Skip to main content

Monaco Visa for China Citizens 2026

Visa Required

Chinese citizens require a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) to visit Monaco — apply through France-Visas and TLScontact (France-based consulate handles Monaco); visa fee 80 EUR; typical processing around 15 days; travel medical insurance of at least 30,000 EUR is required; accommodation and return ticket proofs are needed.

Guide last updated September 4, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport validity: passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the planned departure from the Schengen area, issued within the last 10 years, and have at least two blank pages.
  • Specific forms: Schengen visa application form to be completed via the France-Visas portal; Monaco does not issue its own visa; apply through French authorities.
  • Financial proof: bank statements for the last 3 months showing access to funds of at least 95 EUR per day of stay (or proof of sufficient funds for the entire trip); include salary slips or other income proofs if available.
  • Accommodation and return ticket: hotel bookings or an invitation letter from a host in Monaco/France, plus round-trip flight reservation or onward travel plans.
  • Photo specification: one recent passport-style photo 35x45 mm with a white background, taken within the last 6 months, clear full face, no hats or sunglasses unless for religious reasons.
  • Biometrics: yes; biometric data is collected at the visa application center (e.g., TLScontact) when you submit your application.
  • Travel health insurance: travel medical insurance with minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical expenses and repatriation, valid for all Schengen states during the trip.

Visa types

  • Schengen short-stay visa — Tourism (Schengen Type C): Official name: Schengen Visa (Type C) for Tourism; Validity: up to 90 days in a 180-day period; Entry: single or multiple; Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Schengen short-stay visa — Business: Official name: Schengen Visa (Type C) for Business; Validity: up to 90 days in a 180-day period; Entry: single or multiple; Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • Schengen short-stay visa — Family/Friends Visit: Official name: Schengen Visa (Type C) for Family/Friends Visit; Validity: up to 90 days in a 180-day period; Entry: single or multiple; Approximate fee: 80 EUR.
  • France long-stay visa (Visa de long séjour) — Study/Work/Family Reunification (for stays longer than 90 days): Official name: Visa de long séjour (Type D) for study/work; Validity: typically several months to 1 year (renewable); Entry: single or multiple; Approximate fee: 99 EUR.
  • Other long-stay options (France-specific) for various purposes (e.g., academic exchange, skilled work): Official names and fees align with France long-stay categories; consult France-Visas for exact type and cost.

Application process

  • How to apply online: There is no Monaco-specific e-Visa; you must apply for a Schengen visa via France-Visas (france-visas.gouv.fr) and submit documents through the French visa center in China (TLScontact or the designated service). Monaco's official page (https://www.gouv.mc/) directs applicants to the French visa framework for Schengen entry.
  • Steps: 1) Determine visa type (Tourism, Business, Family visit, or Long-stay). 2) Create an account on France-Visas. 3) Complete the application form and upload documents. 4) Pay the visa fee. 5) Book an appointment at the French visa center (TLScontact) in China to submit documents and provide biometrics. 6) Attend the appointment and provide biometrics and documents. 7) Wait for the decision (typical 15 calendar days; up to 30 days; in peak periods longer). 8) Passport collection or courier return after approval.
  • Where to submit: through the France-Visas portal and the designated visa center in China (TLScontact) or the French consulate that handles Monaco-related Schengen visas.
  • Documents checklist: see section 1 above; include a detailed travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, proof of funds, travel insurance, flight reservations, and invitation letters if applicable.
  • Interview requirement: an interview may be requested by the consulate in some cases.
  • Payment method: visa fee paid online via France-Visas; service/handling fees paid at the visa center (TLScontact) at the time of appointment.

Fees & processing time

  • Visa fee: 80 EUR for adults; 40 EUR for children aged 6-11; free for children under 6 (subject to local regulations). The fee is payable in euros and may be charged in local currency by the center depending on payment method.
  • VFS/TLS service fee: varies by center; additional processing/handling fees charged by the visa center; check the TLScontact France page for current amounts in local currency.
  • Total cost estimate: approximately 105–130 EUR (80 EUR visa fee + 25–50 EUR service fee). Actual total will depend on the service center and currency conversion.
  • Standard processing time: typically 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment; may be up to 30 days during busy periods or administrative delays.
  • Express/priority option: some centers offer expedited processing for additional fees where available; availability and cost vary by center and date.

Tips for China travelers

  • Plan well in advance: apply at least 30–60 days before your intended travel date; allow extra time during peak travel seasons.
  • Common rejection reasons for China applicants: insufficient proof of funds or travel insurance, missing or inconsistent documents, lack of accommodation or travel itinerary details, no host invitation letter when applicable, incomplete application forms, or missing biometrics.
  • VFS/BLS vs direct embassy application: for Monaco, you generally apply via France-Visas and submit through the designated visa center (TLScontact) or French consulate; there is no separate Monaco online visa portal; follow the France-Visas process via https://france-visas.gouv.fr and refer to https://www.gouv.mc/ for official guidance.
  • Travel advisories and bilateral notes: always check the latest guidance on the official Monaco portal (https://www.gouv.mc/) and the France-Visas site before applying; ensure your passport and visa timing align with Monaco travel plans.
  • Extension options inside Monaco: short-stay Schengen visas (up to 90 days in 180) generally cannot be extended from within Monaco; for longer stays, apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) through the French authorities before travel or from within France/Schengen area where extensions may be considered; extensions are not guaranteed and are assessed by the issuing authority.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.