Monaco
Travel Destination – Monaco
Monaco is a compact yet iconic destination on the French Riviera, renowned for its glamorous lifestyle, scenic coastline, and cultural sophistication. Visitors are drawn to the principality’s historic old town, world famous Monte Carlo Casino, luxury yacht filled harbour, and Mediterranean climate. Despite its small size, Monaco offers a blend of refined urban experiences, coastal relaxation, and easy access to neighbouring regions of France and Italy.
Monaco is a highly developed destination with excellent sanitation, infrastructure, and access to high-quality medical care. While the overall health risks are low compared other global destinations, travellers should still undertake appropriate preparation to minimise preventable illness and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Booking a consultation with a travel health doctor around six to eight weeks before departing for Monaco provides an opportunity for vaccination review and allows time for multi-dose immunisation if necessary. If travel is imminent, an appointment can still provide risk-reduction strategies and destination-specific health advice whether you plan to travel through multiple countries, attend large events, or spend time outdoors along the Mediterranean coast.
Travellers should also ensure they have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care and potential evacuation, as healthcare in Monaco is high quality but can be expensive for visitors.
Food and water hygiene
Monaco’s culinary scene blends French and Mediterranean flavours with fresh seafood, local produce, and world-class dining experiences. While food safety standards are very high, travellers should still practise sensible precautions to reduce the risk of gastroenteritis.
Maintaining effective hand hygiene prior to eating plays a vital role in preventing illness, especially when moving between locations or dining in crowded environments. It is advisable to consume meals that are freshly cooked and served at safe temperatures, while exercising caution with buffet options or food that has been left out for prolonged periods.
Drinking tap water is considered safe, and overall, the likelihood of contracting food- or water-related illness in Monaco remains minimal.
Insect avoidance
In Monaco, the risk of insect-borne diseases is generally low, but mosquitoes can still be present, particularly in warmer months or near water. While serious illnesses are uncommon, it is still advisable to take basic precautions to avoid insect bites, especially if spending time outdoors.
To reduce the likelihood of bites, wear light, long-sleeved clothing, long trousers, and closed shoes when outside, particularly in parks, gardens, or near coastal and damp areas. Use insect repellent containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Monaco?
Measles
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Individuals born during or since 1966 are advised to confirm they have received two recorded doses of a measles-containing vaccine, such as the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, before departure.
Measles is an extremely infectious viral disease transmitted via airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. It typically presents with symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, and a distinctive rash. While widespread vaccination has made measles uncommon in Australia, outbreaks still occur across Europe, including Monaco. Travellers may encounter exposure risks in high-traffic areas like airports, public transport systems, and large gatherings.
Influenza
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Influenza is a viral respiratory infection transmitted through droplets and close contact, with symptoms including fever, cough, fatigue, and muscle aches. It circulates seasonally in Europe, particularly during winter, but transmission can occur year-round due to international travel. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers aged six months and older, especially those at higher risk of complications.
COVID-19
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COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a highly transmissible respiratory condition spread through aerosols, droplets, and close contact. Symptoms can range widely, from mild illness to serious respiratory complications. Travel can increase risk, especially in enclosed or crowded environments such as aircraft cabins.
Travellers should ensure they are up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations according to Australian health guidelines, including booster doses. This includes six-monthly boosters for adults aged 75 years and older and annual boosters for those aged 65 to 74, with additional doses for individuals with underlying medical conditions where appropriate.
Routine vaccinations
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Keeping vaccinations current is a key part of preparing for travel to Monaco due to the risks posed by international travel. Despite the nation’s well-developed healthcare infrastructure, illnesses that can be prevented through immunisation may still be encountered. Travellers should review their protection against diseases such as measles, tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis to ensure coverage is complete. Consulting a healthcare professional before departure can help determine whether additional vaccines or booster doses are recommended, such as hepatitis B, taking into account individual health history, age, and planned activities.
Monaco
Other health risks in Monaco
Gastroenteritis
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Gastroenteritis may occasionally occur in Monaco despite excellent food safety and sanitation standards. It is typically caused by viral infections from close contact with others, or bacterial infections acquired through contaminated food or lapses in hand hygiene. Symptoms can include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort, usually developing within one to three days of exposure.
Management is supportive, with a focus on maintaining hydration through fluids or oral rehydration solutions. Most cases are mild and resolve within a few days. Medical attention should be sought if symptoms are severe, persistent, or associated with dehydration, fever, or blood in the stool. Preventative measures include regular handwashing and selecting food prepared under hygienic conditions.
Lyme disease
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Lyme disease occurs in certain regions of Europe and is transmitted through bites from infected ticks, commonly found in grassy, bushland, or forested environments. While Monaco itself poses a low risk due to its urban landscape, travellers exploring nearby rural areas of France may be at increased risk.
Early signs can include fatigue, fever, headaches, and a gradually expanding skin rash. Preventing tick bites is crucial when spending time outdoors—this includes applying insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and protective clothing, and conducting thorough tick checks after outdoor activities. Prompt diagnosis and treatment greatly reduce the likelihood of long-term complications.
Non-infectious conditions
Deep vein thrombosis
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Long-haul flights, such as those from Australia to Europe, involve prolonged sitting, which can increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). This condition occurs when blood flow in the deep veins, most commonly in the legs, slows down, allowing a clot to form.
Preventative measures are important in reducing this risk. Travellers are advised to move regularly throughout the flight by standing, walking, or performing gentle leg exercises while seated. Maintaining adequate hydration is also essential to support healthy circulation. Individuals with additional risk factors may benefit from wearing compression stockings and are encouraged to seek medical advice prior to travel.
Crime and unrest
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Monaco has very low rates of violent crime, but pickpocketing or bag snatching can still occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas, luxury shopping districts, and during major events. Travellers should remain aware of their surroundings, keep valuables secure, and avoid displaying expensive items unnecessarily.