A ‘Be on the Ball’ travel awareness campaign for football fans planning to attend next summer’s World Cup in Russia has been unveiled by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
The initiative aims to gives supporters advice and tips to help reduce preventable problems.
The campaign launch sees the release of the FCO’s Russia 2018 travel advice, a checklist and a fan survey.
The World Cup specific travel advice suggests hopeful ticket holders should apply for a Fan ID, which will give them free travel on match days, enable those with tickets to access stadiums, and will even act as their visa for the tournament.
There is 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 before and during the tournament.
An 11-point checklist gives travellers simple steps they need to be ready for Russia – looking at healthcare, passport validity, emergency numbers and other essentials.
Fans are also encouraged to complete a survey to help the FCO improve itts support and advice for those travelling to the World Cup.
The UK and Russia are closely co-operating to increase the safety of British supporters at the tournament, including a visit for UK police to Russia and a reciprocal visit from the Russian police to the UK.
Enhanced security measures will be in place during the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 15 next year.
More than 300,000 UK fans travelled to France last summer to support three home nations during the European Championships.
Around 20,000 fans travelled to Brazil to see England compete in the 2014 World Cup.
Britons made 150,000 visits to Russia last year.
Rory Stewart, FCO minister with consular responsibilities, said: “The Foreign Office is here to support any British fans planning to travel to Russia and the Be on The Ball campaign includes a range of practical advice from checking your visa requirements to getting travel insurance.
“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.”
Football Supporters’ Federation chief executive Kevin Miles added: “Following your club away is a great experience but if you’re going overseas it requires a bit more planning.
“Following the FCO travel advice is a great way to stay up to date with the latest information – and if you’re already thinking about the World Cup next year, have a look at their ‘Be on the Ball’ campaign to help start your preparations.”