British Association of Monaco News

Our Red Poppy: Remembrance and Hope

Wed, 04 Nov 2026 14:12:17 GMT

Our red poppy is a symbol of both Remembrance and hope for a peaceful future.

Poppies are worn as a mark of support for the Armed Forces community. The poppy is a well-known and enduring symbol, rich in history and meaning.

Wearing a poppy is a very personal choice, reflecting individual experiences, memories and feelings. It is never compulsory, but it is always greatly appreciated by those it is intended to support.

We remember, we honour, and we hope for peace. ❤️

The Western Front: The Flanders Poppies

During the First World War, the Western Front’s once‑beautiful countryside was devastated by relentless fighting, leaving behind a bleak expanse of mud, trenches and destruction. Yet amid this desolation, bright red Flanders poppies emerged, bringing unexpected colour and a sense of fragile hope to the battlefield.

Moved by their beauty — and by the death of a fellow soldier at Ypres in 1915 - Canadian doctor Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae wrote his now‑iconic poem In Flanders Fields. Its opening lines remain among the most poignant in wartime literature:

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row…”

Today, the red poppy endures as a powerful symbol of remembrance, honouring all those who sacrificed their lives in war and reminding us of the resilience that can bloom even in the darkest of places.

Poppy Appeal

Members wishing to make a donation to the Royal British Legion (RBL) may do so at the offices of Eric Blair (Blair SAM), 11 avenue Saint-Michel, or at St Paul’s Anglican Church, 22 avenue de Grande Bretagne, during regular services.

Alternatively, for information about other donation locations, please call 06 78 63 33 57 or email bam@monaco.mc.

Every contribution is greatly appreciated and helps support the Armed Forces community.

BAM at the Kermesse – Donations Needed!

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:28:57 GMT

BAM at the Kermesse on 5th December from 10am to 5pm!

BAM will once again have a stand at the annual Kermesse, and we’ll need plenty of lovely British goodies to sell!

We’d be delighted to receive wrapping paper, Christmas cards, decorations, fun gifts and anything else you think might appeal to shoppers.

If any members would be willing to bake something for us, we would be immensely grateful! Cakes, mince pies, jams and marmalades are always a staple of the stand.

Thank you all so much for your help and generosity. Every contribution, big or small, will help make our stand a success! ❤️

No Finish Line Monaco - Join the BAM Team!

Tue, 27 Oct 2026 09:45:42 GMT

BAM is delighted to take part in this year’s No Finish Line, Saturday 14th November to Sunday 22th November 2026 - one of Monaco’s most inspiring charity events.

Whether you prefer walking, jogging or clocking up laps at your own pace throughout the week, you can now join the BAM Team and contribute to a wonderful cause.

To make it even more fun, we’re adding a friendly challenge: the BAM member who completes the most kilometres will receive a bottle of champagne.

We hope many of you will lace up your trainers, join the BAM team, and help us make a meaningful difference together.

more information at bam@monaco.mc

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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.”