Singapore F1 Rules for Visitors (2025 Updated)

Ready for the world’s most spectacular night race? This guide to the Singapore F1 rules for visitors is your essential first step to a perfect weekend. 

The Marina Bay Street Circuit is an incredible place, but navigating the crowds, gate security, and transport can be tricky for first-timers. Fresh from the action of the Grand Prix, TravelThru has created this simple, no-nonsense guide. We’ll turn you into a confident race visitor before you even pack your bags.

Key Takeaway

• Your ticket only grants access to the specific zone(s) printed on it. Check your zone number before arriving and use the nearest gate to avoid long walks.

   

• Stick to a bag no larger than 30cm x 20cm x 30cm (about the size of a small backpack). All bags are searched, and large bags will be denied entry.

   

• You cannot bring your own food or alcohol. The only exception is one sealed plastic water bottle (600ml or less).

   

• You can leave and return on the same day, but you must get an official pass-out stamp or scan from security upon exiting. Without it, your ticket will not work again.

   

Permitted and Prohibited Items

What You CAN Bring Inside

Pack these essentials to make your race day comfortable, charged up, and fun. Security was happy to let these items through for the Singapore F1 2025 race:

• One sealed water bottle: You can bring one clear, sealed plastic bottle of water, 600ml or smaller. It's a must for staying hydrated. You can refill it at water points inside.

   

• Phone charger / Power bank: You’ll be taking tons of photos and videos, so a portable power bank is a lifesaver.

   

• Small, foldable umbrella or poncho: Singapore's weather can turn in an instant. A small umbrella (the kind that fits in a handbag) or a poncho will keep you dry if it rains. Large, golf-style umbrellas are not allowed.

   

• Flags and banners: Want to support your favorite driver? Go for it! Just make sure your flag or banner doesn't have large poles or offensive language.

   

• Binoculars and ear protection: Binoculars are great for getting a closer look at the cars from the grandstands. Earplugs or defenders are highly recommended, especially for kids, as the cars are incredibly loud.

What You MUST Leave Behind 

To keep everyone safe and the event running smoothly, you must leave these items behind. Trying to bring them in will only result in them being confiscated.

• Outside food and drinks: This is a big one. You cannot bring any outside food or beverages, especially alcohol. Finish your snacks and drinks before you get to the security line.

   

• Professional cameras: Your phone camera is perfectly fine! However, professional-grade cameras with detachable lenses, video recorders, and tripods are not permitted.

   

• Glass bottles, cans, and coolers: These are strictly forbidden for safety reasons.

   

• Ladders, stools, or chairs: While it's tempting to get a better view, you cannot bring any item to stand on.

   

• Drones and remote-controlled gadgets: Flying drones over the circuit is illegal and extremely dangerous. Leave them at home.

   

• Aerosol cans, flares, or air horns: Items that can make loud noises (like air horns) or pose a fire risk are not allowed.

   

• Anything that could be a weapon: This includes sharp objects and anything security deems unsafe.

   

• A good motto for packing is: When in doubt, leave it out. Sticking to the essentials will guarantee you a smooth and speedy entry.

Approved Bag Types and Size Restrictions

For the 2025 race, the rule was clear: bring a small bag. The official size limit was 30cm x 20cm x 30cm.

What does that actually look like? Think of a small school backpack, a standard tote bag, or your everyday handbag. These are generally fine.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose:

• YES: Small backpacks, drawstring bags, handbags, tote bags, and camera bags.
• NO: Large travel backpacks, hiking bags, coolers, and definitely any luggage.

TravelThru Tip: The smaller your bag, the quicker security can check it, and the faster you’ll get inside. If you can fit everything in your pockets, that's the fastest option of all!

Remember, every single bag goes through a security search. Having your bag open and ready will make the process a breeze for both you and the staff.

Rules on Cameras, Photography, and Filming

Worried you won't be able to capture that perfect shot of the cars sparking under the lights? Don't be. You can absolutely bring a camera to the Singapore Grand Prix.

The rules are simply in place to draw a line between a fan taking photos for fun and a professional photographer. For 99% of visitors, your camera is perfectly fine. Here’s the simple breakdown:

• Your smartphone: This is your best tool for the race. It’s perfect for photos, videos, and sharing your experience instantly. Nobody will stop you from using your phone.

   

• Point-and-shoot cameras: Small, compact cameras with a fixed (non-detachable) lens are welcome.

   

• Action cameras: GoPros and other small action cameras are also generally allowed.

   

• The main rule is about professional-grade equipment. Organizers usually define this by one key feature: detachable lenses.

   

• If you can twist the lens off your camera body, you should not bring it. This rule also applies to other professional gear like tripods, monopods, and large external flashes.

   

• It’s not to stop you from getting great memories. It’s to protect the commercial and broadcast rights for the event, which are reserved for official media partners.

Zone Access: Why You Can't Roam Freely

This is one of the most important rules to understand. The Marina Bay Street Circuit is divided into four main areas, called Zones 1, 2, 3, and 4. Your ticket only allows you into the specific zones listed on it.

Think of it like a music festival with different stages. You can’t use a ticket for the main stage to get into the VIP tent. The zones exist for safety and to manage the massive crowds. Before you leave for the circuit, look at your ticket, find your zone number, and check the map to see which gate is the best entrance for you. 

Official Opening and Closing Times

The Marina Bay Street Circuit doesn't stay open 24/7. Gates typically open in the mid-afternoon, giving you plenty of time to find your spot, grab some food, and soak in the atmosphere before the on-track action begins. The circuit then closes shortly after the last concert of the night wraps up.

While you should always check the official Singapore GP website for the exact schedule, here are the general gate times for the 2025 race weekend:

Remember, the park usually closes around midnight each night. Don't wait until the last minute to head to your next destination!

>>> To make your journey back hassle-free after a long day at the track, consider booking TravelThru transfer services for a smooth ride to your hotel.

The Re-Entry Policy: Can You Leave and Come Back?

Yes, you absolutely can! If you want to leave the circuit to grab dinner nearby or head back to your hotel for a quick break, you are free to do so. However, you must follow one very important rule to get back in.

You cannot simply walk out and expect your ticket to scan again.

As you exit, you need to find an official "Pass-Out" point at the gate. Here, a security officer will either give you a stamp or scan your ticket out of the system properly. When you return, you'll show your stamp and re-scan your ticket to re-enter.

Think of it like getting a hand stamp at a club. No stamp, no re-entry. It’s a simple step that saves you from a major headache later on.

>>> Read more: How to Get to Singapore Grand Prix 2025

You’re all set! From the roar of the engines to the final firework display over the Singapore skyline, you now have everything to navigate the Grand Prix weekend. Have an incredible time soaking in the electrifying atmosphere of Marina Bay. By knowing these simple Singapore F1 rules for visitors, your race weekend is guaranteed to be a victory lap.