Montenegro v Wales UEFA

Wales travel out to meet Montenegro this Friday, 3 September 2010 in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying football match. 

The venue is the City Stadium in the centre of Podgorica.  Kick-off is 7:30 pm local time (6:30 pm UK time). 

Montenegro is located in southeastern Europe and the name translated means ‘Black Mountain’.  It is bordered by Serbia to the northeast, Kosovo to the east, Albania to the southeast, the Adriatic Sea to the southwest, Croatia to the west and Bosnia and Herzegovina to the northwest.   Podgorica is the capital and largest city.  Montenegro is an independent and sovereign republic. Languages spoken are mainly Montenegrin and Serbian. Currency is the euro. 

Montenegro has in the last decade become a very popular tourist destination.  For such a small country, Montenegro is jam-packed with beauty, from its coastline, lakes, mountains, rivers, canyons, forests, monasteries and national parks.  The Adriatic coastline of Montenegro has stunning beaches and scenery, among which are Budva, the Bay of Kotor, Ulcinj in the south coastal area, and the picturesque peninsula of Sveti Stefa. 

The Foreign Office (FCO) has put together travel information for fans going out to support their team.  Note that the stadium will open two hours before kick-off, alcohol is not permitted at the match, and drinking on the streets is not allowed.   Carry photo ID with you at all times.  Wales fans should expect to be held back after the match to allow home supporters to exit first.

It is mandatory to register with the local police in the town where you are staying within twenty-four hours of arrival.  However, visitors staying in official tourist lodging or hotels should be registered automatically upon check-in.  Double check that this is done for you, as penalties for failing to register may result in a fine, detention or having to appear in court.

If you plan to drive in Montenegro note that you are required to hold a valid International Driver’s license.  Read up on the FCO advice before considering driving there. 

Montenegro is not part of the EU, but has a reciprocal healthcare agreement for British nationals for free emergency medical care.   However, there could be difficulties with communication, as staff may not speak English.   Be prepared because for non-emergency treatment payment in cash may be required.   It would be wise to take out comprehensive travel insurance before you go, and check that it covers medical repatriation. 

Visit our Travel Guide to Montenegro and follow the link for the FCO for their excellent and updated travel advice.

Flickr cc Image:  nathan17 (sveti-stefan, Montenegro)