Driving in Monaco from the UK: what you need
Checked against official sources on 8 November 2026 · Sources at the bottom of this page
Driving your own car to Monaco? You need:
- An international driving permit as well as your UK licence Unlike France: a 1968 permit, £5.50 at a PayPoint, UK only
- A UK sticker, unless your number plate shows "UK" with the Union flag GB stickers are no longer valid: remove or cover them
- Your logbook (V5C) and insurance certificate Check with your insurer that Monaco is covered. Hire or lease car from the UK? Take a VE103 certificate
- A passport for everyone in the car Monaco follows the Schengen rules
- Everything you need for France Vest, triangle, Crit'Air sticker for cities, and headlights set for the right
🛂 Passports and borders
Monaco follows the Schengen rules, and France handles its immigration and customs, so there are no border checks when you drive in from France. Your passport is checked, and the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints, when you first enter Schengen, usually at Dover or Folkestone. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for 3 months after you leave. Time in Monaco counts towards your 90 days in 180.
Check your passport for Monaco →Parking in Monaco
Monaco has about 40 public car parks, mostly underground, and very little street parking. Most charge the same official rate:
Monaco-Ville and the Grand Prix
Access to Monaco-Ville (the Rock) is controlled and mainly for residents and permit holders. Park below and walk or take the lift up.
The 2027 Formula 1 Grand Prix is on 3 to 6 June 2027. Roads around the circuit close on race days, and building the circuit causes restrictions from late winter to mid-summer. Check before you drive in.
Speed limits in Monaco
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Most roads | 50 km/h≈ 31 mph |
Some streets are 30 km/h. On the approach roads in France, French limits apply: see driving in France.
Rules that catch UK drivers out
🍷 Drink-drive limit
0.5 g/l, as in France. Monaco toughened its penalties in 2025, including prison for drink or drug driving.
🇫🇷 French rules mostly apply
Monaco largely follows the French Highway Code: phones, vests, triangles and speed camera rules are the same as in France.
🚦 Heavy traffic
Streets are narrow and steep, with many tunnels and one-way systems. Use a car park and walk where you can.
Breakdowns and emergencies
- Call 112 from a mobile, or 18 from a landline.
- Put on your hi-vis vest before you get out, as in France.
Hiring a car in Monaco instead
- If you hire a car in France, check the hire company allows you to drive into Monaco.
- Hire companies may ask for an international driving permit for Monaco, so take one.
FAQs
Do I need an international driving permit for Monaco?
Yes. Unlike France, GOV.UK says you need a 1968 international driving permit as well as your UK licence to drive in Monaco. You can only buy one in the UK, at shops with PayPoint, for £5.50.
How much is parking in Monaco?
In most public car parks in 2026, the first hour is free, then €7.40 for 2 hours, €11.90 for 3 hours and up to €24 a day. A few small car parks cost more, and the Salines park-and-ride is cheaper and includes bus trips.
Can I drive up to Monaco-Ville (the Rock)?
Access to Monaco-Ville is controlled, and it's mainly for residents and permit holders. Visitors usually park in a car park, such as the one below the Rock, and walk or take the lift up.
When is the Monaco Grand Prix in 2027?
The 2027 Formula 1 Grand Prix is on 3 to 6 June 2027. Roads around the circuit are closed during race days, and setting up the circuit causes restrictions for weeks before and after.
What is the speed limit in Monaco?
50 km/h (about 31 mph) unless signs say otherwise. Monaco largely follows the French Highway Code.
Are there border checks between France and Monaco?
Monaco follows the Schengen rules, and France handles its immigration and customs. You won't normally be stopped when you drive in from France.
More for your trip
Sources
Checked on 8 November 2026. Rules change, so check the official sources before you travel.
- GOV.UK: Monaco entry requirements · Monaco safety and driving · Emergency numbers · International driving permits · UK stickers
- Monaco: Car park prices (Monaco Parkings) · 2026 parking rates (Journal de Monaco) · Getting around by car (Visit Monaco) · Monaco-Ville access · Grand Prix dates (Automobile Club de Monaco)