Practical guidance
What to do if someone dies in San Marino
This guide explains what happens after a death in San Marino, who to contact, and how to arrange for your loved one to be brought home, to the UK, Ireland or any other country. Facts for British nationals come from FCDO and government sources. Every situation is different, and if you would like us to take over the arrangements, send us the details.
When Someone Dies in San Marino: The First Steps
Call the FCDO on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours) or contact the British Embassy Rome (+39 06 4220 0001). The British Embassy in Rome handles consular matters for San Marino on a non-resident basis.
San Marino is a low-complexity destination surrounded by Italy. The documentation follows Italian civil law practice closely. The main practical consideration is the road transfer to Rimini or Bologna for the international flight.
The Legal Process
Death registration is handled by the Ufficio di Stato Civile (Civil Registry Office). The Ufficio issues the official death certificate in Italian. Where death was not from natural causes, the Corpo della Gendarmeria must investigate and authorise release.
Certified English translation is required for all Italian documents.
Document Checklist
| Document | Issued By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Death certificate (Italian) | Ufficio di Stato Civile | Certified translation required |
| Gendarmerie clearance | Corpo della Gendarmeria (non-natural deaths) | |
| Embalming certificate | Licensed local mortuary | |
| Freedom from infection certificate | Health authority | |
| Export authorisation | Relevant authority | |
| Consular death registration | British Embassy, Rome | Non-resident |
| Coroner permission (UK) | HM Coroner | Required in some circumstances |
Transfer to Rimini or Bologna
There is no airport in San Marino. Rimini Federico Fellini Airport (RMI) is approximately 30 minutes by road and is the standard option. Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ) is approximately 1 hour by road with more UK connection options.
If cremation is required, transfer to Italy for cremation, then ashes repatriation to the UK. Timelines typically run 3 to 10 days.
For more information on the full repatriation process, read our complete guide to what happens when someone dies abroad.
Source: FCDO, Support for British Nationals Abroad, updated 2024. British Embassy Rome contact details correct as of May 2026.
First things first
What to do in the first 24 hours
The immediate period after a death abroad is disorienting. Here are the steps in the order they normally need to happen.
Contact local emergency services
Contact the embassy or consulate
Tell the embassy or consulate of your loved one's own country as soon as possible. It can register the death, give you a list of local funeral directors and explain what the local authorities will need.
British nationals, FCDO 24hr: +44 (0)20 7008 5000
Appoint a local funeral director
A local funeral director in San Marino will take care of the body, arrange embalming, obtain the necessary documents, and coordinate with airlines. The embassy can recommend accredited directors. You can also contact a specialist UK repatriation company, who will coordinate with a local partner on your behalf.
Contact your travel insurer
If your loved one had travel insurance with repatriation cover, contact the insurer immediately. They will often have an emergency assistance line and may appoint their own funeral director. Many policies cover the full cost of repatriation, subject to the limit set out in the policy schedule.
Gather the required documents
Repatriation from San Marino requires specific paperwork before a body can be transported. Your local funeral director will handle most of this.
What to expect
How long does it take?
Cost guide
What affects the cost?
Nobody publishes a reliable figure for San Marino alone. Our cost page sets out the ranges repatriation firms publish, each named and dated. What you pay turns on the specifics of the case.
| Where the death happened | Distance to the departure airport, and any island or overland transfer, changes the freight arrangement |
| Whether a post-mortem is ordered | An investigation holds the release and adds mortuary time |
| Documentation required | San Marino paperwork, translation, and any legalisation step |
| Coffin and preparation | Airline and destination rules dictate what is needed |
| Flight availability | Direct services cost less to arrange than multi-leg cargo routing |
| Insurance | Whether a policy covers repatriation, and up to what limit |
Send us the details and we will give you a figure for your case, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide for San Marino
Detailed information on the full repatriation process, embassy contacts, what affects the cost, cultural considerations, and more.
View full guideSend us the details
If you need someone to take over the arrangements, tell us what has happened. We arrange repatriation from San Marino to the UK, Ireland or any other country.
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Reviewed by the Repatriate Service editorial team. Information sourced from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance, official embassy contacts, and professional repatriation experience. Facts last checked September 2026; page updated .
Sources: FCDO gov.uk · Repatriation from San Marino · Frequently asked questions