Monaco

Recommended Vaccinations For Monaco

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a low risk of hepatitis B in Monaco, however, it is beneficial to have this vaccine

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a very low risk of hepatitis A in Monaco, however, it is beneficial to have this vaccine.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Rabies Vaccine

Travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats may wish to consider this vaccine.

Recommended Medications For Monaco

There are no recommendations for Monaco at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Monaco

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a low risk for hepatitis B in Monaco.

Hepatitis A

**There is a low risk of hepatitis A in Monaco.**

For Some Travellers

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with an infected person.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Rabies

Rabies has not been reported in Monaco and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.

Safety & Security in Monaco

Personal Safety

Monaco ranks among the safest places in Europe for visitors. The principality maintains one of the lowest crime rates globally, with general delinquency at 888 incidents in 2024, though this represents a slight 4.1% increase from the previous year. The most significant safety factor is the exceptional police presence. With approximately one officer per 100 residents, Monaco has the highest police-to-population ratio in Europe. Officers are visible 24/7 throughout all districts, supported by over 900 high-definition CCTV cameras monitoring public spaces. Petty crime like pickpocketing does occur, particularly in tourist areas such as Monte Carlo’s old town narrow streets and at the train station. Simple thefts increased 60% in 2024, though absolute numbers remain low at 125 incidents. Train stations and transport hubs connecting Monaco to Nice require extra vigilance, as many theft incidents happen while tourists are en route to Monaco rather than in the principality itself. Burglaries rose 54% in 2024, but this only amounted to 17 incidents total. Two attempted homicides occurred in 2024 after zero in 2023, and two armed robberies took place. While these numbers represent increases, they remain remarkably low by international standards. Monaco has comprehensive surveillance infrastructure and rapid emergency response. Average emergency response time is under seven minutes. The principality feels safe day and night, with residents and visitors reporting high comfort levels walking anywhere at any hour.

Extreme Violence

Violent crime against tourists is virtually non-existent in Monaco. According to the Police Department, there is virtually no violent crime reported against tourists. The principality maintains extremely low levels of violent incidents overall. In 2024, two attempted homicides occurred compared to zero in 2023. Two armed robberies took place in 2024 versus one in 2023. These represent the extent of violent crime in the principality and involve extremely low absolute numbers. Monaco has no history of terrorism incidents despite its high-profile status. The tight security presence, including extensive surveillance and heavy police deployment, makes the principality an extremely difficult target. High-profile dignitaries visit regularly, prompting very tight security measures. The government places terrorism threat in the broader European context, noting terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely. However, Monaco itself has specific protective factors including its comprehensive security infrastructure and small size that enable total coverage. There is no realistic concern about terrorism affecting visitors to Monaco. The organized crime presence in Monaco relates primarily to financial crime rather than violence. The principality has faced criticism for loose financial regulations providing cover for money laundering, but this does not create safety risks for average visitors. High-value crimes tend to target luxury stores, yachts, and villas rather than tourists. For thieves, a tourist’s wallet is not lucrative when some of the world’s richest people live in Monaco.

Political Unrest

Monaco demonstrates exceptional political stability. The principality has been governed by the Grimaldi family for over 700 years, avoiding significant political upheaval. Prince Albert II focuses on preserving Monaco’s heritage while adapting to modern needs in finance, real estate, and environmental concerns. This creates a predictable environment for visitors and residents alike. The constitutional monarchy means the prince retains significant governing authority, including exclusive power to initiate legislation and conduct foreign policy. The freely elected 24-member National Council shares legislative power with the prince. Elections in February 2023 were considered credible by international observers, with turnout at 57%. There are no meaningful protests or demonstrations affecting visitors to Monaco. The principality experiences none of the social unrest seen in neighboring regions. A 2023 incident involving French union threats to disrupt power during the Monaco Grand Prix as part of pension reform protests in France never materialized into actual problems for Monaco. Local demonstrations are extremely rare. In September 2024, nearly 200 demonstrators gathered peacefully in front of Monaco Social Funds to demand better wages and pensions, led by unions advocating for a higher minimum wage. This represented a standard labor negotiation process rather than disruptive unrest. Monaco maintains close diplomatic relationships with major powers like France and the European Union, ensuring continued peace and security. Civil liberties are generally respected. The environment remains stable and predictable for all visitors.

Areas To Avoid

Monaco has no dangerous areas that require avoidance. The entire principality is exceptionally safe throughout. With a territory of just over 2 square kilometers, comprehensive police coverage and surveillance systems monitor all neighborhoods. All districts including Monte Carlo, Larvotto, Fontvieille, La Condamine, and Monaco-Ville maintain very high safety standards. The train station requires slightly more caution than other areas, as it experiences higher rates of petty crime like pickpocketing compared to other parts of Monaco. Many theft incidents actually occur on trains entering or leaving Monaco rather than in the principality itself. Nice airport, which serves Monaco, also requires standard vigilance. The narrow streets of Monte Carlo’s old town attract tourists and consequently have marginally higher pickpocketing risk, but this remains low by international standards. Visitors should exercise normal precautions in crowded tourist destinations, but there are no areas where personal safety is genuinely at risk. Monaco’s comprehensive security infrastructure makes avoiding specific neighborhoods unnecessary. The principality has excellent lighting throughout, with 88 elevators, 35 escalators, and 48 public galleries and passageways contributing to safe pedestrian movement even after sunset. The high visibility of police in all areas, combined with the extensive CCTV network, means residents and visitors can freely explore any part of Monaco day or night. Even the least expensive residential areas like La Condamine remain safer than most city centers globally.