Football fans get advice for 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia
The Foreign Office has launched a campaign to help British fans travelling to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.
It says the UK and Russia are closely cooperating to increase the safety of British supporters at the tournament.
UK police will be visiting Russia and a reciprocal visit is planned for Russian police to the UK.
Enhanced security measures will be in place during the tournament to help ensure a trouble-free time for fans.
There are fears of violence between Russian and British fans following clashes in France during Euro 2016.
A BBC2 documentary aired earlier this year, called Russia’s Hooligan Army, claims British fans are ‘100% guaranteed’ to be the target for Russian hooligans at next year’s tournament.
The FCO’s ‘Be on the Ball campaign’, which launches this week, gives supporters simple advice and tips to help reduce preventable problems.
Ticket holders are encouraged to apply for a FAN ID, which will give them free travel on match day, enable those with tickets to access stadiums, and will even act as their visa for the tournament.
There’s also advice for fans without tickets, who will need to apply for a visa to travel.
Fans can sign up for email alerts so they stay up to date ahead of, and during the tournament.
An 11-point checklist gives travellers the simple steps they need to be ready for Russia – looking at healthcare, passport validity, emergency numbers and other essentials.
Rory Stewart, Foreign Office minister with consular responsibilities, said: "The World Cup is set to be a fantastic spectacle. I hope fans find this advice helpful in planning ahead and avoiding preventable problems. They can then focus on enjoying the tournament."
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
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