San Marino entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
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
Bahraini passport holders need a visa to enter San Marino. Since San Marino has no airport, you'll fly into Italy and cross the border by road. The visa you need is a Schengen visa, which covers both Italy and San Marino. As of 2026, you must apply for this visa at the Italian embassy or consulate before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Schengen visa required | San Marino does not issue its own visas. You need a Schengen visa from Italy or another Schengen state. Apply at the Italian embassy or consulate in Bahrain — processing takes 15 calendar days. The visa allows 90 days within any 180-day period across all 27 Schengen countries.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in San Marino. Schengen rules do not require 6 months beyond departure, but airlines often enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration officers at the Schengen border will ask for proof of onward travel — a return flight to Bahrain or a ticket to a non-Schengen country. Budget airlines check this at check-in too. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in San Marino ready. Officers may ask for it at the border, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statements or cash | Carry bank statements showing at least €50 per day of your stay, or a credit card with sufficient limit. Schengen officers rarely ask, but they can deny entry if you can't prove you can support yourself. | Recommended |
No airport in San Marino
You will fly into Italy (Bologna, Rimini, or Florence) and cross the land border. Make sure your Schengen visa is issued by Italy — that's the country where you'll first enter the Schengen area.
Border checks possible
Although there are no permanent border controls between Italy and San Marino, Italian police occasionally conduct random checks near the border. Always carry your passport and visa documents with you.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a Schengen visa at the Italian embassy
You must apply in person at the Italian embassy in Manama. Book an appointment online, fill out the Schengen visa application form, and bring your passport, photos, flight itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and bank statements. Processing takes about 15 calendar days.
2
Fly to Italy
Book a flight to Bologna, Rimini, or Florence — these are the closest airports to San Marino. When you land in Italy, you'll go through Italian border control (Schengen entry). Have your passport and visa ready.
3
Travel from Italy to San Marino
From Bologna, take a train to Rimini (about 1 hour), then a bus (line 72) or taxi up the hill to San Marino city. There are no border checks between Italy and San Marino — you just cross the road.
4
Enter San Marino
No formal immigration at the border. You'll just drive or walk in. Keep your passport and visa documents with you in case of random checks by Italian police near the border.
Download San Marino Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (≈ $87 USD)
Standard Schengen visa for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€120 (≈ $130 USD)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150 (≈ $163 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Permesso di Lavoro)
1 year, renewable
€150 (≈ $163 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a San Marino employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the labor office.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto per Studio)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€100 (≈ $109 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in San Marino. Must provide proof of acceptance and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)
2 years, renewable
€500 (≈ $543 USD) application fee
For individuals making a significant investment in San Marino (e.g., real estate, business). Minimum investment threshold applies.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard Schengen visa fee for Bahrain passport holders. | €80 (≈ $87 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €120 (≈ $130 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPer day overstay, with maximum cap of €500 (≈ $543 USD). | €50 (≈ $54 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
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 is via Italy. Bahrain holders transiting through Italy to San Marino do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a valid Schengen visa or are visa-exempt for Italy.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without a separate visa.
- Visa-exempt nationals for Italy may transit without a visa.
Transit hubsFederico Fellini International Airport (Rimini, Italy) · Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (Italy)
Health & vaccines for San Marino
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialInfluenzaConsider
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural/wooded areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Standard food hygiene is good; risk is minimal for most travellers.
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 Stranieri (Foreigners Office)
Via della Capannaccia, 47890 San Marino
Mon–Fri 09:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Practical information for BH 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 = 0.88 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. San Marino has no visa of its own. You need a Schengen visa issued by Italy, which allows you to enter both Italy and San Marino. Apply at the Italian embassy in Bahrain.
Standard processing is 15 calendar days from the date of your appointment. It can take up to 45 days in busy periods, so apply at least 3–4 weeks before your trip.
If you hold a valid residence permit from any Schengen country, you can travel to San Marino without a separate visa for up to 90 days. The same applies if you have a valid Schengen visa from a previous trip.
Overstaying a Schengen visa is a serious matter. You could be fined, banned from re-entering the Schengen area for up to 5 years, or both. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen zone, not just San Marino.
No. There is no visa on arrival for San Marino or Italy for Bahraini citizens. You must obtain a Schengen visa before you travel.
A standard short-stay Schengen visa allows you to stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This applies to the entire Schengen area, including San Marino.
Extensions are extremely rare and only granted for force majeure (e.g., medical emergency). You cannot extend a tourist visa for leisure. Plan your trip within the 90-day limit.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.