United States Visa RequirementsFor Monaco passport holders
Monaco passport holders can travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) for up to 90 days. An ESTA authorization ($21) is required before travel.
Monaco passport holders must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before traveling to United States.
Apply online at esta.cbp.dhs.gov before your trip. The fee is $21 USD (a $4 travel promotion fee plus a $17 authorization fee), payable by credit or debit card. Most applications are approved instantly, but allow up to 72 hours. Your ESTA is valid for two years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and covers multiple trips. ESTA does not guarantee entry: a CBP officer makes the final decision at the port of entry.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Monaco to United States: What You Need to Know
Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world, is a member of the US Visa Waiver Program. The principality on the French Riviera has close ties to France and the broader European diplomatic community. Monaco's citizens are a small group (approximately 9,000 out of a population of 36,000 hold Monegasque nationality), but they enjoy full VWP access to the United States. Monaco has no airport of its own; travelers use Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) in neighboring France, which is just 30 minutes away. Relations between Monaco and the US are friendly, with a shared interest in luxury tourism, financial services, and cultural exchange. If you hold dual Monegasque and non-VWP nationality, use your Monaco passport for ESTA.
How to Get There
From Nice Cote d'Azur (NCE), Air France, Delta, and American Airlines offer connections to US gateways, often via Paris (CDG) or Atlanta (ATL). Direct flights from Paris (CDG) to New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and other US cities are frequent.
Money & Banking
The US uses the US Dollar (USD). Cards are universally accepted, including Amex which is widely used in Monaco. Tipping is expected in the US: 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 at bars, a few dollars for taxis and hotel staff. Unlike Monaco where service is included, in the US tipping is an obligatory social norm. The Euro is not accepted in the US; exchange at the airport or use ATMs on arrival.
Practical Tips
Apply for ESTA at least 72 hours before your flight from Nice. The 90-day limit is strict. Carry proof of your return ticket and accommodation. US CBP officers may ask about your financial means and itinerary: being from Monaco, demonstrating sufficient funds is straightforward. ESTA covers tourism, transit, and business meetings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Monaco citizens need a visa to visit the United States?
No. Monaco is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Monegasque passport holders can visit the US for up to 90 days without a visa, but must obtain an ESTA authorization before travel.
How do Monaco citizens apply for ESTA?
Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov. Complete the form, pay $21, and receive authorization, usually within minutes. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.
Which airport do Monaco travelers use to fly to the United States?
Monaco has no airport. Travelers use Nice Cote d'Azur Airport (NCE) in France, about 30 minutes away. From Nice, connections via Paris (CDG) reach all major US cities.
How long can Monaco citizens stay in the United States on ESTA?
Up to 90 days per visit. The stay cannot be extended under VWP status.
Can Monaco citizens work in the United States on ESTA?
No. ESTA is for tourism, transit, and business meetings only. Paid work requires a US work visa.
Does ESTA guarantee entry to the United States?
No. An approved ESTA allows boarding; a US CBP officer makes the final entry decision at the port of entry.
What happens if a Monaco citizen overstays 90 days in the US?
Overstaying leads to deportation, VWP ineligibility, and future visa difficulties.
Is ESTA valid for multiple trips to the United States?
Yes. One ESTA authorization covers multiple trips for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first.