British Association of Monaco News

His Holiness Pope Leo XIV in Monaco

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:55:22 GMT

Press Release on the Programme for the Apostolic Visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to the Principality of Monaco

Arrangements for Attending the Celebrations at the Palace Square and the Louis II Stadium

On Saturday, 28th March 2026, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV will undertake an apostolic visit to the Principality of Monaco for a day marked by both official and spiritual engagements.

A day punctuated by significant moments in which Monegasques, residents of the Principality, and non-residents may take part.

Morning Programme

09:00 Welcome Ceremony at the Prince’s Palace of Monaco
09:40 Audience granted to His Holiness the Pope

Greeting by the Holy Father and address by the Sovereign Prince from the balcony of the Prince’s Palace

Procession of the Holy Father in the Popemobile

11:00 Time of Prayer – Monaco Cathedral (by invitation)
11:45 Meeting with young people and catechumens – Sainte-Dévote Church

Address by the Holy Father

Access to the Palace Square will be reserved for Monegasques and residents. Entry will be possible from 7:00 a.m. (last entry at 8:30 a.m.) and will require the presentation of a wristband and proof of identity.

These wristbands will be distributed by the municipal teams from Monday 16th to Friday 20th March, from 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Espace Léo Ferré.

Distribution of wristbands will be reserved for Monegasques and their spouses on 16th and 17th March.

From Wednesday 18th-20th March, distribution will be extended to residents of the Principality.

Afternoon Programme

15:00 Pontifical Mass – Louis II Stadium, Monaco – Homily by the Holy Father

From 12:30 p.m., the public will be able to access the Louis II Stadium, where a Mass will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV (attendance requested no later than 2:00 p.m.).

For the occasion, unnumbered seating by zone on the stadium pitch will be reserved for Monegasques and residents (subject to availability).

These seats may be collected at the Espace Léo Ferré at the same time as the wristbands for access to the Palace Square. Individuals will be required to write their surname and first name by hand on the tickets upon collection. Tickets may therefore not be transferred to others.

Those who have collected a wristband or a seat are kindly encouraged to honour their attendance, to allow as many people as possible to take part in this exceptional celebration.

Are you a dual U.K. citizen (or you have children who are)?

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 15:07:19 GMT

Starting February 25, 2026, dual nationals will need to travel to the U.K. with a valid British passport (or an Irish passport or foreign passport with a Certificate of Entitlement). You will not be able to rely on only your non-UK passport, and airlines may deny boarding if your documents do not match the new rule.

If you have travel coming up in 2026, it is a good time to check passport expiration dates and renew early.

We explain what is changing, who it affects, and what to do now: https://bit.ly/46Y86kZ

What is a Certificate of Entitlement?

A Certificate of Entitlement is a document placed in a foreign passport confirming the holder’s right of abode in the U.K.

It costs £589 and can take several weeks to process.

Unlike citizenship itself, British passports and Certificates of Entitlement are not automatically issued when someone becomes a British citizen. Many dual nationals have never applied for one, especially those who have lived in the U.K. for decades and typically travelled on another passport.

A standard adult British passport costs around £100, and processing times vary.

Practical impacts for dual nationals:

The rollout has caused confusion and frustration among some dual nationals who were unaware of the change or have upcoming travel plans.

Because airlines face fines for boarding travellers without proper documentation, carriers are conducting checks before departure. In some cases, airlines may accept an expired British passport at their discretion, but this is not guaranteed.

Individuals without a valid British passport or Certificate of Entitlement could be denied boarding, even if they are British citizens.

For people abroad whose British passports have expired or who never applied for one, this could mean delayed travel, changed itineraries, or extended stays overseas while waiting for documentation.

Who is affected?

The new requirement applies to:

British citizens who also hold another nationality

Children with dual British citizenship

Dual nationals living abroad

Dual nationals living in the U.K. who travel internationally

Irish passport holders are exempt. Individuals who hold both British and Irish citizenship may continue to enter using their Irish passport.

According to the 2021 census, more than 1.2 million residents of England and Wales are U.K.-other dual citizens.

What dual citizens should do now:

If you are a British dual national and plan to travel after February 25, 2026:

Check whether your British passport is valid.

Apply for a new passport well in advance if it is expired or close to expiration.

If you do not wish to apply for a British passport, explore applying for a Certificate of Entitlement instead.

Do not rely on being able to apply for an ETA — dual nationals are not eligible.

If you have urgent travel, research emergency travel document options before departure.

Processing times can stretch into several weeks or months, particularly during peak travel periods.

Do search on gov.uk where you will find information on all of these processes and up to date information and prices.

The British Association of Monaco Celebrates 90 years

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 09:23:28 GMT

New Travel rules - EES

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 08:13:14 GMT

New Travel Rules - ETA

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 14:28:46 GMT

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

Following on from information already sent to you last year, the ETA is getting closer to being necessary for travel to the UK for some people, generally non-British nationals.

Although applicable only as from 2nd April 2025 you can apply online as from 5th March 2025.

The cost is £10, and the ETA is valid for 2 years.

Application and all questions can
be found on the UK Government site.

www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

On 18th June 2024 Monaco made history

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 10:12:37 GMT

The crowd turned out in force on Tuesday 18th June to witness the passing of the Olympic torch through Monaco. Charles Leclerc, Alexandra Coletti, Xiaoxin Yang, Rudy Rinaldi, and Prince Albert Il and Princess Charlene proudly carried the flame.

The excitement of the day concluded in the flame's arrival at the Prince's Palace.

The last time the Olympic flame passed through Monaco was in 1968.

Birthday celebration for His Majesty King Charles III

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 16:30:00 GMT

What a superb evening, delicious food, open bar and fabulous cake(s)! It was a truly elegant evening, and we were delighted to see our esteemed members dancing the night away. The terrace at the Meridien Beach Plaza Hotel was a perfect location where over 70 members and guests including dignitaries gathered and were entertained. Thanks to Carl, Colette and Stella for providing the fantastic entertainment!
If you didn’t manage to make it, don’t worry… it’s happening again next year!

What our members said:

“Congratulations for a GREAT evening! Lots of fun, good company, good canapes, music and dance… It was great! Next year: same place, same everything!”
“Good fun evening, well done! Great to be back at the Meridien. Delicious canapes and that cake …. She is an amazing baker.”
“Thank you and your team for the lovely evening we had Wednesday. The venue was great and the temperature perfect, also the food was so good. Pity no doggie bag for the evening!”
“Well done Mme President and team for the fantastic evening. Loved the music, great fun and a little dancing! Food delicious… See you next year!”
“A belated but nevertheless heartfelt thank you for organizing the most special King’s Birthday celebration party at the Meridien last Wednesday. Everything was superb, the location, the food, wine, cake and especially your welcoming speech honouring the King. Together with Carl Henry and his fellow musical friends, the atmosphere was elevated to full party glory. What a triumph! Please forward my congratulations to all involved in the preparation of this very special event.”
“Congratulations on a superb and successful evening.”