World Cup 2018: 2 days to go!

Posted by

at 15:17 on Tuesday 12 June 2018

With two days to go until the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, we would like to provide supporters with some final updates.

FAN ID

Supporters are reminded that the FAN ID is not to be confused with the England Supporters Travel Club membership card and must be ordered before flying out to Russia via the website here: https://www.fan-id.ru/. The FAN ID is your visa-free entry into Russia and together with your ticket, will allow access inside the stadium.

Supporters who only have the electronic copy of the FAN ID, must print it off before departing - you may not be allowed entry into Russia if you try to show it on your mobile device. Once in Russia, you can go to FAN ID distribution centre to exchange the paper copy for a laminated version. Please also be aware that you will not be allowed in to the stadium with a paper copy FAN ID.

When entering the stadia in Russia, all supporters will be required to carry their FAN ID with them, together with their match ticket and a form of ID. If you do not bring your FAN ID with you (even if you have your ticket) you will not be allowed to enter the stadium at all.

Supporters entering or leaving Russia between Monday 4 June- Sunday 15 July now have the right to visa-free transit through the Republic of Belaruswith a FAN ID and valid passport. For more information, please visit: http://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/-/asset_publisher/cKNonkJE02Bw/content/id/3236511.

Stadium access

Each stadium will typically open 3 hours before kick-off. Supporters are strongly advised to arrive at the stadium at least an hour before kick-off to ensure they do not miss any of the match. The UKFPU have stated that there are long walks between train stations/ drop-off points and the stadiums. Local authorities have laid out pedestrian routes to manage crowd traffic but this can take some time. Supporters are therefore advised to arrive at the stadium early to avoid missing kick-off.

FIFA have advised that supporters are strongly discouraged from bringing bags into the stadium. If you do bring a bag, please be aware that it will be subject to a security check. FIFA have confirmed that any bags over 75cm will need to be checked in and collected after the stadium. If you must bring a bag with you, we'd advise it to be no bigger than an A4 piece of paper.

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are permitted into the stadium however, they cannot exceed a speed of 6km/h and be no more than 4.2ft in length.

Spectators at the World Cup are advised that the following items are prohibited from all stadiums: weapons, flammable and pyrotechnical substances, glass containers or bottles, aerosols, umbrellas, drones or kites, thermoses or flasks, flags or banners displaying extremist organisation symbols or slogans. Flags, apparel or banners aimed at discrimination of any kind are also prohibited from the stadium. For the full list of prohibited items, please refer to the Stadium Code of Conduct.

Flags and banners larger than 2 x 1.5m are prohibited. Smaller flags and posters are allowed on the condition that they are made from a material categorised as "a low fire hazard". Supporters planning on bringing banners or flags larger than 2 x 1.5m need to fill in an application form on the Welcome 2018 website.

World Cup 2018 app

FIFA have launched a dedicated app and website for supporters coming to the tournament. 'Welcome 2018' is available to download via the App Store and Google Play.

Both the app and the website contain very useful information about getting around Russia, ticketing FAQs and the 'fan fests'.

Supporters may need internet access to use the app whilst in Russia, but it is a very useful tool to have before heading out to and can help you plan your journey or learn more about the individual stadiums.

The website for Welcome 2018 is: http://welcome2018.com/en/

England Supporters Club