San Marino Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in San Marino.
Healthcare System
San Marino has a modern public healthcare system (ISS - Istituto per la Sicurezza Sociale) that provides high-quality care to citizens and residents. For tourists, care is provided on a fee-for-service basis.
Hospitals
The main public hospital is the Ospedale di Stato in Serravalle. It provides emergency services, but its capacity is limited. For serious emergencies, patients are stabilized and often transferred by ambulance to larger hospitals in Rimini or other cities in Italy.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (Farmacia) are well-stocked and marked with a green cross. Pharmacists are qualified to offer advice on minor ailments. Common over-the-counter medications are readily available.
Insurance
Not legally required but HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is valid for necessary state-provided healthcare at reduced cost or sometimes free. All other travelers must have complete travel medical insurance covering emergency treatment and medical evacuation to Italy.
Healthcare Tips
- Carry your EHIC/GHIC card and/or proof of complete travel insurance at all times.
- For non-emergencies, consider visiting a pharmacy first for advice; they can often help with minor issues.
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing and bag-snatching, in the most crowded tourist areas of the historic city center (Città).
The historic center is built on steep slopes with cobblestone streets, uneven steps, and sometimes slippery surfaces. This is the most common source of injury for tourists.
Narrow, winding mountain roads with sharp bends and occasional poor visibility. Drivers may be unfamiliar with the terrain.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals may pose as official tour guides, near parking lots or the cable car entrance, offering tours for exorbitant prices or with hidden costs.
Some establishments in prime tourist locations may charge significantly higher prices for goods and meals compared to those just off the main paths.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General
- Carry a copy of your passport and leave the original in your hotel safe.
- Inform your accommodation of any day-trip plans, if hiking.
- Drink plenty of water, when walking the steep paths in summer.
Transportation
- Validate bus tickets upon boarding if using local buses.
- Park only in designated areas; the historic center is mostly pedestrianized.
- The cable car (funivia) is a safe and efficient way to reach the city.
Money & Documents
- Euros are the currency. Notify your bank of travel to avoid card blocks.
- ATMs are widely available; use those in well-lit, secure locations.
- Keep some cash for small purchases, as some smaller shops may not accept cards for tiny amounts.
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
San Marino is generally very safe for women travelers, including those traveling alone. Instances of harassment or gender-based violence are extremely low.
- Standard precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings at night, trust your instincts, and let someone know your plans.
- Solo female travelers commonly report feeling safe walking during the day and in the evening in the main tourist areas.
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal. Civil unions have been recognized since 2019, offering similar rights to marriage. Discrimination based on sexual orientation is banned in some contexts.
- No significant safety concerns specific to LGBTQ+ travelers have been reported.
- As always, be mindful of local customs and exercise general discretion.
Travel Insurance
Important. While healthcare is excellent, it is not free for tourists without an EHIC/GHIC. Medical evacuation to Italian hospitals for serious conditions is a distinct possibility and can be extremely costly without insurance.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries