San Marino entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan 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. Plan ahead — the visa application process takes time, so start at least a month before your trip in 2026.
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 embassy or consulate of the country where you will spend the most time. Processing takes 15 calendar days, fees start at €80.Apply for Schengen visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in San Marino. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by Schengen rules, but airlines may enforce 3–6 months. Carry a photocopy of the bio page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for Schengen entry | Immigration officers at the Schengen border check for a confirmed return or onward ticket. This proves you will leave the Schengen area within your visa's validity. Budget airlines at Bologna or Rimini airports often ask to see it at check-in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a signed letter from a host in San Marino. Border officers may ask for this during the visa application or at entry. A booking on Booking.com or Airbnb works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient means for your stay | Carry bank statements or a credit card showing at least €50–70 per day of your stay. Schengen rules require you to cover accommodation, food, and transport. A recent payslip or a sponsor letter also works. | Recommended |
You need two visas
Since you fly into Italy, you'll need both a Schengen visa for Italy and a separate San Marino visa. Apply for both at the same time to avoid delays. The Italian visa doesn't cover San Marino.
No airport in San Marino
San Marino has no commercial airport. You'll fly into an Italian city like Bologna, Rimini, or Ancona, then travel by bus or car. Plan your ground transport in advance — buses from Rimini run regularly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a San Marino visa
Contact the nearest San Marino embassy or consulate (likely in Rome or via an honorary consul in Nairobi). Submit the application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, insurance, and bank statements. Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
2
Fly to Italy
Book a flight to an Italian airport like Bologna, Rimini, or Rome. San Marino has no airport — you'll enter Italy first, then travel overland. Make sure your passport is stamped on entry to Italy.
3
Travel to San Marino
From Bologna or Rimini, take a bus or rent a car. The border with San Marino is open — no passport check when crossing from Italy. Keep your visa and passport handy in case of random checks.
4
Enter San Marino
Once you cross the border, you're in. There's no formal immigration checkpoint. Your visa validity is checked only if you're stopped by police. Stay within the dates on your visa.
Download San Marino Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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€60 (≈ $65 USD)
Must apply at Italian embassy or consulate (San Marino has no visa issuance).
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days within 180-day period
Validity1 year
Cost€90 (≈ $98 USD)
Suitable for frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (national D visa)
Max stayOver 90 days
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost€99 (≈ $108 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Work Visa (Permesso di Lavoro)
1 year, renewable
€100 (≈ $109 USD) application fee
For employment with a San Marino company. Requires a job offer and work contract. Employer must obtain a work permit.
student visa
Student Visa (Visto per Studio)
Up to 1 year, renewable
€50 (≈ $54 USD) application fee
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in San Marino. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visto per Investitori)
2 years, renewable
€500 (≈ $545 USD) application fee
For individuals making a significant investment in San Marino (e.g., real estate or business). Minimum investment €500,000.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for a single-entry Schengen visa. | €60 (≈ $65 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | €90 (≈ $98 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa-free or visa period. | €50 per day (max €500) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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. Kenya holders transiting through Italy to San Marino may need a Schengen transit visa if leaving the international zone.
Airside transitAllowed
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit may transit without additional visa.
Transit hubsFederico Fellini International Airport (Rimini, Italy) · Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (Italy)
Health & vaccines for San Marino
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (e.g., Kenya).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedTetanus-diphtheria-pertussisEssentialMeasles-mumps-rubellaEssential
Health risks
Tick-borne encephalitisLow risk
Rare but possible in rural areas; consider vaccination if hiking.
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. Appointments recommended.
Dogana
Polizia di Stato - Ufficio Immigrazione
Via del Serrone, 47891 Dogana
Mon–Fri 08:30–12:30
For reporting overstay or lost documents.
Practical information for KE 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
Yes. Kenyan passport holders must get a visa before traveling. There is no visa on arrival or e-visa option. Apply at a San Marino embassy or consulate — the closest one is usually in Rome, Italy.
Processing typically takes 2 to 4 weeks. Start your application at least a month before your planned departure. Delays can happen, especially during peak travel seasons.
No. San Marino is not part of the Schengen Area, so a Schengen visa does not grant entry. You need a separate San Marino visa. However, you'll transit through Italy, so you may also need a Schengen visa for Italy if you're not visa-exempt there.
You'll need a valid passport (6+ months validity), completed application form, two passport-sized photos, flight itinerary, hotel booking, travel insurance (€30,000 minimum), and bank statements from the last 3 months. Some consulates may ask for a cover letter explaining your trip purpose.
Visa fees vary by consulate but are typically around €60-80 for a single-entry visa. Check with the specific embassy or consulate where you apply, as fees can change.
Yes, because you'll enter Italy first. Kenyan passport holders need a Schengen visa for Italy. You'll need both a Schengen visa (for Italy) and a San Marino visa (for San Marino). Apply for both well in advance.
No. There are no formal border controls between Italy and San Marino. You simply drive or bus across. However, police may conduct random checks, so carry your passport and visa at all times.
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.