Visa policy · Verified 2026-08-11
China Visa-Free Entry for Sammarinese (2026)
Yes — Sammarinese can visit China visa-free for up to 90 days
Policy type: mutual visa-free agreement
What the 90-day rule covers
Holders of ordinary San Marino passports can enter mainland China without a visa and stay up to 90 days per entry. Permitted purposes: tourism, business, visiting relatives and friends, exchange visits, and transit. The duration is counted from 00:00 on the day after entry, so arrival day is effectively free.
Conditions to meet
- Ordinary (not diplomatic/service) passport, valid for your entire stay — 6 months' validity is the safe standard
- No paid work or study; those still require the appropriate visa
- Be prepared to show an onward or return ticket and your first hotel booking
- Stays longer than 90 days require a visa obtained before travel
Getting there from San Marino
San Marino has no airport of its own. The closest option, Rimini, is a small regional airport without China service — most travelers instead use Bologna, about 2 hours away by bus or car, which has better long-haul connectivity, though even from Bologna there's no confirmed nonstop flight to China; expect one connection through a major European or Gulf hub.
Frequently asked questions
- How long can sammarinese stay in China without a visa?
- Up to 90 days per entry. The clock starts at 00:00 on the day after you enter.
- What can I do during a visa-free visit?
- Tourism, business meetings, visiting family and friends, exchange visits, and transit are all permitted. Paid work and study are not.
- Do I need to book hotels and flights before arriving?
- Immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Have your exit ticket and first hotel booking ready to show at check-in and on arrival.
- Can I extend my stay beyond the visa-free window?
- Generally no. If you plan a longer trip, apply for an L (tourist) visa before departure instead of relying on the visa-free policy.
- What's the realistic way to get from San Marino to China?
- Start with a bus or car to Bologna (about 2 hours) rather than the closer Rimini airport, since Rimini doesn't have the long-haul connections you'll need. From Bologna, plan on one connection — commonly through Frankfurt, Istanbul, or a Gulf hub — since there's no confirmed nonstop flight from the region to China.
Official sources
- National Immigration Administration — Visa-Free Transit Policies
- China Visa Application Service Center — 240-Hour Transit FAQ
Last verified 2026-08-11. Entry policies change quickly — always confirm with an official government source before booking travel.
Same policy, other passports
Comparing more than a couple of passports? The full country list shows every policy tier on one page — all 50 visa-free countries, the mutual-agreement group, and who qualifies for the 240-hour transit.