Europe

Monaco

Quick facts

  • Full name: Principality of Monaco
  • Capital: Monaco
  • Largest city: Monte Carlo (largest quarter)
  • Official language: French
  • Area: 2.020 km2
  • Population: 37,308 (2016)
  • Currency: Euro (EUR) 1 (EUR) = 100 cent
  • Foreign tourists: 340 thousand (2016)
  • Travel risks and hazards: Petty crime.

Monaco is the second smallest state in the world right after the Vatican and has the highest population density in the world. The small state is known for having the longest reigning royal family in Europe, being a tax haven and renowned for its Circuit de Monaco where various races are held including the formula one race.

Traveling info

Visitors traveling to Monaco must either have a valid passport or present their national ID depending on if they are a citizen’s of an EU country or not. Since Monaco is part of the Schengen area, those who are not citizens of the EU must obtain a Schengen visa which will allow them to travel through all Schengen area countries. Visitors who wish to drive in Monaco may do so using their national driving permit as long as they are citizens of the EU or Schengen area. Tourists who are not from two of the mentioned above must apply for an international driving permit in their national driving department. Beware that an IDP does not substitute for the original driving permit and is only a translation of it. Both documents must be with the driver at all times.

Traveling hazards

Road condition in Monaco is excellent. Roads modern, well lit up with proper security means and are well maintained. Traffic-related accidents are below the European average making Monaco one of the safest places in relation to driving. Certain roads, however, may be quite narrow and beware parking anywhere in Monaco is premium.

Environmental hazards

There are no dangerous land animals in Monaco. There are however dangerous marine creatures which are a real threat. Despite the fact that the last shark attack in Monaco took place almost 100 years ago, it is still a possibility as surrounding countries report shark attacks in the Mediterranean.
Despite no earthquakes in the last decade, they remain the sole natural hazard to Monaco.

Health hazards

There are no outbreaks of any diseases nor are there any vaccination requirements. There are however several vaccinations which are recommended for a safe trip. These are the routine vaccines aka MMR vaccines, hepatitis A and B and rabies vaccines. Public healthcare in Monaco provides excellent quality of service which is free for its citizens. Citizens of EU nations may apply for a European Health Insurance Card which entitles them to free or reduced cost health services in Monaco. Those who may not apply for such card should get private medical insurance to cover their possible medical expenses. There are also numerous private clinics which also provide excellent service. Most practitioners in private clinics will know English.
In case of an emergency dial 112.

Crime

Monaco is one of the safest places in Europe. It is just as safe to roam streets of Monaco at night as it is during the day. Violent crime is almost unheard of whilst petty crime does occur however it is still uncommon. Pickpocketing is the most common type of crime reported. Just like in any other crowded place, pickpockets take their chances, especially around crowded tourist spots. There is no risk of terrorism in Monaco. Possession, cultivation or distribution of any sort of narcotics is illegal in Monaco and is punishable by fines or jail sentences.

Summary

Monaco is certainly not the usual spot. There are numerous attractions in the country, one can walk from one end of the country to the other within an hour and enjoy the beautiful scenery of French Riviera. You can rent supercars for just under 500 euro a day and enjoy rolling in some of the fastest rigs on earth. Visit Casino de Monte Carlo, considered the most beautiful in the world. Hollywood has had a long affair with the Casino and Monaco in general filming numerous movies there including James Bond. Remember that planning your trip with Travset.com will give you the quickest information about nearest emergency services and will also help you purchase indispensable travel insurance for the trip of your lifetime. Please feel free to comment and share the experiences of your travels with Travset.com.

Sources

(Visa)
https://ambassade-en-france.gouv.mc/en/Information-and-Services/Visiting-Monaco
(Vaccinations)
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/monaco
(EHIC)
http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=559