Entry Requirements & Visas
Key Note for 2026: No ETIAS Required for San Marino
San Marino is not part of the Schengen Area or EU, so ETIAS does not apply. Entry aligns closely with Italian requirements, allowing seamless access for most visitors without additional authorizations. However, always verify based on your nationality and ensure your documents match Italian/Schengen standards for hassle-free border crossings.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure from San Marino and the surrounding Italian territory, with at least two blank pages for entry stamps.
Children and minors require their own passports, and it's wise to carry certified birth certificates for family travel. Always photocopy your passport and store digitally as a backup.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the EU/EEA, US, Canada, Australia, UK, and many others can enter San Marino visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, provided they meet Italian entry rules.
No separate San Marino visa is needed; your Italian/Schengen visa (if required) grants access. Overstays can lead to fines or bans, so track your days carefully using apps.
Visa Applications
If a visa is required (e.g., for nationals from certain Asian or African countries), apply through the Italian embassy or consulate, as San Marino does not issue its own visas (€80-116 fee depending on type).
Submit documents including proof of accommodation, sufficient funds (€50/day minimum), return tickets, and health insurance. Processing times range from 15-30 days, so apply 3-6 months in advance for peak seasons.
Border Crossings
San Marino's borders with Italy are open and passport-free for EU citizens, but non-EU visitors may face spot checks at road crossings or when arriving via Rimini Airport (about 20km away).
Expect minimal delays; public buses or taxis from Italy provide easy access. No customs duties apply for personal items, but declare valuables over €10,000.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical emergencies, trip delays, and activities like hiking in the Apennine trails around San Marino.
Policies should include at least €30,000 in medical coverage; options start at €4-6 per day from providers like World Nomads. EU citizens can use EHIC cards for basic care, but full insurance fills gaps.
Extensions Possible
For stays beyond 90 days, apply for an extension at the San Marino Immigration Office in Borgo Maggiore before your current permission expires, providing reasons like work or study.
Fees are approximately €30-60, with required documents such as proof of income and accommodation. Approval is not guaranteed and can take up to 30 days, so plan ahead.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
San Marino uses the Euro (€). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Rimini Airport (the closest hub) by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for low-cost carriers like Ryanair serving nearby Italian airports.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for family-run osterias serving piadina and fresh pasta for under €10 per meal, avoiding upscale tourist restaurants to cut food costs by up to 40%.
Visit weekly markets in Serravalle for affordable local cheeses, olives, and baked goods, or picnic in the scenic hills for even bigger savings.
Public Transport Passes
Purchase a San Marino Card (€15 for 2 days) for unlimited bus rides between the three towers and free entry to state museums, reducing daily transport to under €5.
Combine with Italian regional trains from Rimini for inter-regional savings; day passes cost €10-15 and cover multiple trips efficiently.
Free Attractions
Explore the medieval walls, Guaita Tower viewpoints, and public gardens at no cost, immersing in San Marino's history without spending a dime.
Many churches and squares host free cultural events; time your visit for national holidays like September 3rd for parades and festivities included in the entry price of zero.
Card vs Cash
Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in most shops and hotels, but carry €50-100 in cash for small vendors, markets, and rural cafes where cards may not work.
Use fee-free ATMs in major towns like Dogana for withdrawals; avoid airport exchanges to prevent high commissions of up to 10%.
Museum Passes
The San Marino Museums Pass (€10 for all state sites) grants access to eight attractions including the National Museum and Second Tower, paying off after just two visits.
It's valid for a year and includes audio guides, making it ideal for repeat explorers or families seeking value in cultural immersion.
Smart Packing for San Marino
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight layers for the Mediterranean climate, including breathable cotton shirts, jeans, and a light jacket for cool evenings in the hills.
Include modest clothing for visiting historic churches and castles; opt for quick-dry fabrics suitable for sudden showers common in spring and fall.
Electronics
Bring a Type L adapter for Italian-style outlets (230V), a portable charger for all-day hill explorations, and a smartphone with offline Google Maps for navigating the compact republic.
Download translation apps like Google Translate for Italian phrases, and consider a compact camera to capture panoramic views from Mount Titano.
Health & Safety
Carry your travel insurance card, a basic first-aid kit with bandages and pain relievers, prescription medications, and high-SPF sunscreen for sunny days.
Include motion sickness remedies for winding mountain roads, hand sanitizer, and masks for any indoor sites; water purification tablets are handy for remote hikes.
Travel Gear
Pack a lightweight daypack for carrying water and snacks during uphill walks to the towers, a reusable bottle to stay hydrated, and a compact rain poncho.
Bring passport copies, a RFID-blocking wallet for security in crowds, and eco-friendly shopping bags for market purchases in Serravalle.
Footwear Strategy
Choose comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good grip for the cobblestone streets and steep paths of San Marino Città; avoid high heels.
For outdoor adventures like trails around Monte Titano, pack lightweight hiking shoes; sandals work for summer but ensure they're sturdy for uneven terrain.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized toiletries like shampoo and toothpaste, moisturizer for dry mountain air, and a wide-brimmed hat for sun protection during sightseeing.
Pack lip balm, wet wipes for quick cleanups after dusty walks, and a small umbrella; biodegradable products respect San Marino's pristine environment.
When to Visit San Marino
Spring (March-May)
Mild weather with temperatures of 10-18°C makes spring perfect for hiking the paths of Mount Titano and exploring blooming gardens without summer heat.
Fewer tourists mean shorter lines at attractions; enjoy events like the Medieval Days festival in April for authentic cultural experiences.
Summer (June-August)
Warm and sunny with highs of 25-30°C, summer is ideal for outdoor concerts, the International Kite Festival, and panoramic views from the towers.
Peak season brings crowds and higher prices, but long days allow for evening strolls and nearby Adriatic beach day trips from Rimini.
Autumn (September-November)
Comfortable 15-22°C weather with colorful foliage enhances walks along ancient walls; September 3rd celebrates Republic Day with free parades and fireworks.
Lower crowds and harvest-season foods like chestnuts and wine tastings offer a relaxed vibe; ideal for photography and avoiding summer rush.
Winter (December-February)
Mild 5-12°C temperatures with occasional light snow create a magical setting for Christmas markets in Borgo Maggiore and quiet castle visits.
Budget-friendly off-season means up to 30% savings on lodging; cozy up with hot chocolate while enjoying fewer visitors and festive lights.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Euro (€). ATMs are plentiful; cards accepted widely, but cash useful for small shops and rural areas.
- Language: Italian is official. English spoken in tourist spots; basic phrases appreciated in local interactions.
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1 (observes DST)
- Electricity: 230V, 50Hz. Type F/L plugs (Italian two/three-pin with grounding)
- Emergency Number: 112 for police, medical, or fire assistance across the republic
- Tipping: Not obligatory; service included in bills. Round up 5-10% or leave €1-2 for good service at cafes.
- Water: Tap water safe and high-quality; bottled available but unnecessary for most travelers.
- Pharmacies: Easily found in main towns; identified by green cross signs. Open weekdays, with on-call services.