San Marino entry requirements for Bulgaria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 2026·View sources
No visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Bulgarian citizens don’t need a visa for tourism or short stays in San Marino. As of 2026, you can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Just bring your valid passport and a return ticket.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in San Marino. Since San Marino is not in the Schengen zone but has an open border with Italy, immigration officers at the Italian entry point will check your passport validity against your stay dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Schengen area | Immigration officers at the Italian border (where you enter to reach San Marino) will ask for a return or onward ticket out of the Schengen zone. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — budget airlines check this before boarding. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in San Marino. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient means for your stay | Have a bank statement or credit card showing you can cover your expenses. No set minimum amount is published, but around €50–100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
No border controls
San Marino has no formal border checks. You'll enter via Italy, so make sure your passport is stamped when you enter the Schengen area. That stamp is your proof of legal entry.
90-day limit applies
Even though San Marino is not in Schengen, your 90-day visa-free stay counts toward the Schengen 90/180-day rule. Keep track of your days across both areas.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
San Marino has open borders with Italy. You'll enter via Italy by road — no formal passport controls at the San Marino border. Italian border police may check your documents on the Italian side.
2
Present your passport if asked
If stopped by Italian or Sammarinese police, hand over your valid Bulgarian passport. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation details. Answer calmly — this is routine.
3
Enjoy your stay
Once through, you're free to explore. No registration or additional paperwork needed for stays up to 90 days.
Download San Marino Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (approx. $66 USD)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Italian embassy or consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€116 (approx. $128 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Permesso di Lavoro)
1 year, renewable
~€116 (approx. $128 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in San Marino. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the labour office.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto per Studio)
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€116 (approx. $128 USD) application fee
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in San Marino. Must provide proof of enrolment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For individuals making a significant investment in San Marino (e.g., real estate or business). Minimum investment thresholds apply.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay cannot be extended; must leave and re-enter. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties apply; maximum cap may apply. | ~€50 per day (approx. $55 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through San Marino
No transit visa needed
Bulgarian passport holders do not need a transit visa for San Marino as it is a visa-free destination. However, if transiting through Italy (Schengen), standard Schengen transit rules apply.
Airside transitAllowed
Health & vaccines for San Marino
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialTyphoidConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; use insect repellent and avoid tick bites.
Food and water safetyLow risk
Generally safe, but travellers should practice good hygiene to avoid minor issues.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
San Marino
Ufficio Immigrazione e Stranieri
Via della Capannaccia, 47890 San Marino
Mon–Fri 09:00–13:00, 14:00–17:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport and supporting documents.
Practical information for BG travellers
Country basics
CapitalSan Marino
LanguageItalian
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US driver's license for up to 6 months.
Money
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 0.86 EUR
Time zone
Local timeUTC+1
vs New York+6h
vs Los Angeles+9h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,F,LType C (2 round pins), Type F (Schuko), Type L (3 round pins)
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Tap water is safe to drink throughout San Marino.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, Bulgarian passport holders do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This applies to tourism, business, and short visits.
You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This matches the Schengen Area rule, even though San Marino is not in Schengen.
No, San Marino does not issue its own visas. It follows the Schengen visa policy for non-exempt nationalities. Since Bulgarians are visa-free for Schengen, you don't need anything extra.
A valid Bulgarian passport (6+ months validity), a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for the first night. Travel insurance and proof of funds are recommended but not always checked.
No, visa-free stays cannot be extended. For longer stays, you'd need a long-stay visa or residence permit from Italy (since San Marino doesn't issue its own).
Overstaying can result in fines, deportation, and a ban from re-entering the Schengen area. San Marino may also impose its own penalties. Always leave before your 90 days are up.
No, San Marino does not stamp passports. You'll get an Italian entry stamp when you enter Italy, and that's what counts for your 90-day limit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.