Travel advice for European football matches this week

**cerberus1** · 15-02-2011, 12:34 PM

The Foreign Office have issued the following travel advice for football fans travelling to watch their teams in Europe this week.

Sparta Prague v Liverpool

Liverpool play Sparta Prague on 17 February at the Generali Arena, Milady Horakova, Prague 7. The stadium used to be known as the AXA arena and in the UEFA cup is known as Letná Stadium for sponsorship reasons. Kick off is at 21:05 local time (20:05 UK time)

Passports & Visas

You don't need a visa to enter the Czech Republic but your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Take out some travel insurance and get a European Health Insurance Card - even if you're only going for one night, if you get into difficulties it could save you a lot of money. The travel insurance is needed because the EHIC only entitles you to emergency medical treatment on the same terms as Czech nationals.
You should carry Photo ID with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport’s information page can be used so you can lock the original in the hotel safe.

At the stadium

Fireworks, video-cameras, flagpoles and any item that can be used as a weapon or thrown onto the pitch will be confiscated on entry. Coins and still cameras are allowed.
No alcohol is allowed inside the stadium and if you appear drunk you may be refused entry.
Liverpool fans will enter the stadium via the Gate 5 (Vstup 5). Try and get there early as it is likely you will be security checked by police and stewards before you enter the stadium.
Liverpool fans may be held back at the end of the match for around 15 minutes.

Getting to the stadium

Many fans will gather in the Old Town Square prior to the match. From there, you are able to walk to the ground. From the old town square to the ground will take approximately 30 minutes. You cross the bridge, Cechuv Most, and then go through the park.
Alternatives are Metro line A to Hradcanska and a 10 minute walk or Metro line C to Vltavska and then a tram to Letna. Trams 1, 8, 25 and 26 go to tram stop “Sparta”
If you use public transport you need to buy tickets and stamp them yourself at the yellow machines at the entrance to metro stations and on busses and trams. You’ll be given an on the spot fine of around £30 for travelling without a valid ticket.
When taking a taxi you are advised to use major companies such as AAA (14014) or Profitaxi (14015). These companies are usually able to tell you the type, number and colour of the car in advance and are cheaper and safer than hailing taxis off the street.

Tips

As in most cities, you should also be beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops, hotels, on public transport (especially to the airport), main railway stations and inside airport terminals.
Take care when around tram tracks – trams can’t stop quickly and there have been a number of recent accidents involving British tourists.
There is further advice on your safety and security in Prague in our travel advice for the Czech Republic.

AC Milan v Tottenham Hotspur

AC Milan play Tottenham Hotspur on 15 February 2011, at the San Siro Stadium, Milan at 20.45 local time (19:45 UK time)

Passports and visas

You don't need a visa to travel to Italy, but your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.
Take your European Health Insurance Card for emergency treatment. Remember to take out some travel insurance, even if you're only going for one night - it could save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties.
You'll need your passport for entry into the stadium. It is also necessary to carry ID with you as all times.

Getting to the stadium

Public transport:
Milan has a transport network of underground trains (Metro), trams and buses. Tickets cost €1.00 from Metro stations, newsagents and some bars. They must be franked in the machine when you get on. The same ticket can be used for 75 minutes on buses and trams, but only once on the Metro. A one or two- day ticket is also available.
Best route to the stadium, by Metro:
Metro red line No 1 (direction Rho Fiera) Get off at Lotto station and take one of thespecial shuttle buses to the stadium.
Alternative route to the stadium, by Tram:
Tram No 16 (direction Axum) from the town centre get off at the terminus from where shuttle buses will depart.
There are major road works and traffic diversions in the area.
Milan has 3 airports:
Linate – Bus into town X73 , approx 20 mins;
Malpensa – coach or train to Milan, approx 50 mins;
Bergamo (Orio al Serio) – coach to Milan approx 50 mins

At the stadium

The Italian government have a zero tolerance policy regarding acts of hooliganism both inside and outside stadiums.
Large numbers of coins and belts with big buckles are not permitted into the stadium. Suporters should consult Tottenham Hotspur regarding banners and flags.
Visiting fans are requested to arrive at the stadium in good time as entry/security procedures may take some time to complete. At the end of the game they will be asked to remain in the stadium for approx 30 minutes to allow the home supporters’ area to be cleared.

Staying safe

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.
Be aware that hire cars and foreign registered vehicles are more of a target for crime – lock up and don’t leave valuables inside.
Check the Milan tourist website for more details about the city and see our travel advice for Italy.

Aris v Manchester City

Manchester City play Aris on 15 February at Kleanthis Vikelidis Stadium, Alkminis 69, Harilaou, 542 49 Thessaloniki. Kick off is at 19:00 local time (17:00 UK time)
Passports & Visas

You don't need a visa to enter Greece but your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Take out some travel insurance and get a European Health Insurance Card - even if you're only going for one night, if you get into difficulties it could save you a lot of money.
You should carry Photo ID with you at all times.

Prior to the match

Following consultation with the local Greek police a number of changes have been made to the travel arrangements for supporters attending the match in Thessaloniki.
These arrangements affect both independent travellers and those using fully packaged operators that are predominantly Thomas Cook Sport and Sport Options.
The Greek police have implemented a remote ticket and search operation, in essence this means you will have your tickets checked, and be searched away from the stadium prior to attending at the game. This decision has been made by the local police and is for your safety and security in attending this match.
The arrangements are as follows:
Independent travellers

You are requested to be at the White Tower (Lefkos Pyrgos) for 15:30 (3.5 hours before the game). The tower is located on the seafront about 800m from the city centre. At that point you will have your tickets checked and have yourself and belongings searched.
You will be placed on a bus (there will be a small charge of approximately one euro). From here you will receive a police escort to the stadium where you will be granted access directly into the MCFC supporters sector.
For your information the seating is unreserved.
Following the game you will be allowed onto the same coaches and taken back into the city and dropped at the White Tower. Please note this is not in the direction of the airport.

Package travellers

You are requested to be at your original pick up point (your hotel) at 15:30. At this time you will be placed on your coach and taken to the White Tower (a few minutes away). At this location you will disembark your bus and have your tickets checked prior to yourself and a search of your belongings. At this location the bus will also be checked.
From here you will receive a police escort to the stadium where you will be granted access directly into the MCFC supporters sector.
For your information the seating is unreserved at the stadium.
Following the game these coaches will go to the airport for your flights. Please note that there will be no facility to return to the hotel following the game.

General notes

Please arrive on time for this operation to take place smoothly.
These measures have been put in place by the Greek Police for your safety and security.
You may be held at the White Tower for one or two hours while this takes place. At present it is unconfirmed whether toilet or refreshment facilities are in place at this location.
Please be mindful of Greek law.

At the match

All supporters will be searched prior to entering the stadium and items that could potentially be used as missiles, such as lighters or large amounts of coins, will be confiscated. No bottles will be allowed into the stadium. These should be left in your luggage.
All banners need to be pre-approved by the club
There will be a visible police presence in and around the stadium
City fans may be held back at the end of the match until the home supporters have dispersed.

Tips

As in most cities, you should also be beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops, hotels, on public transport (especially to the airport), main railway stations and inside airport terminals.
Look at our travel advice for Greece and visit the Greek tourist information page.