Planning a trip from the sunny shores of the French Riviera to the bustling streets of London or the historic closes of Edinburgh? For citizens of Monaco, travel to the United Kingdom has always been straightforward. However, a significant change is coming in 2025 that all Monegasque travellers must be aware of.
The UK is introducing its new Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) system, and Monaco is on the list of countries that will be included.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from what the eTA is to exactly , how to apply for UK eTA from Monaco, ensuring your next trip to the UK is as smooth as ever.
Do Monegasque Citizens Need a UK eTA?
Yes. Starting in 2025, all Monegasque citizens travelling to the UK for short stays (up to 6 months) will be required to have a valid eTA.
This requirement applies to all travel purposes, whether you're a tourist, visiting family and friends, attending a short-term business meeting, studying for a short period, or even just transiting through a UK airport. This rule applies to all travellers, including infants and children, so a separate application must be completed for everyone in your group.
When Does the UK eTA Scheme Start for Monaco?
This is the most important part. The rollout has specific dates for European nationals, including citizens of Monaco:
Applications Open: You can begin applying for your UK eTA starting March 5, 2025.
Becomes Mandatory: The eTA will be a mandatory requirement for travel starting April 2, 2025.
If you are travelling on or after April 2, 2025, you will be denied boarding your flight or train if you do not have an approved eTA.
What Documents Do Monegasque Citizens Need to Apply for UK ETA?
You don't need a lot of paperwork. The entire process requires just three things:
Your valid Monegasque passport: This must be the same passport you will use to travel.
An active email address: This is where your application confirmation and decision will be sent.
A payment method: You'll need a credit card, debit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay to pay the fee.
You will also need to provide a digital passport-style photo and answer a few security questions about your personal history (e.g., criminal convictions).
What is the Processing Time for UK eTA?
The UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) offers flexible processing options to suit different travel needs. Depending on your urgency and budget, you can select from the following three speeds:
1. Standard Processing
Timeframe: 1 – 2 Days
Best for: Travellers applying ahead of time with no immediate departure plans.
2. Rush Processing
Timeframe: 6 – 12 Hours
Best for: Last-minute trips or those seeking a quicker confirmation for peace of mind.
3. Super Rush Processing
Timeframe: As fast as 1 Hour
Best for: Genuine emergencies and ultra-tight travel schedules.
💡 Tip: Apply at least a few days before your trip to avoid unexpected delays and ensure your ETA approval arrives in time.
How Long is My UK eTA Valid?
This is great news for frequent travellers UK ETA Validity. Once approved, your eTA is valid for two years.
During this two-year period, you can take as many trips to the UK as you wish, as long as each visit is under the 6-month limit.
One important exception: The eTA is linked to your passport. If your Monegasque passport expires before the two-year eTA validity is up, your eTA will also expire. You must apply for a new eTA with your new passport.
UK eTA vs. Visa: Do I Need Both?
No. The eTA replaces your current visa-free travel right. It is not a visa.
You need an eTA for short stays (under 6 months) for tourism, business, transit, etc.
You still need a visa for long-term stays (over 6 months), or if you plan to work or study long-term in the UK.
If you already have a valid UK visa or a UK residence permit, you do not need to apply for an eTA.
What You CANNOT Do With a UK eTA
This is extremely important. An eTA only grants you permission to travel to the UK for short visits. You cannot use an eTA to:
Work in the UK: This includes both paid and unpaid work for a UK company.
Live in the UK: You cannot use frequent or successive visits with an eTA to make the UK your main home.
Stay longer than 6 months on a single visit.
Claim public funds (benefits).
Get married or enter a civil partnership. You need a specific Marriage Visitor visa for this.
Attempting to do any of these can result in you being removed from the UK and banned from future entry.
What Kind of Security Questions Will I Be Asked?
Beyond your passport data, the application will ask a short set of "suitability" questions. Be prepared to answer truthfully about:
Your contact details (email, phone number).
Your travel intentions (though you don't usually need to provide specific plans).
Criminal history: You will be asked to declare any criminal convictions, including those from many years ago.
Immigration history: You must declare if you have ever overstayed a visa or been deported or refused entry from any country.
Other associations: You may be asked about links to extremist or terrorist organisations.
Honesty is critical. Lying on your application is a serious offence and will lead to a refusal and potential future bans.
Do I Need an eTA for Transiting Through a UK Airport?
This is a critical detail. The answer is it depends on your type of transit.
"Airside" Transit: If you do not pass through UK border control and stay in the international departure lounge to catch your next flight, you do not need an eTA.
"Landside" Transit: If you do need to pass through UK border control (for example, to check in for a different flight, to collect your bags, or to transfer between different airports like Heathrow to Gatwick), you will need an eTA.
Rule of thumb: Always check with your airline. If they cannot confirm you will stay "airside," it is safer to apply for an eTA.
What About Dual Citizens (Monaco / UK / Irish)?
This is a very important exception. You cannot apply for a UK eTA if you are a British or Irish citizen.
If you have dual Monegasque and British citizenship, you must travel to the UK on your British passport.
If you have dual Monegasque and Irish citizenship, you can travel to the UK on your Irish passport and do not need an eTA.
The eTA system is only for non-British and non-Irish nationals.
"My App Won't Scan My Passport!"
This is the most common technical problem users face. The 'UK ETA' app needs to scan your passport photo page and then read the electronic chip inside (using NFC). If it fails:
Lighting: Make sure you are in a well-lit room with no glare on the passport's photo page.
Positioning: Place your phone directly on top of your passport, often on the back cover or the photo page, to read the chip. It may take a few attempts.
Phone Case: Remove any thick phone case, as it can block the NFC signal.
Patience: Don't move the phone until the app says the scan is complete.
Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
Alternative: If it repeatedly fails, you can skip the chip scan (though it may delay your application) or simply apply by uploading a photo of your passport instead.
"I Made a Mistake on My Application!"
What happens if you submit your application and then realise you mistyped your passport number or birth date?
You cannot edit a submitted eTA application.
If you made a critical error (like a wrong passport number), your eTA is invalid. You will have to apply for a new eTA and pay the £16 fee again. This is why it is essential to double-check every single detail before you click "submit."
"My eTA Application Was Delayed or Refused"
While most eTAs are approved in minutes, some are delayed. This usually means your application has been flagged for a manual review. This can happen due to:
A simple data entry error.
A "borderline" photo that the system couldn't auto-approve.
A more serious reason, such as a declared (or undeclared) criminal conviction or a previous UK immigration breach (like an overstay).
If your eTA is refused, you cannot travel to the UK on the eTA. Your only option is to apply for a Standard Visitor visa, which is a longer, more expensive, and more detailed process. Do not book travel if your eTA is refused until you have a visa.
An Approved eTA is Not a Guarantee of Entry
This is the final, crucial point. An approved eTA gives you permission to travel to the UK. It does not guarantee you will be allowed into the country.
When you arrive, a UK Border Force officer will make the final decision. They can still deny you entry if they suspect you are not a genuine visitor. To be safe, it's wise to have your return travel details (flight or train booking) and proof of your first night's accommodation (a hotel booking) easily accessible on your phone, just in case a Border Force officer asks.
Your Pre-Travel Checklist
Got your passport? Make sure your Monegasque passport is valid for your whole trip.
Travelling after April 2, 2025? Apply for your eTA a week before you travel for peace of mind.
eTA Approved? You're all set! It's digitally linked to your passport, so you don't need to print anything (though having the confirmation email on your phone is a good idea).
This new system is a simple, low-cost step that will soon become a normal part of travelling to the UK. By applying in advance, your journey from Monaco will be as seamless as ever. Enjoy your trip!
