17 December 2024

The Minister and the Department of Foreign Affairs wish to inform all citizens about an upcoming change in travel requirements to the United Kingdom. The British Government is gradually introducing the ETA (acronym for Electronic Travel Authorisation), a compulsory electronic authorisation for those intending to travel to the country for tourism, visiting family and friends, business or short-term study.

ETA is necessary for short-term stays, including transit. For more information on filling in the ETA, please refer to the following site: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta#who-does-not-need-aneta.

At the time being, ETA does not apply either to European Union citizens or to San Marino citizens. However, from 2 April 2025 (with the possibility of applying from 5 March 2025), for travel (including for transit only) to the United Kingdom, it will be mandatory for San Marino citizens to hold an ETA, before departure. For more information on timing and countries affected by the ETA scheme, please refer to the website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/check-when-you-can-get-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta

However, the passport and visa exemption requirements remain unchanged; in this regard, the entry to the United Kingdom, including by airport transit, is allowed only for holders of San Marino passports with a residual validity covering at least the entire period of stay in the country. In addition, San Marino citizens intending to travel to the United Kingdom for tourism and for stays of up to six months are exempt from the visa requirement.

For any additional information regarding travel to and from the United Kingdom, please contact the Foreign Affairs Department's 'Viaggiare Informati' service available at the email address: viaggiareinformati@esteri.sm

Finally, to travel to and from abroad, San Marino citizens are advised to contact in advance the transport companies they have chosen to check whether there are any specific requirements stipulated by them that may affect boarding, both on departure and return.