FIFA World Cup: Safety & Security Advice

There is just one week to go before the world is focused on Russia for the start of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

With more than a million fans expected to descend on the country for this summer's biggest and most anticipated tournaments, the government has issued some guidance and tips to ensure a safe trip.

We have included some of the information below - you can also ​click here to read the full UK Government guidance.​

The tournament itself will take place from 14th June to 15th July. Spread over 11 host cities, visitors will have to navigate a large area.

Russia is the biggest nation on the planet, and the scope of the 2018 World Cup is larger than ever. As such, it has substantial support from national and local security.

Fans making arrangements to travel would be advised to carry out preliminary research to be prepared for cultural and legal differences.

We have included some helpful tips below for staying safe in Russia.

The Football Supporters' Federation has also published a guide to the tournament and what you can expect, including detailed sections on each of the host cities. You can read this here.

Travel advice

Make sure you know the latest travel advice for Russia before you go.

You can sign up for email alerts to be notified of any updates before and during your trip.

Safety & Security

The overwhelming majority of visits to Russia are trouble-free. Since 2016, 5 British teams have played European matches in Russia, with no significant issues reported.

However, we encourage British nationals to be good guests wherever they travel in the world, and to do their research before they travel to understand the issues and risks, so they can have a safe and enjoyable trip.

The UK Government continues to work with the Russian authorities. Co-operation is in place between the UK and Russian police to help ensure the safety of British nationals, which includes visits by the UK police to Russia and visits by the Russian police to the UK. British police will be in Russia for the tournament.

The British Embassy will have a presence on match days in all of the cities that England play a game in. British nationals needing help or advice will be able to contact consular officers by telephone 24/7 by calling +7 495 956 7200 (in Russia) or 020 7008 1500 (from the UK). You may want to save these numbers on your phone.

The UK's National Cyber Security Centre has issued advice for fans travelling to Russia which you can find here.

Race

FIFA takes a strong stance against racism and discrimination of any kind. Referees now have the power to call an end to a game if racist chanting is heard.

Both FIFA and the Russian Football Union have been clear that racist abuse will not be tolerated during the tournament. If you hear any racist chanting, you should report it to the nearest steward.

Kick It Out published a blog on their experience of Russia during last year's Confederations Cup.

LGBT+

Public attitudes towards LGBT+ people are less tolerant than in the UK. The Football Supporters' Federation has published a blog offering advice to LGBT+ fans planning to travel to Russia for the World Cup. You may wish to contact Pride in Football to make contact with other LGBT+ fans. A Pride House is planned but not confirmed.

Fan ID

You should apply for a Fan ID as soon as you have a match ticket. You will need to have your match ticket, FAN ID, and your passport to access the stadiums. You must enter the stadium using the nominated entry point on your ticket.

Your Fan ID, will act as a multi-entry and exit visa to and from Russia. You may enter Russia using your FAN ID from 4 June until 15 July and you must leave by 25 July.

Your FAN ID will only allow you to enter Russia to attend the World Cup. If you intend to carry out any other activities (e.g. work or study), then you should apply for the appropriate visa through the Russian Embassy in London.

Your FAN ID also enables you to apply for free train travel on selected trains during the tournament.

If your FAN ID is lost, stolen or has a technical error, you can get a replacement during the tournament from a distribution centre.

Key Guidance

• ​During the World Cup, stadiums and other venues will be protected by enhanced security measures. This will include limits on traffic as well as additional security checks.
  
• You'll need to register in every host city you visit within 72 hours of arrival. This is normally done by your hotel or guest house but it's your responsibility to make sure that this happens.
• You should ensure you have appropriate travel insurance, even if you're only coming for one match. Insurance can save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties. Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Russia.
  
• Emergency services: Call 112 from any phone. Ambulance: Call 103 from any mobile phone or 03 from any landline.
• During the tournament, there will be official English speaking volunteers in each one of the host cities available to help visitors.
• Most major high street banks and currency exchange providers in the UK can pre-order roubles (Russian currency). If you plan to buy roubles in Russia, you should take US dollars or Euros to exchange. Only change money at banks, hotels and airport exchange bureaus. It is an offence to change money from street traders.
• Let your credit/debit card provider know where you're going to avoid your card being blocked for anti-fraud reasons.
• Most hotels, restaurants and larger shops accept credit cards. There are ATMs in most major cities. Travellers' cheques are not widely accepted.
  
• Russia Day (12 June) is a public holiday, and some service providers may be closed. You should ensure you have adequate stocks of prescription medicines or any other items you may need.
  
• You should use public transport to get to the stadium. Free public transport will be available to FAN ID holders. The exact routes and times will be determined by the local authorities.
  
• Stadiums will typically be open 3 hours before kick-off. Allow yourself plenty of time to get there and to pass through the security checks. You will need to show your match ticket, FAN ID and passport to gain entry.
  
• Supporters of all nationalities like to display their flags in public places. If doing so, please take the advice of the local authorities to help you to decide where you display your flag. You should always be sensitive to the feelings of others and you should be prepared to remove your flag if asked.
  
• All railway stations have airport style security. All bags will be scanned, and passengers will need to go through detector arches.
  
• Driving is on the right hand side.
• Travel between cities can take a long time given the distance, heavy traffic in big cities, and poor road conditions.
• Road safety is poor.
• It is common practice for traffic police to stop motorists for spot checks. There is a zero tolerance policy towards drink-driving.
  

Useful Phrases

• ​1 – "adin"
  
• 2 – "dva"
  
• 3 – "tri"
  
• Thank you – "spasiba"
  
• Hello – "zdrastvuite"
  
• Bye – "da svidania"
  
• Please – "pazhalusta"
  
• What is your name? – "kak vas zovut?"
  
• My name is… – "menya zovut…"
  
• Entrance/exit – "vkhod/vykhod"
  
• Please help me – "pazhalusta pomogite mne"
  
• Bus – "avtobus"
  
• Train – "poezd"
  
• Metro – "metro"
  
• Police – "politsiya"
  
• I don't speak Russian – "Ya ne gavaryu pa-russki"
  
• Do you speak English? – "vy gavarite pa-angliyski?"
• What is your Wi-Fi password? – "kakoy u vas parol ot vay-fai?"