ETIAS visa waiver for San Marino from Canada
Canadians travelling to the European microstate of San Marino from 2026 onwards will need to obtain an ETIAS for San Marino before they travel.
The ETIAS is a security initiative being introduced to Schengen area countries with the goal of fighting international crime and making life within the Schengen states safer and more secure.
Thanks to ETIAS, this increased security will also benefit Canadians travelling to San Marino, together with smoother document check processes at the border.
Do Canadians need a visa for San Marino?
No, Canadians do not need a visa to enter San Marino for short-term holidays or business trips. They only need one if they wish to remain in the microstate for long periods of time or to relocate there, for example, to work and study.
The visa-free status of Canadians will not change after ETIAS. However, it will become mandatory to apply for ETIAS before reaching Italy and San Marino.
ETIAS will not replace consular visas, which means that the visa requirements for Canadians for long-term stays will remain in place after ETIAS is launched in 2026.
Do Canadian citizens need a Schengen or EU visa for San Marino?
San Marino is not a part of the EU. However, it is only accessible through Italy (and therefore, the Schengen Area). That is why Schengen visa rules apply to San Marino.
Should Canadians need a visa for San Marino for the reasons outlined above, they will need to apply for the relevant Schengen visa. Those who already hold a valid Schengen visa do not have to apply for further permits and can freely access the Republic. When crossing the border between Italy and San Marino, there is no passport control.
How can Canadians apply for ETIAS to visit San Marino?
To obtain an ETIAS for San Marino, Canadian nationals need to complete a short, simple application form online. This form will ask applicants for personal information including name, address, and date of birth, passport details (number, dates of issue and expiry), itinerary for San Marino, and details about the applicant’s criminal record.
In order to submit this form once it has been completed, applicants will also need to have a valid Canadian passport, a debit/credit card for payment of the processing fee, and an email address. Providing a working email address is particularly important, since ETIAS approval will be delivered to successful applicants electronically.
Travelling to San Marino from Canada With an ETIAS Authorisation
Once an application has been submitted, approval for the ETIAS San Marino for Canadians generally takes no more than a few minutes to be delivered. Travellers who successfully receive their ETIAS for San Marino should print a copy and carry it with them when they travel, since it is possible that they may be asked to produce it when entering the Schengen Area.
Once the ETIAS for San Marino has been approved, it will remain valid for 3 years and will permit holders to visit the Schengen Area for multiple stays, provided each stay is for a duration of 90 days or less within a 180-day period.
Those applying for ETIAS to visit San Marino should also be aware that this authorisation will allow them to move freely and without additional documentation between all countries of the Schengen Area.
Passport and document requirements to get an ETIAS for San Marino
One of the main requirements for Canadian ETIAS applicants is a valid Canadian passport. The passport will need to have two or more blank pages (for receiving entry stamps upon arrival into the Schengen Area) and a validity of 3 months or more from the intended date of departure from Schengen territory.
The passport used to apply for ETIAS to visit San Marino must be the same one used when entering the Schengen Area, as ETIAS authorisation cannot be transferred from one passport to another. Additionally, any ETIAS for San Marino attached to an expired passport automatically becomes invalid, even if it was issued less than 3 years ago.
Travellers must also submit a completed application form that includes a valid email address to receive their granted ETIAS.
Further documents may be required in rare cases, depending on the applicant’s specific circumstances.
Useful information for Canadians visiting San Marino with ETIAS
The Republic of San Marino is a microstate located in the Apennine Mountains. It is surrounded by Italy on all sides and therefore, is considered an enclave. It is the fifth smallest country in the world.
San Marino extends over 24 square miles and has a population of around 34,000. Its capital city is the City of San Marino (its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site), but its largest town is Dogana. The official language of San Marino is Italian. The microstate has much to offer in terms of museums and outdoor activities.
Health Information for Canadians San Marino
Canadian travellers will be able to access modern and efficient healthcare in San Marino (and in most other parts of the Schengen Area). However, it is strongly recommended to purchase health insurance before departing on any trip to San Marino, as foreign nationals will not automatically be covered for healthcare expenses on Schengen territory.
Additionally, all prescription medications being brought into San Marino should be kept clearly labeled and in their original packaging.
To reach the emergency services while in San Marino, dial 112.
Canadian Embassies and Consulates in San Marino
Canada does not have an embassy in San Marino. The diplomatic interests of Canadians in San Marino are served by the Canadian Embassy in Rome, Italy.
- Address: Via Zara 30 00198 Rome
- Telephone: +39 06.85444.1
- Email: consul.rome@international.gc.ca