Global Visa and Entry Guide for the 2025 F1 Season Part 2: Country-Specific Requirements

With a record-breaking 24 races across five continents, the 2025 Formula 1 season presents a diverse set of visa and entry requirements. While some host countries offer streamlined electronic travel authorizations (ETAs) or visa-free entry, others require lengthy visa applications, work permits or journalist accreditations.

Part One of this blog series provided general immigration considerations for each Grand Prix. Part Two breaks down visa requirements for each of the upcoming races, helping F1 personnel, media representatives and fans navigate their travel plans effectively.

Country-Specific Entry Requirements: Upcoming Season Races

As the 2025 F1 season kicked off with the first race in Australia last week, it is important for teams, personnel and spectators to understand the visa and entry requirements for these high-profile events.

China (Shanghai, 21-23 March 2025)

After a five-year hiatus, the China Grand Prix is making its return to the F1 calendar. The Shanghai circuit is expected to attract large crowds, with fans eager to experience the race once again. However, China has one of the most stringent visa policies in the F1 world:

• • • 38 nationalities, and countries who signed the Visa mutual Exemption agreement with China, can enter the country without a visa for tourism or business purposes.
    • 240-Hour Visa-Free Transit in China: Some visitors may qualify for a 10-day (240-hour) visa-free transit stay in China, available to citizens from 54 eligible countries who meet specific criteria. Travellers must enter through designated ports and have an onward ticket to a third country or region (not their country of origin). However, most attendees who do not meet these criteria will need to apply for a visa in advance, which can require documentation such as hotel bookings and proof of financial stability.

F1 teams and media representatives may need to apply for a work or journalist visa, which can require submitting an official invitation letter from a local entity in China to facilitate the process.

Japan (Suzuka, 4-6 April 2025)

The Japanese Grand Prix is one of the most beloved races on the F1 calendar, known for its challenging figure-eight layout, passionate fans and unpredictable weather. Japan has a well-structured visa system, allowing visa-free entry for 71 nationalities, including the EU, UK, US, Canada and Australia, for short stays, while others may need to explore relevant visa options.

However, foreign F1 team personnel, journalists and race officials must ensure they obtain the correct work or media visas, as Japan has clear visa rules for professional activities.

Bahrain (Sakhir, 11-13 April 2025)

The Bahrain Grand Prix was F1’s first Middle Eastern race and remains a key event in the early part of the season. Bahrain has a relatively flexible visa policy, as GCC nationals (Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar) can enter without visa, and visa-on-arrival or eVisa options are available for 69 nationalities if they meet eligibility criteria.

According to the latest government announcement, nationals from 209 countries holding a valid F1 ticket are eligible to apply for a complimentary 14-day multiple-entry F1 eVisa. This visa is valid for entry between 30 March and 13 April 2025, subject to eligibility criteria.

Race team personnel and media representatives may require a work or media visa and/or permit/license, which must be secured in advance.

Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, 18-20 April 2025)

As one of the newest additions to the F1 calendar, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix is an important event in the Middle East’s growing motorsport presence. Saudi Arabia has undergone significant visa policy changes in recent years, introducing an eVisa system for 68 eligible nationalities, making it easier for fans to attend. Also, GCC nationals (Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar) can enter without a visa.

Visa rules remain strict for those travelling for work, including race team personnel and media representatives. Journalists may be required to apply for a dedicated journalist visa/work visa, which often requires additional scrutiny and approvals from Saudi authorities.

Visitors should also be aware of strict local laws and customs, including dress codes and regulations on public behaviour.

United States (Miami, 2-4 May 2025; Austin, 17-19 October 2025; Las Vegas, 20-22 November 2025)

Hosting three races in Miami, Austin and Las Vegas, the United States became a popular destination on the F1 calendar, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans and industry professionals. The US maintains one of the strictest and most security-focused immigration systems in the world, with varying entry requirements depending on nationality and purpose of visit.

Citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries must apply for an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) online before departure, while those from non-VWP countries must apply for a B-1/B-2 visa well in advance, a process that can take weeks or even months due to high demand and long appointment wait times.

With limited exceptions, team personnel and media representatives cannot enter the US on a tourist visa and must apply for the appropriate work visa, such as the O-1A or P-1A (for athletes, teams and coaches), O-2 or P-1S (for essential support of an athlete, team or coach) and the I visa (for journalists).

European Races (Italy-Imola, 16-18 May 2025; Italy-Monza, 5-7 September 2025; Spain-Barcelona, 30 May-1 June 2025; Austria-Spielberg, 27-29 June 2025; Belgium-Spa, 25-27 July 2025; Hungary-Budapest, 1-3 August 2025; Netherlands-Zandvoort, 29-31 August 2025)

Europe is the heart of F1, hosting some of the most iconic and historic races on the calendar. The Monza Grand Prix, known as the "Temple of Speed," features F1’s fastest track and passionate Tifosi fans. Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is prestigious for its unpredictable weather and iconic Eau Rouge corner. Zandvoort has surged in popularity, fuelled by Max Verstappen’s success. Barcelona-Catalunya serves as a key testing ground, while Austria’s Red Bull Ring offers a scenic, high-speed challenge. The Hungaroring is a tight, technical track known for surprise winners.

From a visa perspective, all these races take place in Schengen Area countries in Europe. EU/EFTA nationals and passport holders of 61 eligible non-EU countries can enter visa-free for short stays, while others require a Schengen visa issued by the relevant consulate, which should be applied for well in advance.

The EU is planning to progressively rollout the Entry/Exit System (EES) in October 2025 and ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is likely to be launched late 2026, although this is yet to be approved officially by the European Parliament.

ETIAS will mandate non-EU/EFTA nationals who are eligible for visa-free travel to obtain electronic authorization prior to travel, like ESTA in the USA and ETA in the UK. As per recent announcements, the system will not be operational in 2025, so European races occurring this year will not be affected by this regulation change. However, visitors and team personnel should monitor any changes and take necessary steps once ETIAS becomes mandatory.

Work visas and permits may be required for race team staff, officials and media representatives.

Monaco (Monte Carlo, 23-25 May 2025)

As the most prestigious race on the F1 calendar, the Monaco Grand Prix is an iconic event that attracts royalty, celebrities, and motorsport enthusiasts from around the world. However, despite its small size, Monaco presents unique immigration challenges. Monaco does not have embassies or consulates in various countries, meaning that travellers who require a visa must apply through a French embassy or consulate. Since Monaco is part of the Schengen area for visa purposes, Schengen visa rules apply, allowing 27 EU nationalities, 4 EFTA nationalities and other eligible nationalities to enter visa-free for short stays.

Race team personnel and media representatives must ensure they hold the correct visa category, particularly if they are entering the Schengen area for work purposes.

Canada (Montreal, 13-15 June 2025)

The Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal is one of the most exciting races on the calendar, known for high-speed action, and the infamous “Wall of Champions” at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

Canada has a straightforward but strict visa and entry system. US citizens can enter Canada without visas, and passport holders of 53 countries and territories can enter visa-free but must apply for an ETA online before flying. Visa-required nationalities must apply for consular visa in advance, and processing times can be lengthy.

If participants, for instance F1 team members, race officials and media representatives, are aiming to work in Canada during this event, they will not be able to enter with a tourist visa and must apply for the appropriate work permit or journalist visa.

United Kingdom (Silverstone, 4-6 July 2025)

As the home of F1, with many teams headquartered in the UK, the British Grand Prix at Silverstone remains one of the most prestigious and well-attended races of the season, with a record high of 480,000 attendees in the 2024 season.

The recently introduced Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) adds an extra layer of complexity for international travellers. Passport holders of 88 eligible countries who were previously able to travel visa-free now will need to apply for an ETA before arrival. The nationalities included on the UK government’s ‘visa national’ list will continue to apply for a Standard Visitor Visa.

ETA requirements do not apply to Irish nationals or non-Irish nationals lawfully residing in Ireland who are travelling to the UK from elsewhere in the Common Travel Area. Foreign nationals who have a valid UK visa are also not subject to ETA requirements.

While the UK allows short-term visits for tourism and business under its standard visa regime, race team personnel, media representatives and other operational staff must apply for the appropriate work visa subclass, which can be a complex and time-consuming process.

Azerbaijan (Baku, 12-14 September 2025)

The Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku has built a reputation for unpredictable street racing and dramatic moments. Azerbaijan offers an eVisa system that allows passport holders from 89 eligible countries to apply for entry online, making it one of the more accessible races for fans. Other nationalities may need to explore consular visa options.

However, F1 team personnel, race officials and media representatives may be required to obtain work-related visas, which require additional approvals and longer processing times. Journalists may face additional scrutiny, as Azerbaijan enforces strict regulations on foreign media.

Singapore (Marina Bay, 19-21 September 2025)

As F1’s original night race, the Singapore Grand Prix is a spectacular event set against the city’s iconic skyline. Singapore has one of the most efficient and structured immigration systems in the world, offering visa-free entry for around 159 nationalities for short visits, while other nationalities should apply for a visa.

Strict work visa regulations apply to those entering for professional purposes, including race team personnel and media representatives. A work authorisation is required for anyone engaging in business or employment activities, and journalists may need special media accreditation. Singapore enforces strict penalties for working under a tourist visa, making it essential for F1 personnel to secure the correct visa well in advance.

Mexico (Mexico City, 24-26 October 2025)

The Mexico City Grand Prix is one of the most vibrant and passionate races on the calendar, drawing huge crowds to the historic Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Mexico has a relatively lenient visa policy, allowing visa-free entry for more than 60 nationalities. Exceptions apply to those who hold valid visas or permanent residence permits for the US, UK, Canada, Schengen Area or Japan, as they may be eligible to enter Mexico without a separate Mexican visa.

Race team personnel, drivers and journalists may perform extended business activities on a visitor status but may need to secure appropriate work permits prior to travel if paid from a Mexican source. It is recommended to seek expert advice in advance.

Brazil (São Paulo, 7-9 November 2025)

Held at the legendary Interlagos Circuit, the São Paulo Grand Prix is one of the most intense and unpredictable races of the season. Brazil’s visa policies have undergone frequent changes, so travellers must check the latest requirements before planning their trips. While more than 80 nationalities, including the EU, UK and Japan, are visa-exempt, the US, Canada, and Australia will require eVisas starting from April 2025 after the reinstatement of a reciprocal visa policy.

Work visas may be required for F1 personnel, including team members, drivers and media representatives.

Qatar (Lusail, 28-30 November 2025)

With its state-of-the-art Lusail Circuit, Qatar has quickly become a staple of the F1 calendar. The country offers a visa free entry for citizens of 102 countries, while others can apply for an eVisa, making it one of the most accessible Middle Eastern races for spectators. Additionally, nationals of GCC countries (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE) can enter Qatar without a visa.

F1 team personnel and media representatives may need to obtain the appropriate work/media visas, which can involve additional processing steps. Qatar’s strict media regulations mean that journalists must obtain prior approval before reporting on events.

Abu Dhabi (Yas Marina, 5-7 December 2025)

As the season finale of the F1 calendar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the most anticipated races, held at the stunning Yas Marina Circuit. The UAE has one of the most visitor-friendly visa policies, offering visa-on-arrival entry for 46 nationalities and eVisa option for many other nationalities. Like in other GCC countries, nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Qatar can enter the UAE without a visa.

As with other Middle Eastern races, F1 team personnel, race officials and media representatives must ensure they obtain the appropriate work or business visas if they are not covered under a visa-exempt category.

Need to know more?

For any questions regarding visas and work permits for the 2025 F1 season, please contact Partner Natasha Catterson at [email protected] and IPM Business Process Manager Hazel Yaman at [email protected]. Please note this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa policies are subject to change, and applicants should verify requirements through official government sources or consult immigration professionals.

This blog was published on 20 March 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.