Ukraine vs England – Saturday 10 October 2009

This Saturday the England team will be in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine for a World Cup Qualifying football match.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has published some useful information for fans travelling to this match, which includes the following: 

• British Nationals do not need a visa for Ukraine, provided the visit is less than 180 days
• Fans should be alert for street crime, scams, muggings, pickpockets, etc. 
• Be alert to spiking of food or drinks – do not leave them unattended
• There are severe penalties for involvement in drugs
• Entry to the stadium maybe denied to fans suspected of intoxication
• Do not drink tap water – use only bottled or boiled water and avoid ice in drinks (as well as salads and foods washed in tap water)

Visitors to Ukraine are normally required to carry passports for identification, and on-the-spot fines may be imposed for failure to comply.  However, a special arrangement has been agreed with the police for fans travelling to this match, and details can also be found on the FCO website.

Be sure to take out a good travel insurance policy before you leave the UK.  Even if you are only going for a short trip it could be very expensive to cover costs if you have any problems or need access to medical services.  Visit the full information provided for fans by the FCO here.
 
Emergency contact numbers and other important and information, as well as useful Ukrainian phrases are available on the FCO website, and by visiting the FCO ‘Know Before You Go’ Country Advice for Ukraine. 

Good luck England – and a safe trip to all!