Book tickets
Sign up
As lockdowns begin to ease up and travel is permitted, motorsport fans will be keeping a keen eye on where they can and can’t head to races during the 2021 season.
To make it simpler to navigate, we’ve filtered to information you need to know about countries hosting Grand Prix events in 2021. Here, you’ll find how the government has classified the country according to the traffic light system, and what that means for your travel plans.
While the government’s list only provides information regarding returning to the UK, we have also listed the requirements for travel to races, including quarantine and testing requirements.
UPDATE: The rules for returning to the UK will change on 19th July. For those travellers who have been double-vaccinated more than 14 days ago, quarantine is not necessary upon return from Amber list countries. This article will list the quarantine requirements for single-jabbed or unvaccinated travellers.
Explore the map below, and scroll for more detail on travelling to races in 2021. Click on the map to open a World view (opens in a new tab).
What do the traffic light colours mean?
Each traffic light colour corresponds to the requirements on returning to the UK. This means there may be different requirements when leaving the UK for another country, which you can find below.
| RED | Mandatory hotel quarantine on arrival in UK Direct flights from red list countries are banned |
| AMBER | Negative test prior to departure to UK Quarantine for 10 days at home PCR test on day two and day eight of quarantine Test to release on day five available |
| GREEN | One test before departure to UK One test after arrival in UK |
What are the rules for double vaccinated travellers?
The rules for double-jabbed travellers changes on 19th July. If you received your second COVID-19 jab more than 14 days ago, you will not be required to quarantine at all upon return to the UK. Children under the age of 18 will also be exempt from quarantine. However, pre-departure testing and day 2 testing will still be enforced.
What is pre-departure and day 2 testing?
All travellers must prove that they have tested negative by taking a PCR test 3 days before starting your journey back to England. This is a requirement for all travellers regardless of vaccination status or citizenship. If you arrive in the UK without proof of negative testing, you may be fined up to £500.
The tests must be privately booked, and you cannot use the NHS testing service.
You must also take a test on the second full day after your arrival in England. This remains the procedure for vaccinated travellers.
It is recommended to book your test before you travel. Click here to use the Gov.uk service to find testing providers and book.
Countries on the green list of travel restrictions
Italy
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Negative PCR test less than 48 hours before departure, self-isolation for five days and then a second PCR test
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 10 days in the UK.
Everyone arriving in Italy must call the local COVID-19 helpline to inform authorities of your stay. Visitors must also have a self-declaration form completed when travelling. These can be found on Gov.uk.
Races: Italian F1 Grand Prix
Netherlands
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Negative PCR test less than 72 hours before departure, negative lateral flow test within 24 hours or travel, 10 day quarantine (with option to release with negative test on day 5)
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 10 days in the UK.
The Netherlands has published a list of countries it considers have a low COVID-19 risk. The UK is not currently on this list, but it can be found here.
Races: Dutch F1 Grand Prix
Belgium
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Negative PCR test less than 72 hours before departure.
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 10 days in the UK.
Travel is not yet permitted to Belgium for non-essential reasons. But this may change ahead of the Grand Prix in August. Currently, travellers must take a test before arrival, quarantine for ten days and take a test on day seven and ten of quarantine.
Races: Belgian F1 Grand Prix
Hungary
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Negative PCR test less than 72 hours before departure.
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 10 days in the UK.
Indoor venues in Hungary have begun to open to those who have been vaccinated, and the country is recognising other nation’s certificates of immunisation. Those entering the country with a Grand Prix ticket will be able to enter bars, accommodation and entertainment throughout Hungary.
Races: Hungarian F1 Grand Prix
Mexico
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Negative PCR test less than 72 hours before departure.
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 10 days in the UK.
Races: Mexico F1 Grand Prix
USA
Government traffic light status: Amber
Travel ban?: No
Outbound requirements: Negative test within three days of travel to the USA, or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 in the last 90 days. More information.
Return requirements: One negative test within 72 hours of departing the USA, another test on arrival in the UK. More information.
In addition to the visa requirements to enter the USA, negative tests or proof of having recovered from the virus is required. Currently, failure to present a negative test may lead to a 14 day quarantine period. However, this may be relaxed before the United States Grand Prix in October, as the UK and USA have very high rates of vaccination.
Races: United States Formula 1 Grand Prix; United States MotoGP
Brazil
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Negative test within 72 hours of flight, and a 14-day quarantine
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 10 days in the UK.
Travel for most to Brazil is not permitted, with some exceptions including resident foreigners and close family members of Brazilian nationals.
Races: Brazil F1 Grand Prix
Russia
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Negative test within 72 hours of entry to Russia and a 14-day quarantine
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 10 days in the UK.
Travellers should note that the quarantine period in Russia is 14 days, rather than 10.
Races: Russian Grand Prix
Japan
Government traffic light status: Amber
Outbound requirements: Travel to Japan from the UK is currently banned
Return requirements: Negative PCR test three days before departure, quarantine for 14 days in the UK.
Japan is currently in the process of “Phased Measures for Resuming Cross-Border Travel”. This will open the country up to travellers over the course of the year.
Races: Japan Grand Prix
Countries on the red list of travel restrictions
Saudi Arabia
Government traffic light status: Red
Outbound requirements: Direct flights are currently banned, mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival.
Return requirements: Quarantine at home for 7 days, and undergo a PCR test on the 6th day before ending quarantine
Saudi Arabia has halted travel from 20 countries, including the UK, in response to the prevalence of the new strain of COVID.
Races: Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix
Abu Dhabi
Government traffic light status: Red
Outbound requirements: Direct flights are currently banned, mandatory hotel quarantine upon arrival.
Return requirements: PCR test within 96 hours of flight, PCR test on arrival.
The UK is currently on the United Arab Emirates’ green list, meaning arrivals from the UK are exempt from quarantine. Travellers must present a negative test four days before their flight, on arrival to the country, and on day 6 or 12 of stay.
Races: Saudi Arabian F1 Grand Prix