San Marino travel guide
About San Marino
The origins of San Marino are based on the charming legend of Saint Marinus, who founded the community and the republic in AD301 after taking refuge on Mount Titano. The independence of San Marino was enshrined after Italian Unification, possibly in gratitude for at one time harbouring Garibaldi, the great leader of the Risorgimento. Apart from the Vatican City, it is the only city-state that is completely surrounded by another country.
In whatever part of this 61 sq km (24 sq mile) territory you go, there seems to be a dazzling panorama at your disposal. But it is standing atop the spectacular Cesta Tower that will give you the best views. From the gorgeous Old Town clinging to the slopes, your gaze reaches across the fertile soils of Emilia Romagna, the soft rolling hills of the Marche, and on to the placid Adriatic sea. The Sammarinese territory is made up of nine ancient citadels, including the capital, San Marino.
What the tiny city state lacks in size, it makes up for in history, museums and priceless architectural monuments. Meanwhile, a wealth of assorted crafts and souvenirs provide a vast, pleasant shopping experience.
The free movement between San Marino and Italy, not to mention the fact that most locals support the Italian national team in football tournaments, might lead you to believe the territory’s independence lies in name only. But the Sammarinese have their own government and a distinct local culture. Everyone speaks Italian, but the San Marino dialect has failed to die out, while unique dishes such as white rabbit stew, black risotto and Cacciatello cake are local treasures.
As well as imbibing the local food, other pleasant diversions include getting a colourful stamp in your passport at the State Post Office, visiting the impressive Three Towers of San Marino and the lavish Parliament Building.
Key facts
61.2 sq km (23.6 sq miles).
31,950 (UN estimate 2016).
541.3 per sq km.
San Marino.
Republic.
Two Capitani Regenti are elected every six months. Francesca Civerchia and Dalibor Riccardi since October 2024.
Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs Pasquale Valentini since 2012.
Travel Advice
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
- see general advice for women travellers
- read our guide on disability and travel abroad
- see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
- read about safety for solo and independent travel
- see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad
You will need to travel through Italy to enter San Marino. Read Italy travel advice before you visit San Marino.
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
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This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of the current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in San Marino set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the San Marino Consulate in the UK.
Travelling through Italy
You will need to travel through Italy to enter San Marino. Read Italy travel advice before you visit.
Passport validity requirements
San Marino follows Schengen area rules. Your passport must:
- have a ‘date of issue’ less than 10 years before the date you arrive – if you renewed your passport before 1 October 2018, it may have a date of issue that is more than 10 years ago
- have an ‘expiry date’ at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
You do not need to pass through border controls to enter San Marino, but you must have a passport containing a valid entry stamp from a Schengen area country.
Visa requirements
You can travel without a visa to the Schengen area and San Marino for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This applies if you travel:
- as a tourist
- to visit family or friends
- to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events
- for short-term studies or training
The requirements for working in San Marino are different. Contact the San Marino Consulate in the UK for more information.
If you’re travelling to other Schengen area countries as well, make sure your whole visit is within the 90-day limit. Visits to Schengen countries in the 180 days before you travel count towards your 90 days.
Registering with the police
You must go to the Gendarmerie to register and get a permit of stay if you are visiting for more than 30 days or are planning to work. Check the San Marino Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information.
Vaccine requirements
For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s San Marino guide.
Customs rules
The rules about goods that can be brought into and taken out of San Marino are the same as for Italy. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in San Marino
Terrorist attacks in San Marino cannot be ruled out.
Crime
Protecting your belongings
Street crime is very rare, but you should take precautions to keep your passport and money safe.
Alcohol and drink spiking
Drinks served in bars abroad are often stronger than those in the UK. Be careful about accepting drinks from strangers or leaving your drinks unattended.
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There is a zero-tolerance policy towards the possession and use of illegal drugs. If you are convicted, you will face a prison sentence or a heavy fine.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in San Marino, see information on driving abroad and check the rules of the road in the RAC’s San Marino guide. The guide lists driving regulations and other legal requirements you need to be aware of.
You’ll need to have both the 1968 version of the international driving permit (IDP) and your UK driving licence with you in the car. You cannot buy an IDP outside the UK, so get one before you travel.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience and a higher minimum age.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 118 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
- check the latest vaccine recommendations for San Marino
- see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page
See what health risks you’ll face in San Marino.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Healthcare in San Marino
If you need urgent medical attention, you can visit the San Marino state hospital.
Health insurance cards
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) are not accepted in San Marino. Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in San Marino
Ambulance: 118
Fire: 115
Police: 112 or 113
Contact your travel provider and insurer
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
- finding English-speaking lawyers, funeral directors, medical providers and translators and interpreters in Italy
- dealing with a death in Italy
- being arrested in Italy
- getting help if you’re a victim of crime
- what to do if you’re in hospital
- if you’re affected by a crisis , such as a terrorist attack
Contacting FCDO
Help abroad
See how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
Help in the UK
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
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