any kind of employment.
• You must meet the health requirements

• You must be healthy enough to travel to Monaco.
• You must perform a medical test before travelling to the country and provide a relevant documentary proof (if asked).
• You must be of good character, you may not be granted the visa if -

• You have a history of a criminal conviction.
• You have been deported or banned from another country.
• You are found to be a threat or risk to the country.
• You must have sufficient funds

• • • You must possess or have access to sufficient funds to be able to cover your stay and other expenses in Monaco.
    • Bank statement or any equivalent document is to be submitted as well as proof of the same.

There are different kinds of documents required when issuing a tourist visa for Monaco. These may even change depending on the case. Some of common Monaco tourist visa requirements are listed as follows:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months ahead of travel.
• Completely filled and duly signed application form.
• Covering Letter.
• Photo as per the photo specifications.
• Confirmed flight tickets.
• Travel Insurance.
• Visa copies
• Proof of purpose of visit - exhibition pass, hotel bookings, invitation letter, etc.
• Proof of sufficient funds - bank statement for the last three months, etc.

• One copy must be provided
• Photo size: 35 mm x 45 mm.
• Coloured copy must be provided.
• Should not be older than 6 months.
• The face must cover about 70-80% of the frame.
• Head should well-centred.
• The picture must not be older than 6 months.
• The background must be white.
• Neutral expressions.
• Hair should not hide eyes.
• Both the ears must be visible.
• Teeth should not be visible.
• Glasses are not permitted, except for prescription glasses.
• Eyes must be clearly visible through glasses.
• Must be taken in clear light.
• There should be no red eyes or flashes messing the image.
• Headgears are not allowed except for religious reasons.
• Clothing shouldn’t match the background.

The processing time required for the issuance of a tourist visa for Monaco is about 15 to 20 days which can go up to 90 days in some cases. There are several factors that affect the processing time of the permit. Such as the workload at the embassy office, the staff availability, whether the documents are complete or the rest of the documents are yet to be submitted and others.

The fees for Monaco tourist visa are to be paid at the time of submission of the documents to the visa application centre. The fee can be paid using a standard electronic payment option or with demand draft. If you are paying with a credit or a debit card, the card does not necessarily have to be in your name. The fee will also vary as per the type of the permit and the validity and the stay permitted.

When the application has been submitted, there are a few things to be noted. Some of the pointers are given as follows:

• When the application process is complete, you may be asked to submit your biometrics and maybe attend an interview as well.
• The application will then be reviewed and processed by the Embassy and will be followed up by the VAC.
• Also, if you are asked to submit biometrics, you may not have to if you have submitted them in the past 60 months.
• If there are any kind of updates to be made in the application, the VAC must be informed accordingly.
• In case there is a change of plans and you need to cancel the application, you can withdraw the application as well.
• Note that the visa fee is not refundable.

The status of your permit can be checked online by visiting the VAC website. To check the status, you just need to enter your reference number and other required details. The VAC can even be contacted offline with the given contact information.

When the documents have been submitted and you are done with your biometrics and the interview, you will receive your visa after the completion of the processing. When you have your permit, there are a few things that you need to note -

• Before you travel
• Make a note of the visa expiry date, as well as the number of entries permitted. You must not stay in the country beyond this period.
• You should travel to Monaco within the validity of your visa.
• Make sure to carry a copy of your passport and other travel documents while you are in the country.
• Issue health insurance and travel Insurance from a certified company for safety.
• At the Border

• Get your documents checked and your passport verified at the Immigration authorities.
• Consult the airport authorities for any kind of assistance required.
• Check your visa copy for other guidelines and rules to be followed.
• When you enter Monaco

• • • Ensure not to get involved in any kind of employment. You can, however, do unpaid volunteer work.
    • The tourist prohibited areas must be stayed out of.
    • Make sure you don’t overstay and apply for a visa extension in time.
    • If you have a change of plans and you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension or a different kind of visa at least one month prior to the expiry.