San Marino

The Land of Heritage
and Serenity

Flag of San Marino

San Marino, one of the world's smallest and oldest republics, is nestled in the mountains of Italy. Known for its medieval architecture, the capital, also called San Marino, features narrow streets, stone towers, and historic fortresses perched atop Mount Titano.

Despite its small size, San Marino has a rich cultural heritage and a deep sense of independence. The cuisine reflects Italian influences, with dishes like piadina (flatbread) and fresh pasta being local favorites. San Marino offers a charming blend of history, scenic beauty, and a unique sense of identity.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into San Marino.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned stay in San Marino (aligned with Schengen/Italian requirements).

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from these nations can enter San Marino with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa (e.g., US, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan). San Marino has no border controls; entry is via Italy, so Schengen rules apply.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from these nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a Schengen visa prior to entering San Marino via Italy (e.g., India, China, Russia).

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) can enter San Marino without an additional visa via Italy.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) do not automatically qualify for entry unless they hold a Schengen visa for Italy.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK can enter without a visa if from visa-exempt countries, via Italy.

ID Card Entry
The following citizens can enter San Marino using only a valid national ID card:

  • European Union (EU) member states
  • European Economic Area (EEA) countries
  • Switzerland
    (Note: Entry is via Italy, which accepts these ID cards for Schengen access; San Marino has no separate border checks.)

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years (Schengen short-stay visa via Italy).
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit (issued via Italian authorities).

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period (aligned with Schengen rules via Italy).
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules may apply for work, study, or long-term stays; San Marino relies on Italian consular services.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions via https://www.sanita.sm/.
Toll

Driving in San Marino

Current Toll Roads
As of 2025, there are no toll roads within San Marino itself due to its small size (61 km²). However, to reach San Marino:

  • The Rruga e Kombit equivalent: The A14 (Bologna to Rimini, Italy), as San Marino is accessed via Italian highways connecting to its borders (e.g., SS72 from Rimini).

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates vary based on vehicle type and distance traveled on Italian highways. For the most current rates, visit the official Italian Road Authority website: https://www.autostrade.it/.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Euro (EUR) is accepted at Italian toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Major cards are accepted at most toll booths in Italy.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: Telepass system is used in Italy; check https://www.telepass.com/ for details (not applicable within San Marino).

Driving in San Marino

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 50 km/h
    • Rural roads: 70 km/h (San Marino has no highways)
    • Highways: 130 km/h (on Italian motorways leading to San Marino).
  • Road conditions vary; exercise caution, especially on narrow, winding roads up to Mount Titano.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license (recognized via Italian regulations).

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: San Marino does not use a vignette system; tolls apply only on Italian roads leading to it. Check https://www.autostrade.it/ for updates.
  • Road Safety: San Marino has been improving road safety, but remain vigilant, especially on steep, narrow roads.
  • GPS and Maps: While GPS is generally reliable, keep an updated physical map as a backup for navigating San Marino’s small road network.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 112 for emergencies (aligned with EU standards).

Useful Links

San Marino Currency

The official currency of San Marino is the Euro (EUR).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 Euro
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1, 2 Euro (San Marino also mints commemorative coins, rarely used in circulation).
  • Symbol: €

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, tourist offices, and nearby Italian towns (e.g., Rimini).
  • ATMs widely available in urban areas for direct Euro withdrawals.

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially in rural areas.
  • Credit/debit cards accepted in cities, hotels, and larger establishments.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans.
  • Carry some cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards (minimal within the Eurozone).
  • For current exchange info, visit the European Central Bank website (used by San Marino via Italy): https://www.ecb.europa.eu/.
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in San Marino

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in San Marino, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon.
    • Smoking banned in indoor public spaces.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing San Marino’s sovereignty or its relationship with Italy unless invited.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites or critical infrastructure (e.g., government buildings). Always ask permission for portraits of locals.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars (aligned with EU/Italian limits).
  • Cash: Declare amounts over €10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the nearest airport (typically in Italy, e.g., Rimini or Bologna).

Complaints

Beach Access

  • San Marino is landlocked; no beaches exist within its borders. (Access to Italian beaches follows Italian laws.)

Key Resources

San Marino Travel Safety

San Marino is generally safe for travellers, with low crime rates and a reputation for hospitality. However, travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in San Marino.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is rare but possible in crowded areas like markets or tourist sites in San Marino City. Violent crime against tourists is extremely uncommon.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: San Marino is considered safe, with locals often going out of their way to assist visitors. Avoid isolated areas at night.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving can be challenging due to narrow, steep roads around Mount Titano.
    • Avoid night driving in hilly areas.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Tap water is safe nationwide.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for long-term stays).
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases:
    • Use insect repellent to guard against ticks in rural areas (e.g., Lyme disease in wooded regions).
  • Altitude Sickness:
    • Minimal risk; San Marino’s highest point (Mount Titano) is 739 meters, well below 2,500 meters.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: San Marino State Hospital (Ospedale di Stato) in Borgo Maggiore offers basic care; for advanced treatment, facilities in nearby Italy (e.g., Rimini) are used.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities but carry essential medications.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation (often to Italy).

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire; aligned with EU standards).
  • Ambulance: 118 | Fire: 115 | Police: 113.
  • Tourist Police (San Marino City): +378 0549 882 211.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a small car suited for narrow roads. Check insurance coverage for rentals.
  • Hiking: Use local guides for trails around Mount Titano.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Respect San Marino’s historical independence.
  • Air Quality: Generally excellent; monitor via the World Air Quality Index if near Italian cities: https://www.waqi.info/.

Key Links

Flying to San Marino

© 2024-2025 Atlas Guide