Advice for fans travelling to Russia for Champions League final

Over 42,000 footballing fans are planning to travel to Russia this month to watch the clash between Chelsea and Manchester United at the Luzhniki Stadium - the first time that the event will be contested by two English football clubs.

Research out today by esure Travel Insurance, indicates that thousands of those football tourists may forget to make vital pre-holiday checks with 15 per cent revealing that they never check whether their passport is valid for travel and

26 per cent do not even research whether or not they need a visa or specific documentation to enter their travel destination. In the excitement, it is likely that thousands of fans will be so tied up in booking their flights and accommodation, that they could fail to check that their passport has a validity for at least 6 months and that they have a completed Russian migration card to gain access to the country.

Fans should also be aware that they need to have their football ticket plus their migration card for both their outward and return flight home, as these documents - along with a passport - will act as their visa into the country and prove their reason for travel to Russia. If any of these three items are lost, fans may have to pay for a visa to return home which could cause potential delays to their return journey home and wouldn't be covered by their travel insurance.

Mike Pickard, Head of Travel Insurance at esure, said: "Footballing fans may be so caught up in the excitement of the Champions League final that, in the sudden rush to book their flights and accommodation, they are overlooking the basics - such as booking travel insurance and preparing the important documentation required.

"Not only could fans be caught out by flying to Russia without the right documents to allow them entry into the country but with so many people travelling on the same day, delays are highly likely. It's vital to plan ahead and read the small print of travel insurance documents to make sure you're covered should anything unfortunate, such as a flight cancellation or baggage loss, occurs."

The UK government has launched a special web page giving advice and tips for football fans intending to head to the final, offering specific travel advice on how to enjoy a trouble-free and successful visit to Moscow. However, esure has compiled some specific 'insurance-related' tips for football fans looking to travel to the Champions League Final:

1. Don't forget to buy European travel insurance: make sure you take cover to protect you and your family should the unexpected happen. Essentially cover will be provided for you if you become ill or getting injured whilst on your footballing holiday, are delayed at the airport, or end up losing your luggage.

Also, make sure you take your insurance documents with you as having telephone numbers and policy particulars at hand is crucial.

2. Check what's covered: if you're booking your flights and have already got annual travel insurance cover, check your insurance to make sure that attending any sporting activity isn't excluded.

3. Cancellation: when you book your flights, make sure you take your travel insurance cover out at the same time to ensure you are covered in case you suddenly fall ill or are not fit to travel and have to cancel at the last minute.

4. Plan ahead before you travel: Make sure you check the British foreign and commonwealth office (www.fco.gov.uk) for any warnings about travelling to Moscow. Make sure that all your vaccinations are up to date and find out about any other suggested medical advice by visiting your health- care provider. Follow this advice and be aware of possible health risks during your trip.

Websites such as

www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Healthadvicefortravellers/index.htm

are also a useful source of information.

5. Be careful how much and where you drink during the celebrations:

Don't drink alcohol or smoke in the Red Square as it's illegal and you will be arrested.
Don't turn up to the football stadium inebriated - security will be tight and you may be refused entry.

6. Moving around in Moscow:

Carry your passport at all times as you may be stopped by the police and be asked to produce ID - a photocopy is not sufficient.
Keep a separate copy of your passport and other documents in case you lose the originals.
Be aware of pick pockets on the Metro and in hotspots such as the Red Square.
Leave your valuables at your hotel for safe keeping.