Advice For Fans Going To Moscow

By Dan King - Newcastle United Club Reporter

Fans heading to Russia for next month's Europa League round of 16 first leg tie against Anzhi Makcachkala have been issued with advice about staying in the country and going to the match.

All supporters who buy tickets when they go on sale over the next few days will be given a detailed guide while it is recommended that they take heed of the below information:

Passports, visas and health insurance
// British citizens need a visa to travel to Russia, and your passport should be valid for a further three months after your Russian visa expiration date
// Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Russia, so travel/health insurance is essential, even if you're only going for one night - it could save you a lot of money if you find yourself in difficulty
// It is essential you carry your passport with your Russian visa and migration/registration card with you at all times - in particular, you'll need to carry your passport to the match to gain entry to the stadium. The police conduct ID checks, and want to see original documentation
// If you lose your passport or have it stolen, you should report the loss to the local police as soon as possible in the first instance and obtain a police report or confirmation of loss from the police. The British Embassy can then provide you with an emergency travel document (ETD) and facilitate your exit visa so that you can leave Russia and return home

Key transport tips
// Luzhniki Stadium - nearest Metro is SPORTIVNAYA/СПОРТИВÐÐЯ (Red Line)
// British Embassy - nearest Metro is SMOLENSKAYA/СМОЛЕÐСКÐЯ (Light Blue line; Dark Blue line)
// Domodedovo Airport is served by a train service "AERO-Express" from PAVELETSKAYA STATION /ПÐВЕЛЕЦКÐЯ (Metro - Brown circle line; Dark Green line)
// Sheremetyevo Airport is served by a train service "AERO-Express" from BELORUSSKAYA STATION/БЕЛОРУССКÐЯ (Metro - Brown circle line; Dark Green line)
// Vnukovo Airport - is served by a train service "AERO-Express" from KIEVSKAYA STATION /КИЕВСКÐЯ (Metro - Brown circle line; Dark Blue line; Light Blue line)
// Metro (underground) tickets can be bought for one, two, five or ten trips and are on sale in all Metro stations, costing Rbl 28 for one trip; Rbl 56 for two trips, Rbl 135 for five trips and Rbl 265 for ten trips). Remember to keep your ticket if you pay for more than one trip
// Bus tickets can be bought from the driver (at Rbl 28 each) or from silver ticket kiosks near some stops (at Rbl 25 each)
// The Metro runs from 5.30am until 1am
// Buses run from 5.30am until 1am

At the match
// Access to the stadium can be slow. There will be ticket checks and body searches at the entrance to the turnstiles. To avoid a last minute bottleneck please try to get to the stadium early
// No bottles and cans are allowed to be brought into the ground and alcohol is banned within the stadium. Flags and banners but without poles are allowed subject to message, language and content 
// Smoking is allowed
// Standing during the game is allowed

Tips
// Tap water has to be boiled before drinking
// As in any other city beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, railway stations, around the town centre and when using public transport. Only carry what you need, leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits. Pickpockets operate on the Metro and in tourist areas such as Red Square
// Don't smoke or drink in Red Square - it's illegal and you will be arrested

Drink and drugs
// Be vigilant when drinking - pickpockets may operate in some bars
// Don't leave drinks unattended - drink spiking is common
// Beware of strangers offering to buy drinks for you
// Don't turn up drunk at the stadium - security will be tough and you will be refused entry
// Russia operates a zero tolerance policy on the possession and use of drugs, whether hard or soft. Penalties are severe and can result in long jail sentences