Traveling To Russia For The World Cup: Is It Worth It?

Attending the World Cup in Russia is a dream for many football fans, but it can be a long and challenging journey. In 2018, hundreds of thousands of football enthusiasts from all over the world travelled to Russia to support their national teams. Many fans travelled long distances, took overnight trains, early morning flights, or even endured 48-hour bus rides to see their favourite teams play. Some sold their belongings, while others quit their jobs to be able to afford the trip. However, getting a Russian visa can be a difficult and expensive process. Luckily, bona fide fans can travel with a Fan ID instead of a visa, which is free and can be obtained online in just a few minutes.

Getting a visa or Fan-ID

Visa Requirements for Russia:

The traditional visa process for Russia can be challenging and costly for travellers, especially those from countries like the UK. It involves applying in person at a visa centre and providing various documents, including flight tickets and hotel bookings. The process can take up to 20 working days, and the costs can be significant, often amounting to as much as a plane ticket. As a result, many travellers may prefer to explore the Fan-ID option, which was introduced specifically for the World Cup.

Fan-ID:

The Fan-ID is a special permit introduced for the World Cup that allows visa-free entry into Russia for ticket holders. It serves as a multi-entry visa and provides free travel between host cities on match days. Obtaining a Fan-ID is a much simpler and more cost-effective option than a traditional visa. Here's what you need to know about the process:

How to Apply:

You can apply for your Fan-ID online at www.fan-id.ru or in person at any Fan-ID Distribution Centre, including VFS Global Visa Application Centres for foreign citizens. The online application process is straightforward and should only take a few minutes. You will need basic passport information and either a ticket number or a FIFA booking reference. A colour photo, taken within the last six months, will also be required as part of the application.

Eligibility:

The Fan-ID is available to anyone with a match ticket or the number of an expired match ticket. It is important to note that the ticket number can be used multiple times, depending on the number of tickets purchased. However, it is theoretically possible that you could be stopped from boarding a flight or entering the country if the ticket number does not match your application.

Duration:

The Fan-ID allows entry to Russia from 4 June until 15 July, with a departure date of 25 July. This provides a generous window for fans to attend matches and explore the country.

Benefits:

The Fan-ID not only simplifies the entry process but also offers additional perks. It provides visa-free entry, eliminating the need for a traditional visa and the associated costs and complexities. Additionally, it enables free travel between host cities on match days.

In summary, if you are planning to travel to Russia for the World Cup, the Fan-ID is a highly recommended option. It streamlines the entry process, provides visa-free access, and offers benefits like free travel between host cities. By following the outlined steps and staying informed about any updates or changes, you can ensure a smoother journey to Russia for this exciting sporting event.

Transport options

Russia is a large country, so travelling between host cities will require careful planning. The distances between host cities vary, from 400 miles between St Petersburg and Moscow, to 1,600 miles between Kaliningrad and Yekaterinburg.

Air Travel

Flights are available between host cities, but they are extremely busy and expensive. For example, flights to St Petersburg increased sharply after England were knocked out of the tournament.

Rail Travel

Russia has a well-developed rail network, and trains are a good option for travelling between host cities. The route between St Petersburg and Moscow is the busiest in the country, and you can find flights for as little as £25 each way, or pay around £100 for a luxurious overnight train.

Road Travel

Road safety in Russia is poor. There were over 169,000 road traffic accidents in 2017, causing over 19,000 deaths and over 215,000 injuries. If you do decide to travel by road, be aware that traffic police may stop motorists to collect fraudulent cash fines on the spot.

Public Transport

Public transport is not accommodating to people with disabilities. Many sidewalks are narrow and uneven, and crossing streets in large cities can be difficult as it often requires the use of a pedestrian underpass with stairs and steep ramps.

Travel Within Host Cities

It is recommended that you keep your passport with you at all times, as Russian police have the authority to stop people and request identity and travel documents at any time.

There are 11 host cities for the World Cup: Moscow, St Petersburg, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kazan, Kaliningrad, Nizhny Novgorod, Rostov-on-Don, Samara, Saransk, and Sochi.

Accommodation

If you're on a budget, hostels are available, and some fans have been known to sleep on soccer ball-shaped cushions at the Rostov-On-Don Airport in southern Russia.

If you're staying in a hotel, hostel, or any other type of official hospitality venue, you don't need to register with the police. However, if you're renting an apartment, a room, or staying with friends or relatives, you'll need to register with the police within three days of arrival. This can be done at the closest "МФЦ" or "ОМВД" office, and the whole procedure usually takes no more than 10-15 minutes. If you fail to register, you might be fined between $32 and $80, and you may be hindered from visiting the country in the future.

It's also worth noting that the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) isn't valid in Russia, so travel insurance is essential.

Things to do

Russia is a fascinating and friendly country, and the World Cup is a great opportunity to explore the biggest nation on the planet. Here are some things to do and see when you're not watching the football:

Moscow

• The Kremlin: This iconic Russian landmark is a complex of beautifully built churches, museums and palaces, and is a fine example of Russia's historical and cultural heritage.
• Red Square: The buildings surrounding the square are all significant, including the Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the GUM department store, and the Kazan Cathedral.
• Gorky Park: An escape for locals from the hustle and bustle of city life, Gorky Park is a fully-furnished recreational centre with fun rides, a skating rink, an outdoor amphitheatre, and a host of restaurants.
• Moscow Kremlin: Moscow's most famous historical and political landmark, the Kremlin is a walled complex of cathedrals, palaces and government offices, with several buildings open to the public, including the Armoury, Patriarch's Palace and the State Kremlin Palace.
• Moscow Metro: With over 200 stations, Moscow's metro system is worth experiencing. Each station is like a museum, with walls and ceilings magnificently designed.
• Bolshoi Theatre: The prestigious Bolshoi Theatre hosts some of the world's best ballet and opera performances.

St Petersburg

• St Petersburg Arena: The most spectacular venue in the World Cup, the St Petersburg Arena looks like a spaceship that has landed on Krestovsky Island.
• The State Hermitage Museum: Housed in the Winter Palace, this is one of the most famous art museums in the world, containing over 2.7 million exhibits, including some of the world's greatest works of art.
• Grand Peterhof Palace: Once a formal garden built for Peter the Great, this park still has more than 80 of the original marble statues and sculptures, and houses Peter's Summer Palace, which displays many of the ruler's artefacts.
• The State Museum St Isaac's Cathedral: This gold-domed, 19th-century cathedral is the third-largest domed cathedral in the world, offering a 300-step climb to spectacular city views.

Other places

• Lake Baikal: With the Chersky mountain range on one side and Cape Burkhan on the other, Lake Baikal offers picturesque views and crystal-clear waters. If you're not a fan of cold water, you can explore the countryside, which includes hot thermal springs and the Circum-Baikal railway line.
• Siberia: Despite its forbidding reputation, Siberia is a paradise for those who want to revel in nature's pristine beauty. It spans the vast stretches of the Eurasian steppes and extends to Lake Baikal and the Ural Mountains. A journey on the Trans-Siberian Railway can be a trip of a lifetime.
• Sochi: The western region of Sochi is home to ski resorts that offer an adrenaline-pumping experience. Whether you're an amateur or a professional, put your skiing blades and snowboards to the test.
• Mount Elbrus: If you're an intrepid explorer, climbing Mount Elbrus will be a challenge. This double-peaked volcano has a dynamic terrain, so be sure to come equipped with a healthy pair of lungs!

Safety advice

Russia is a fascinating and friendly country, but it's important to be aware of some key cultural and legal differences to stay safe during your trip to the World Cup. Here is some essential safety advice to keep in mind:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after the expiry date of your visa or Fan-ID. Carry your passport with you at all times, as Russian police can request to see your documents at any time.
• Obtain a Fan-ID, which serves as a multi-entry visa to Russia during the World Cup period. This can be done online for free and only takes a few minutes.
• Upon entering Russia, you must sign a migration card, which is produced electronically at passport control. Keep the card with your passport, as you'll need it when you leave the country.
• Make sure your passport is signed before travelling.
• Register in every host city you visit within 24 hours of arrival. If you're staying in a hotel or guest house, they will usually handle the registration for you, but it's your responsibility to ensure it's done.
• Be respectful towards the nation and its people to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially near World War II memorials and other historical sites. Treat these places with respect.
• Keep your passport in a safe place, such as a money belt or a secure pocket. Leave a copy of your passport, visa, and travel and insurance documents with family or friends back home.
• Be vigilant against petty crimes such as pickpocketing and mugging, which are common around tourist attractions like Red Square and the Moscow or St. Petersburg Metros.
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash, as armed robberies are frequent.
• Be cautious when consuming alcohol, as it won't be available at stadiums during matches, and public consumption may be restricted in certain areas. Driving under the influence can lead to immediate jail time.
• Be cautious when using public transportation, as accidents and road safety are concerns in Russia.
• Avoid drinking tap water, as it is not potable throughout the country. Bottled mineral water is widely available.
• Be aware of potential scams, such as the "Turkey Drop" scam, where someone drops money in front of you and accuses you of stealing it if you pick it up.
• Exercise caution when interacting with strangers, as there have been reports of travellers being drugged and robbed in bars and clubs.
• Be mindful of cultural sensitivities, especially regarding LGBT+ rights and racial tensions. Harassment and assaults against foreigners, particularly those of Asian and African descent, have been reported.
• If you plan to bring any medications, check the restrictions and bring a doctor's letter and notarised translation if necessary.
• Do not attempt to leave the country with antiques, even if purchased legally. Obtain certificates from the Russian Ministry of Culture to avoid issues.

Frequently asked questions