Start planning your trip to the Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024. Advice about visas, weather, staying safe & money
- The 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix is scheduled for November 21-23
- Tickets are now on sale for the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix
- This post contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links
Las Vegas is the largest city in the state of Nevada, but Carson City, some 700km north west from Las Vegas is the Silver State’s capital. Located near the southern tip of Nevada, Las Vegas is close to bordering states California, to the west, and Arizona, to the east.
The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be one of the biggest spectacles on the Formula 1 calendar. Set to take place in November 2023, the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix will see the cars speeding down the Las Vegas Strip, in and around the heart of the city’s tourist district.
Three quarters of Nevada’s population live in Clark County, which is where Las Vegas is situated. The Las Vegas Valley’s population has grown significantly in the last half century. When Formula 1 last visited Vegas for the 1982 Caesars Palace Grand Prix, the metropolitan area had under 500,000 inhabitants. Now that figure now stands close to 3 million.
Do I Need a Visa to Enter the United States?
- Most visitors do not need a visa to travel to the United States. The U.S. visa waiver system means Australians, Canadians, and most Europeans will not need a visa to visit the country, providing that you are visiting for fewer than 90 days. The full list of countries included in the program can be found on the U.S. State Department website.
- Your passport will need to be an e-passport with an integrated chip, be machine-readable and be valid for at least six months after the date of your departure from the country.
- Remember that all visitors to the USA need to complete an ESTA application before arrival. You will be refused entry if you don’t have one. Applications cost $21 USD and the ESTA is valid for two years.
United States Travel: Need to Know
- Las Vegas has fully reopened to international visitors following the coronavirus pandemic. The State of Nevada lifted mask mandates in February 2022, though face coverings in busy places are still recommended for those who are not vaccinated or with underlying health conditions.
- Click here to calculate how much you’re likely to pay for eating, drinking and getting around in Las Vegas. The US dollar continues to remain strong against most international currencies. To check exchange rates, visit xe.com.
- Make sure you have reliable travel insurance in place for the duration of your stay. Health care in the United States can become very costly if you have an emergency while uninsured.
- At the time of the Las Vegas Grand Prix in November, the city will be operating on Pacific Standard Time (PST). PST is UTC -7 hours. The race is expected to begin at 22:00 on Saturday night.
- Visitors from outside of the United States or Canada will need a plug adapter. 100-127 V sockets are used in the United States. You may need a power converter too.
- Dial 911 for emergencies (Police, Fire, Ambulance).
- Tap water is safe to drink in Las Vegas, though some complain of the water having a chlorine taste.
- Learn more about visiting the USA
Las Vegas Weather
Las Vegas is situated in the state of Nevada, its name deriving from the Spanish for “snow-covered”. Yet, the state is the driest in the United States, with desert and arid regions. Las Vegas itself is located in the Mojave Desert. The city is actually one of the sunniest anywhere in the world, enjoying over 3,800 hours of sunshine per year. Clear skies are highly likely during your trip, while rainfall is scarce. Annually, Las Vegas gets only 105 millimetres worth of rainfall. On average, there are only two days of rain in November.
With the Las Vegas Grand Prix taking place in November, you’ll avoid the uncomfortably warm temperatures seen in the summer months. However, even in November, the sun is still out for an average of eight hours per day. The average daily temperature hovers around 20°C (68°F), but tends to drop as the month of November progresses, sometimes to as low as 14°C (57°F).
Of course, the Las Vegas Grand Prix will take place at night, so you’ll need to pack warmer clothes to cater for the cooler evening temperatures. Temperatures in the dead of night in Sin City have been known to drop below freezing during November, so it’s worth bearing that in mind if you intend to party long after the Grand Prix finishes!
Staying Safe in Las Vegas
For the most part, you’re unlikely to encounter any issues with crime during your trip to the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The tourist districts are well patrolled by police and most establishments have their own security. It’s likely that surveillance will be ramped up when Formula 1 is in town.
Petty crime such as pickpocketing does happen in Las Vegas, especially around tourist attractions, so be wary of your belongings. It’s wise to not stray too far from the tourist areas of the city. Gang activity and muggings are relatively common on roads which are not as heavily monitored by police in areas beyond the Strip and Fermont Street. Try to avoid public transport late at night.
With so much alcohol consumed in Las Vegas, it’s not much of a surprise that drunk driving is an increasing problem in Las Vegas. The number of fatalities caused by drunk drivers in the city is increasing year-on-year. Be aware of road users when walking close to roads and, obviously, don’t drink and drive.
Language in Las Vegas
English is the most widely spoken language across Las Vegas, though over 20% of households in the metropolitan area speak Spanish. Filipino and Mandarin are also spoken by some members of the community.
Nevada has a diverse culture, with many of its inhabitants having moved to the area from other states. The Las Vegas Valley is sometimes referred to as the “ninth island” by Hawaiians due to the large number of Hawaii natives who have moved to the area.
Top Tips for Las Vegas travel
- If you’re planning on checking out all the Strip has to offer on foot, comfortable shoes are a must. The Las Vegas Boulevard stretches for almost 7 kilometres!
- Be sure to keep valid ID with you when you’re exploring the city. Your ID is likely to be checked on entry to most casinos and bars. The minimum drinking age in the United States is 21. There is a curfew for unaccompanied under-18s in all public places around Las Vegas’ resorts between 21:00 and 05:00.
- Tips for good service in restaurants, bars and casinos are welcome. A 15-20% tip is the standard. There are different guidelines for tipping different services – read this handy guide to learn more.
- You can’t hail taxis on the street in Las Vegas. You must go to a designated pick up area, which are usually located in front of casinos.
- Public transport is frequent and reliable. There are even some free options available. Check out our guide to getting around in Las Vegas.
- You can get your hands on free cocktails at many of Las Vegas’ casinos. Be wary of the motives behind this, though! Drink responsibly to avoid a costly night.ower converter too.
