San Marino Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

San Marino, one of the world's oldest republics and smallest countries, is a landlocked microstate completely surrounded by Italy. Entry to San Marino is uniquely straightforward as there are no formal border controls or passport checks when arriving from Italy. The country operates under an open border arrangement with Italy and, by extension, follows the Schengen Area regulations. Travelers typically enter San Marino by road from the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, and the transition is seamless with no immigration checkpoints. While San Marino itself does not maintain traditional border controls, entry requirements are effectively governed by Italian and Schengen Area rules. This means that travelers must first legally enter Italy (and the Schengen Area) before visiting San Marino. Your visa status, passport validity, and entry conditions for Italy will determine your ability to visit San Marino. The country does not have its own airport or seaport, so all visitors arrive via Italy, making Italian entry requirements the primary consideration. Despite the lack of formal border controls, travelers should carry valid identification and travel documents at all times, as Italian police may conduct checks in the area, and you'll need proper documentation to enter and exit Italy. San Marino uses the Euro as its currency and operates closely with Italian authorities on security and customs matters. Most visitors spend a day trip exploring this charming hilltop nation, though longer stays are certainly possible under the same conditions that apply to your Italian/Schengen visa.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

San Marino does not issue its own visas or maintain independent immigration controls. Entry requirements are determined by Italian and Schengen Area regulations. To visit San Marino, you must first have valid authorization to enter Italy and the Schengen Area.

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen Area Rules Apply)

90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen Area rules)

Citizens of countries with visa-free access to the Schengen Area can visit San Marino without a visa

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan South Korea Singapore Malaysia Israel United Arab Emirates Brazil Argentina Chile Mexico All EU/EEA countries and Switzerland

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date from the Schengen Area. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just San Marino. No visa stamp or border control when entering San Marino from Italy.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS) - Starting 2025

90 days within any 180-day period

Visa-exempt nationals will need ETIAS authorization to enter the Schengen Area (including for San Marino visits)

Includes

United States Canada United Kingdom Australia New Zealand Japan Singapore and other visa-exempt countries

How to Apply: Apply online through the official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Application involves providing biographical information, passport details, and answering security questions. Most applications approved within minutes to hours.
Cost: €7 (approximately $7.50 USD), valid for 3 years or until passport expires

ETIAS is not a visa but a travel authorization for the Schengen Area. Once approved for Italy/Schengen, you can visit San Marino freely. Free for travelers under 18 or over 70 years old.

Schengen Visa Required

Varies by visa type; typically 90 days for tourist visas

Nationals of countries not eligible for visa-free access must obtain a Schengen visa through Italian authorities

How to Apply: Apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Submit application at least 15 days before travel (up to 6 months in advance recommended). Required documents include valid passport, travel itinerary, proof of accommodation, travel insurance, financial means, and completed application form.

A Schengen visa issued by Italy or any Schengen country allows travel to San Marino. Processing time typically 15 calendar days but can take up to 30-60 days in some cases. Visa fee approximately €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12 years.

Arrival Process

Entering San Marino is unlike entering most countries as there are no passport controls, customs checks, or immigration officers at the border with Italy. The entry process is informal, and many visitors don't realize they've crossed into San Marino until they see the welcome signs and distinctive medieval architecture.

Enter Italy Legally

First, you must enter Italy through an official Schengen Area entry point (airport, seaport, or land border). This is where your passport will be checked and stamped if arriving from outside the Schengen Area.

Travel to San Marino

Drive, take a bus, or arrange private transport from nearby Italian cities like Rimini (25km away) or Bologna. The main roads into San Marino are well-marked but have no border checkpoints or barriers.

Cross into San Marino

Simply drive or walk across the border. There are no stops, no passport checks, and no customs inspections. You'll see welcome signs indicating you've entered the Republic of San Marino.

Optional Passport Stamp

Visit the San Marino Tourist Office (Ufficio di Stato per il Turismo) in the historic center to receive a commemorative passport stamp for €5. This is purely optional and has no legal significance but makes a nice souvenir.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen Area. Required for entering Italy and for identification while in San Marino, even though it won't be checked at the San Marino border.

Schengen Visa or ETIAS (if required)

Based on your nationality, you may need a valid Schengen visa or ETIAS authorization to be in Italy, which covers your visit to San Marino.

Proof of Accommodation

While not checked at the San Marino border, Italian authorities may request proof of where you're staying if conducting checks in the area.

Travel Insurance

Recommended and required for Schengen visa holders. Should cover medical expenses of at least €30,000 throughout the Schengen Area.

Return/Onward Ticket

May be requested by Italian immigration when entering the Schengen Area, demonstrating your intention to leave.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Keep your passport with you at all times, even though there are no border checks. Italian police may conduct document checks anywhere in the region.

The nearest major airport is Federico Fellini International Airport in Rimini, Italy (18km away). Plan your route from Italy in advance.

If you want a San Marino passport stamp as a souvenir, visit the tourist office in the historic center. It costs €5 and makes a unique memento.

Ensure your Schengen Area entry stamp is properly placed in your passport when entering Italy, as this determines your 90-day count.

San Marino uses the Euro (EUR). ATMs are available, but it's wise to have some cash as not all small establishments accept cards.

Parking in San Marino's historic center can be challenging. Use designated parking areas at the base of the mountain and take the cable car or walk up.

Download offline maps as mobile data roaming may switch between Italian and San Marino networks, potentially incurring charges.

Customs & Duty-Free

San Marino does not maintain separate customs controls from Italy. Customs regulations follow Italian and European Union rules. There are no customs checkpoints when crossing between Italy and San Marino, and the same duty-free allowances that apply to the Schengen Area apply here. Customs checks, if any, would occur when entering Italy from outside the EU.

Alcohol (arriving from outside EU)

1 liter of spirits over 22% alcohol OR 2 liters of fortified/sparkling wine, plus 4 liters of still wine

Must be 17 years or older. These limits apply when entering the EU/Italy from outside. No limits on alcohol when traveling between Italy and San Marino.

Tobacco (arriving from outside EU)

200 cigarettes OR 100 cigarillos OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco

Must be 17 years or older. These limits apply when entering the EU/Italy from outside. No limits when traveling between Italy and San Marino.

Currency

€10,000 or equivalent

Amounts of €10,000 or more must be declared when entering or leaving the EU. This applies to cash, checks, traveler's checks, and other monetary instruments. No declaration needed for travel between Italy and San Marino.

Gifts/Goods (arriving from outside EU)

€430 per person by air/sea, €300 by land

Total value of other goods. For travelers under 15 years old, the limit is €150 regardless of transport mode. VAT and duties may apply to goods exceeding these limits.

Prohibited Items

Illegal drugs and narcotics - strictly prohibited with severe penalties
Counterfeit goods and pirated products - subject to confiscation and fines
Weapons and ammunition without proper authorization - requires special permits
Endangered species products - protected under CITES regulations
Meat and dairy products from outside the EU - subject to strict veterinary controls
Plants and plant products without phytosanitary certificates - agricultural restrictions apply

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - carry in original packaging with doctor's prescription, especially for controlled substances
Firearms and sporting weapons - require advance notification and proper documentation from Italian authorities
Cultural artifacts and antiques - may require export certificates from country of origin
Large amounts of cash - must be declared if €10,000 or more
Commercial goods - require proper commercial documentation and may incur duties
Drones and radio-controlled devices - check local regulations before bringing

Health Requirements

San Marino follows Italian and EU health regulations. There are no specific vaccinations required for entry to San Marino for most travelers, though health requirements may vary based on your country of origin and recent travel history.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - required only if arriving from or having transited through a yellow fever endemic country within 6 days prior to entry into Italy/Schengen Area

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), influenza
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B - recommended for travelers who may have intimate contact with locals or require medical treatment
Rabies - only for travelers with extensive outdoor activities or working with animals

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance with minimum coverage of €30,000 is mandatory for Schengen visa applicants and strongly recommended for all visitors. San Marino has reciprocal healthcare agreements with Italy and EU countries. EU citizens should carry their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation, as healthcare costs can be substantial.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 and other health requirements may change rapidly. Check the Italian Ministry of Health website and your country's travel advisory for current entry requirements, testing, vaccination certificates, or quarantine rules. San Marino follows Italian health protocols. The EU Digital COVID Certificate (or equivalent) may be required depending on current regulations. Always verify the latest health requirements 72 hours before departure.

🛡️

Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance

Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.

Get a Quote from World Nomads

Read our complete San Marino Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

San Marino Tourist Office

Ufficio di Stato per il Turismo - Official tourism information

Located in the historic center, Contrada Omagnano 20, 47890 San Marino. Phone: +378 0549 882914. Website: www.visitsanmarino.com

Italian Embassy/Consulate

Contact the Italian embassy or consulate in your country for visa information

San Marino does not have embassies abroad; Italian diplomatic missions handle visa matters. Check www.esteri.it for Italian embassy locations worldwide.

Emergency Services - San Marino

Emergency services number: 113 (Police), 115 (Fire), 118 (Ambulance)

General emergency number: 112 works for all emergency services. English may be limited; Italian is the primary language.

Police Headquarters (Gendarmeria)

San Marino Police - Gendarmeria

Phone: +378 0549 888888. Located in Borgo Maggiore. For non-emergencies and reporting crimes.

Hospital

Ospedale di Stato - State Hospital of San Marino

Via Scialoja, 47893 Cailungo, San Marino. Phone: +378 0549 994111. For serious medical issues, patients may be transferred to hospitals in Rimini, Italy.

Your Country's Embassy in Italy

Contact your embassy in Rome for consular assistance

San Marino does not host foreign embassies. Your country's embassy in Rome, Italy, provides consular services. Keep contact information handy.

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted for Schengen Area entry). Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s), though this is rarely checked at the Italian border. The letter should include travel dates, destinations, accompanying adult details, and contact information. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. These requirements follow Italian/Schengen regulations as San Marino has no separate entry controls.

Traveling with Pets

Pets entering San Marino must comply with EU pet travel regulations as they apply to Italy. Dogs, cats, and ferrets must have: (1) an ISO-compatible microchip, (2) valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before travel), (3) EU Pet Passport (for EU residents) or official veterinary certificate (for non-EU residents), (4) tapeworm treatment for dogs if coming from certain countries. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Some breeds may be subject to restrictions. Birds and other animals have additional requirements. Contact Italian veterinary authorities for complete information.

Extended Stays and Residency

Tourist visits to San Marino are limited by Schengen Area rules (90 days in any 180-day period). For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for Italian long-stay visa/residence permit, as San Marino follows Italian immigration rules. Those wishing to establish residency in San Marino must apply through the Ufficio di Stato per gli Affari Interni (Office of Internal Affairs). Requirements include proof of financial means, accommodation in San Marino, clean criminal record, and valid reason for residence (employment, family reunification, etc.). The process is complex and requires Italian/Schengen compliance. Work permits are separate and must be obtained before arrival. Contact San Marino authorities directly for residency applications.

Business Travel

Business visitors follow the same entry requirements as tourists - no visa needed for visa-exempt nationals for stays up to 90 days, or Schengen business visa required for others. Carry invitation letters from San Marino companies, proof of business registration, and documents showing the purpose of your visit. If conducting business that generates income in San Marino, additional work permits may be required. Attending conferences, meetings, or trade shows generally falls under business visitor category and doesn't require work authorization.

Students and Researchers

San Marino has limited educational institutions. Students planning to study in the region typically enroll in Italian universities and may visit San Marino as part of their stay. Long-term students need Italian student visas/residence permits. Short courses or research visits under 90 days follow standard tourist entry rules. Carry proof of enrollment, invitation from hosting institution, and proof of financial means. Università degli Studi della Repubblica di San Marino is the main higher education institution; contact them directly for admission and visa guidance.

Transit Through San Marino

Most travelers 'transit' through San Marino as day-trippers from Italy. There are no separate transit visa requirements. If you're legally in Italy under Schengen rules, you can visit San Marino. The country has no airport or railway station, so all transit is by road. If driving through San Marino to reach another part of Italy, the same applies - ensure your Italian/Schengen authorization is valid.

Dual Citizens and Multiple Nationalities

Travelers with dual citizenship should enter Italy/Schengen Area using the passport that provides the most favorable visa treatment. EU citizens should use their EU passport. Once legally in Italy, visiting San Marino poses no additional requirements. Always use the same passport for entry and exit from the Schengen Area. Italian authorities may question inconsistencies if different passports are used.