Your essential guide to Russia
For fans facing the challenge of navigating their way around at the World Cup, here’s what to know about moving around the country and avoiding any legal difficulties
Aticket isn’t enough to get you into the stadium. You also need a Fan ID from the Russian government. That means sending personal information such as passport data, address and phone number to the Fan ID website. The information is processed by Russia’s FSB, a successor agency to the Sovietera KGB.
The Fan ID doubles as a Russian visa and transport pass. It can be delivered by post or collected at special centres in the host cities.
Some tickets are also still available on the Fifa website. Tickets are registered to an individual buyer, so buying from a reseller or scalper is unlikely to get you into the stadium.
GETTING AROUND
There will be free train services for fans between cities, introducing supporters to Russia’s love of overnight train journeys. You’ll need to book in advance via a dedicated tournament website using the Fan ID.
Travelling from Moscow to Kazan can take 12 hours, or from St. Petersburg to Sochi a tiring 37 hours on a sleeper train for the truly adventurous.
There are extra direct flights during the tournament between host cities, allowing fans to avoid a layover in Moscow, but those options could be expensive.
HOTEL HASSLE
Some fans already have reported problems with accommodation.
Russian authorities have said they’re cracking down on hotels that hike prices beyond a set level, but it’s difficult to regulate. Some hotels have advertised online at one price, only to later demand extra payment with a threat of cancelling the booking.
LEGAL ISSUES
When foreigners in Russia arrive in a new city, they have to register within three days with the authorities.
Hotels register guests automatically — and fans must keep registration paperwork and passports on them at all times — but those staying at rental apartments will need to contact landlords to arrange the paperwork. Not being registered can result in a fine.
Flying drones without the right documents can result in a fine, and smoking is banned around stadiums and transport facilities.
HOT WATER?
Don’t be surprised if there’s no hot water in your accommodation. Russian authorities turn off the hot water in most buildings for two weeks each summer for repairs, on different dates for different districts.
SECURITY
Expect tight security around stadiums and transport hubs, with thousands of police and National Guard, plus airportstyle scanners.
FOOD AND DRINK
Bringing food into Russia isn’t as easy as many fans may expect. Sanctions on imported food from the European Union and other countries — though not strictly enforced for small quantities — could trip you up.
Non-sponsor beverage sales will be restricted in shops and other locations near stadiums.