Country guides Europe
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Plugs in use include the Italian three-pin and the European-style two-pin.
Language
The official language of San Marino is Italian.
Money
San Marino is not a member of the European Union, but the local currency is the euro.
Tipping
Tipping is part of the culture in San Marino and visitors should leave 10 percent of the bill in restaurants, taxis and hotels.
Health
There are no specific health risks when travelling to San Marino, though all eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. An influenza vaccine is recommended for those travelling to San Marino between November and April.
Medical facilities in San Marino are good. However, travel insurance is still recommended for none EU-citizens as medical attention can be expensive. Serious conditions will result in a transfer to more comprehensive facilities in Rimini.
Safety
The City of San Marino is considered a very safe city with low crime rates. However, visitors should keep a close eye on their valuables, as pickpockets are common in crowded areas.
Local customs
Many local customs and standards of etiquette in San Marino are similar to Italy, especially in the surrounding Italian area called Romagna.
Doing business
Foreigners should wear suits when doing business in San Marino and prior appointments are essential. A knowledge of Italian is useful.
Duty free
Travellers from EU countries are limited to 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine (of which 60 litres may be sparkling), 20 litres of fortified wine, 10 litres of spirits, and 800 cigarettes, 200 cigars, or 1kg of tobacco. Non-EU travellers are limited to 16 litres of beer, 4 litres of wine, 2 litres of fortified wine, 1 litre of spirits, and 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco. Prohibited items include narcotic drugs, medicinal products, arms and weapons, explosives and protected animal and plant species.
Communications
The international access code for San Marino is +378. Visitors can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; free WiFi is available in hotels and restaurants.
Passport & Visa
Visa requirements for San Marino are the same as those that apply for Italy. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay is required for US travellers. San Marino does not issue entrance visas. If visitors plan to stay more than 10 days, they must report to the Gendarmerie of San Marino to obtain a permit.
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay is required for UK travellers. San Marino does not issue entrance visas. If visitors plan to stay more than 10 days, they must report to the Gendarmerie of San Marino to obtain a permit.
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay is required for Canadian travellers. San Marino does not issue entrance visas. If visitors plan to stay more than 10 days, they must report to the Gendarmerie of San Marino to obtain a permit.
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay is required for Australian travellers. San Marino does not issue entrance visas. If visitors plan to stay more than 10 days, they must report to the Gendarmerie of San Marino to obtain a permit.
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay is required for South African visitors. A visa is required.
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay is required for Irish travellers. San Marino does not issue entrance visas. If visitors plan to stay more than 10 days, they must report to the Gendarmerie of San Marino to obtain a permit.
A passport valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay is required for New Zealand travellers. San Marino does not issue entrance visas. If visitors plan to stay more than 10 days, they must report to the Gendarmerie of San Marino to obtain a permit.
Useful contacts
Tourism Office of San Marino, City of San Marino, San Marino: +378 0549 882914.
113 (police), 118 (ambulance), 115 (fire)Embassies / consulates in other countries
San Marino Embassy, Washington D.C. United States: (202) 223 2418
San Marino Honorary Consulate General, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 7259 9754
San Marino Embassy, Washington D.C. United States (responsible for Canada): (202) 223 2418
San Marinese Honorary Consulate, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 5826.
Embassies / consulates in San Marino
U.S Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for San Marino): +39 06 467 41.
British Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for San Marino): +39 06 4220 0001.
Embassy of Canada, Rome, Italy (also responsible for San Marino): +39 06 85444 1.
Australian Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for San Marino): +39 06 852 721.
South African Embassy, Rome, Italy (also responsible for San Marino): +39 06 85 2541.
Embassy of Ireland, Rome, Italy (also responsible for San Marino): +39 06 585 2381.