Japanese passport holders can visit San Marino visa-free for up to 90 days. As of 2026, no visa is required for tourism or short business trips. Just show up with a valid passport and you're good to go.
Entry requirements
Requirement
Details
Status
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of your stay
Your Japanese passport only needs to be valid for the time you plan to stay in San Marino. Airlines may still ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying.
Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from the Schengen area
Immigration at any Schengen entry point will ask for a return or onward ticket showing you leave the Schengen zone within 90 days. Have a printed or digital copy ready.
Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in San Marino. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays.
Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself during your stay
Have a recent bank statement or credit card showing sufficient funds for your trip. No specific amount is published for San Marino, but €50–100 per day is a safe benchmark.
Recommended
No border checks with Italy
San Marino has an open border with Italy. You won't go through passport control when crossing from Italy. However, San Marino police may conduct random checks. Keep your passport handy.
90-day Schengen limit applies
Your stay in San Marino counts toward the 90-day Schengen limit. If you've already spent time in other Schengen countries, your remaining days are reduced. Track your days carefully.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
San Marino is a microstate surrounded by Italy. You'll enter via Italy (usually by road from Rimini or Bologna). There are no border checks between Italy and San Marino, but you may be asked for your passport at the San Marino border police post.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your Japanese passport. The officer will check validity and may ask about your stay. Answer clearly: purpose (tourism), duration, and where you're staying.
3
Receive entry stamp
If everything is in order, you'll get an entry stamp. Keep it safe — you'll need it when leaving. No visa fee, no forms to fill.
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Schengen Tourist Visa (Single Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
ValidityUp to 3 months
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For longer stays or if visa-free entry is not used. Apply at Italian embassy or consulate.
Schengen Tourist Visa (Multiple Entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period per visit
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
For frequent travellers; same cost as single entry. Requires travel history and justification.
National Long-Stay Visa (D Visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (~$108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Apply at Italian embassy; San Marino has no separate visa system.
work visa
Permesso di Soggiorno per Lavoro Subordinato
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a San Marino employer. Requires work contract and employer sponsorship. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Permesso di Soggiorno per Studio
Up to 1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in San Marino. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
family reunification visa
Permesso di Soggiorno per Ricongiungimento Familiare
1 year, renewable
~€100 (~$109 USD) application fee
For family members of San Marino residents or citizens. Requires proof of relationship and residence permit of sponsor.
Other fees
Service
Cost
Stay extensionVisa-free stays cannot be extended; must leave Schengen area.
Not available
Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced by Italian authorities as San Marino has no border control; fines may apply upon exit from Schengen.
Unknown
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Overstay history20%
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
San Marino has no airports; transit occurs via Italy. Japanese passport holders do not need a transit visa for Italy or Schengen area for airside transit.
No. Japanese citizens can enter San Marino visa-free for up to 90 days. This applies to tourism, business visits, and short-term stays.
Up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the standard Schengen area limit, even though San Marino is not in the EU.
No. The visa-free period cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a national visa from Italy (since San Marino doesn't issue its own long-stay visas).
You may be denied entry. The rule is 6 months validity from your entry date. Renew your passport before traveling.
Not officially required, but it's wise to have a credit card or cash (euros) available. Immigration can ask if they suspect you can't support yourself.
No. The nearest major airports are Bologna (BLQ), Rimini (RMI), and Ancona (AOI) in Italy. From there, take a bus or rental car to San Marino.
Since San Marino is landlocked by Italy, you'll enter Italy first. Japanese passport holders don't need a visa for Italy for short stays (up to 90 days).
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.