The 2025 Formula 1 season is revving up with an exciting 24-race calendar spanning five continents. While fans, teams, and media representatives prepare for the high-octane action, navigating the visa and entry requirements for each host country is just as crucial. From strict consular processes to streamlined eVisas and ETAs, each destination has its own rules.
In Part 2 of our Global Visa and Entry Guide, we provide a country-specific overview to help F1 personnel, journalists, and fans manage travel logistics efficiently.
China (Shanghai, 21–23 March 2025)
Japan (Suzuka, 4–6 April 2025)
Singapore (Marina Bay, 19–21 September 2025)
Australia (Race completed)
Bahrain (Sakhir, 11–13 April 2025)
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, 18–20 April 2025)
Qatar (Lusail, 28–30 November 2025)
Abu Dhabi, UAE (Yas Marina, 5–7 December 2025)
Monaco (Monte Carlo, 23–25 May 2025)
United States (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas)
Canada (Montreal, 13–15 June 2025)
Mexico (Mexico City, 24–26 October 2025)
Brazil (São Paulo, 7–9 November 2025)
Azerbaijan (Baku, 12–14 September 2025)
UK (Silverstone, 4–6 July 2025)
Let the 2025 season begin… and don’t forget your passport!
In Part 2 of our Global Visa and Entry Guide, we provide a country-specific overview to help F1 personnel, journalists, and fans manage travel logistics efficiently.
Asia-Pacific Races
China (Shanghai, 21–23 March 2025)- Visa Policy: Strict; most visitors require advance visa.
- Transit Option: 240-hour visa-free transit for eligible nationalities under specific conditions.
- F1 Professionals: Work/journalist visa typically required, including an invitation letter.
Japan (Suzuka, 4–6 April 2025)- Visa-Free Entry: 71 countries including EU, US, UK, Australia.
- F1 Professionals: Must apply for appropriate work/media visa.
Singapore (Marina Bay, 19–21 September 2025)- Visa-Free Entry: 159 countries.
- F1 Professionals: Work authorization required; no working under tourist visa.
Australia (Race completed)- Typically requires ETA or visa, depending on nationality.
Middle East Races
Bahrain (Sakhir, 11–13 April 2025)- Visa-Free for GCC Citizens.
- F1 Ticket Holders: Eligible for free 14-day eVisa (209 countries).
- F1 Professionals: Work/media visa required.
Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, 18–20 April 2025)- eVisa Available: 68 nationalities.
- F1 Professionals: Dedicated work/journalist visa required with additional scrutiny.
Qatar (Lusail, 28–30 November 2025)- Visa-Free Entry: 102 countries + GCC nationals.
- F1 Professionals: Work/media visa necessary.
Abu Dhabi, UAE (Yas Marina, 5–7 December 2025)- Visa-on-Arrival: 46 nationalities.
- F1 Professionals: Work or business visa required if not visa-exempt.
European Races (Schengen Area & Monaco)
Visa-Free (Short Stays):- EU/EFTA passport holders.
- 61 other nationalities under Schengen visa waiver.
- Work Purposes: Require appropriate work visa/permits.
Italy (Imola & Monza)
Spain (Barcelona)
Austria (Spielberg)
Belgium (Spa)
Hungary (Budapest)
Netherlands (Zandvoort)
Monaco (Monte Carlo, 23–25 May 2025)- Follows Schengen visa policy.
- Visa Application: Handled via French consulates.
North America
United States (Miami, Austin, Las Vegas)- Visa Waiver Countries: ESTA required (42 countries).
- Others: Must apply for B-1/B-2 visa in advance.
- F1 Professionals: Require work visa (e.g., O-1A, P-1A, I visa).
Canada (Montreal, 13–15 June 2025)- ETA Required for visa-exempt travelers (53 countries).
- Visa Required for others, with long processing times.
- F1 Professionals: Must apply for work permit or journalist visa.
Mexico (Mexico City, 24–26 October 2025)- Visa-Free: 60+ nationalities.
- Holders of valid US/UK/Canada/Schengen/Japan visas can often enter visa-free.
- F1 Professionals: May require permits if paid from a Mexican entity.
South America
Brazil (São Paulo, 7–9 November 2025)- Visa-Free: 80+ countries including EU, UK, Japan.
- eVisa Required for US, Canada, Australia (from April 2025).
- F1 Professionals: Work visa may be needed.
Caucasus
Azerbaijan (Baku, 12–14 September 2025)- eVisa: Available for 89 nationalities.
- F1 Professionals: Work-related visas needed; journalists face extra scrutiny.
United Kingdom
UK (Silverstone, 4–6 July 2025)- ETA Required: For 88 eligible countries.
- Visa Nationals: Must apply for Standard Visitor Visa.
- F1 Professionals: Require work visas (application can be complex).
Visa Planning Summary for F1 2025
| Region | Fan Travel | Team/Media Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Asia-Pacific | Mixed (mostly visa-free or eVisa) | Work visas needed |
| Middle East | Mostly eVisa or visa-free | Work/media visas essential |
| Europe (Schengen) | Visa-free for many; others need Schengen visa | Work permits required |
| UK | ETA/Visitor visa | Work visa |
| North America | Strict (ESTA/eVisa or visa required) | Specific work visas/permits |
| South America | Mostly visa-free | Work visa if applicable |
| Azerbaijan | Easy eVisa | Strict work/media visa rules |
Pros
- Many host countries offer eVisas or visa-free entry for fans.
- Some nations (e.g., Bahrain) offer special F1-specific visas.
- European Schengen Area allows multi-country access with a single visa.
Cons
- Work and journalist visas often involve lengthy processing and official invitations.
- Countries like the US, China, and Saudi Arabia have strict entry controls.
- Last-minute visa applications may not be feasible due to high demand and bureaucracy.
Final Thoughts
Whether you're a team technician, seasoned journalist, or a die-hard fan chasing races across the globe, understanding visa and entry protocols is vital for a seamless F1 season. With each country offering unique challenges, early preparation is your best strategy for staying on track—literally and legally.Let the 2025 season begin… and don’t forget your passport!