San Marino

Completely landlocked by Italy and located in the Apennine Mountains, it's not surprising most people don't know where the Most Serene Republic of San Marino is. The third smallest state in Europe, after the Vatican City and Monaco, San Marino is the world's oldest republic, having been founded in 301 by a Christian stonemason fleeing religious persecution.

San Marino boasts a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers, providing the perfect environment to explore all this magical country has to offer. With three distinct towers overlooking the country from the three peaks of Monte Titano in the capital, San Marino's history and culture is evident in its sights and simply walking around the city's narrow streets will award visitors with some unique discoveries.

The San Marino Historical Centre and Mount Titano was named a UNESCO World heritage Site and is worth a visit, and the city holds other attractions, including the Gothic Palazzo Publico and colorful fortress guards at Piazza della Liberta, the sacred art at the St Francis Musem and compelling stories of the Museum of Emigration, and the Basilica di San Marino. Nearby villages such as Serraville and Valdragone make pleasant day trips as well.

San Marino is a safe country with very little crime, but visitors should, as in any country, be aware of petty theft and pickpockets, and although there are no major health risks associated with travelling to San Marino, travellers should have comprehensive medical insurance. San Marino has no airport of its own, but travellers can fly into Rimini, just six miles (10km) away.

Sample some of the country's Limoncello and wines, or relax with a cup of coffee and a slice of La Torta Di Tre Monti(Cake of the Three Mountains/Towers) and watch the world go by in this beautiful, verdant mountain country.

Passport Visa

Visa requirements for San Marino are the same as those that apply for Italy. It is highly recommended that passports have at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

• Valid passport required. Visas are not required for stays up to 90 days.
• British passport holders, endorsed British Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen, or British Subject do not need a visa to visit Italy for up to 90 days. Other passport holders require a visa. Visitors can extend their length of stay by applying to the local authorities.
• Passport required. No visas are required for stays of up to 90 days.
• A valid passport is required but no visa is needed for stays up to 90 days.
• Passport required. Schengen visa required.
• Passport required. Visa not required. Visitors can extend their length of stay by applying to the local authorities.
• Passport required. No visa is required for a stay of up to 90 days.

Embassy Consulates

Foreign Embassies