The Republic of San Marino is a microstate and enclave entirely surrounded by Italy, located in the northeastern part of the Italian Peninsula. It is one of the world’s smallest countries and the world’s oldest republic. San Marino is NOT a European Union member but is surrounded by Italian (Schengen Area) territory. As a result, San Marino is de facto part of the Schengen Area — travellers access San Marino by crossing Italian territory, and there are no passport controls at the border between Italy and San Marino.

2. Entry via Italy (Schengen De Facto)

Since San Marino is accessible only through Italy, all visitors must first comply with Italian (Schengen Area) entry requirements before entering San Marino. There are no dedicated border controls or passport checks at the San Marino frontier — travellers simply drive or walk across from Italian territory.

Key Points on Entry via Italy • No passport control at Italy-San Marino border • Travellers must comply with Schengen Area entry requirements to enter Italy • Non-Schengen nationals must have a valid Schengen visa or Schengen residence permit • Time spent in San Marino counts toward the Schengen 90/180-day rule • San Marino is not represented in Schengen Area immigration statistics separately

3. Passport Souvenir Stamps

As a popular tourist attraction, San Marino offers optional souvenir passport stamps at the official Tourism Office in the City of San Marino. These stamps are not immigration documents and have no legal effect — they serve purely as a memento for visitors. There is typically a small fee for this service.

4. Long-Term Stay (More Than 90 Days)

For stays exceeding 90 days, foreign nationals must apply for a San Marinese residence permit. San Marino has its own residency laws separate from Italy and the EU. Applicants must demonstrate a legitimate reason for extended stay (employment, study, family reunification, etc.) and apply through the San Marino Segreteria di Stato per gli Affari Esteri (Secretariat of State for Foreign Affairs).

5. Bilateral Visa-Free Agreements

San Marino has its own formal bilateral visa-free agreements for ordinary passport holders with 22 countries. While largely symbolic in practice (since Schengen rules apply to access via Italy), these agreements represent San Marino’s independent treaty relations.

Countries with Bilateral Visa-Free Agreements (ordinary passports) • All European Union member states (bilateral agreements in addition to Schengen) • United States • Canada • Australia • Brazil • Argentina • Israel • Japan • Other selected partners (22 countries total)

6. San Marino–Italy Bilateral Residency Agreements

San Marino and Italy maintain bilateral residency agreements that govern the rights of Italian and San Marinese citizens to reside and work in each other’s territories. Italian nationals have special rights to reside in San Marino, and vice versa. These agreements operate alongside broader EU and Schengen frameworks.

7. Practical Entry Information

Practical Tips for Visitors • Ensure your Italian/Schengen entry requirements are met before planning your visit • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss visitors must hold a valid Schengen visa to access San Marino • San Marino is a day-trip destination from nearby Italian cities (Rimini, etc.) • No dedicated border crossing facilities — open road access from Italy • The Tourism Office (Ufficio del Turismo) is located in Piazzale Lo Stradone, City of San Marino • San Marino has its own police force (Gendarmerie) but not a passport/immigration service

8. Summary

In summary, entry to San Marino is governed by Italian and Schengen Area rules, as San Marino has no independent border controls. All visitors must enter via Italy. Stays of up to 90 days are counted within the Schengen 90/180-day rule. Longer stays require a San Marinese residence permit. The country maintains symbolic bilateral visa-free agreements and offers souvenir passport stamps at the Tourism Office.