World Cup: Travel update

Posted by

at 11:15 on Tuesday 24 April 2018

Following on from the first ESTC Fans Forum at Walsall on the 17th April, we would like to provide Travel Club members who were unable to attend the evening with the information that was discussed by the FCO and UKFPU.

The information detailed below is correct at the time of publication (24/04/2018) but we advise all supporters heading to the World Cup to check the FCO website and their 'Be On The Ball' guide for regular updates.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/be-on-the-ball-world-cup-2018#passports-visas

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia

FAN ID

All supporters attending a match at the World Cup must acquire a FAN ID before travelling to Russia. A FAN ID allows for visa-free entry into Russia and has been introduced specifically for the tournament.

Once you have bought a ticket for a World Cup match (or received confirmation that you have been allocated a ticket), you will be able to apply for a FAN ID. The link to register for a FAN ID is: https://www.fan-id.ru/. You must have your FAN ID and ticket to enter stadiums in Russia. For security purposes, FAN IDs may also be scanned upon exit of the stadium.

Neither The FA nor FIFA are responsible for the issue of FAN IDs

Kaliningrad

The distance between Moscow and Kaliningrad is 767 miles with an approximate travel time of 2hrs by plane and 20hrs by train (which passes through Belarus and Lithuania). Kaliningrad is a Russian enclave located on the Baltic coast and is a significant military site with many restricted areas. For more information, visit: http://old.visit-kaliningrad.ru/en/info/473/

If you are entering Kaliningrad via an organised coach or bus, only vehicles equipped with the GLONASS system will be granted access to the city. In order to obtain a GLONASS system, the owner of the vehicle should follow the suggested steps here.

Russian border control and customs

All passengers travelling to Russia will be asked to fill in a Passenger Customs Declaration (migration card); supporters should keep hold of this for the duration of their stay and have it submitted back to Customs on the way back to England.

Supporters should ensure that their passport is valid for a minimum of 6 months and have their FAN ID with them at all times.

Supporters travelling by car across the Russian border are advised that taxis will not be allowed through, however Russia will allow rented cars through. Supporters are advised to allow plenty of time for travelling to Russia as they may have to spend several hours at the Russian border if there are any delays.

Fans driving to Russia are advised that they should have adequate car insurance as like the UK, it is illegal to drive without car insurance in Russia.

Russia has a zero tolerance policy to drink driving. Driving under the influence of drugs is also strictly prohibited.

Healthcare

We previously advised in our FAQ page that the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) is not accepted in Russia so travel insurance is essential - even if you are only coming for 1 match. When purchasing travel insurance please ensure your policy covers you for any additional activities you are planning to do and that it covers medical costs and repatriation should it be required.

If you need to bring any prescription medication with you to Russia, you may need to bring a copy of your prescription with you. To find out more information, please visit the Health section of the FCO's Russia website here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/health

Travelling between Russia and Belarus

Supporters transiting Russia when flying to/from Belarus may be subject to immigration control at the airport. If you are travelling to Russia through Belarus via train or car you are advised to contact the Embassy of Belarus for further advice and details. Contact details of the foreign embassies can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk

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