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Basel vs Chelsea

Advice for fans travelling to Switzerland for Chelsea’s match with Basel on 26th November 2013.

From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Published
26 November 2013
This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
England team

Date: 26th November 2013

Venue: St Jakob Park Stadium, Basel

Kick off time: 20:45 hrs (local time)

As well as this advice, check out our travel advice for Switzerland

Passports and visas

Please check your passport and visa details:

  • if you’re a British citizen you won’t need a visa to enter Switzerland, other British passport holders should check entry requirements with the nearest Swiss diplomatic mission
  • make sure your passport is valid for the proposed duration of your stay
  • keep your passport safe - if you lose your passport or it is stolen, contact the British Embassy in Berne
  • remember your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) but also take out travel insurance, even if you’re only going for one night, it could save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties

Getting to the stadium

Advice on getting to the stadium:

  • the stadium, St Jakob Park, is a modern venue in the south eastern district on the outskirts of Basel, adjacent to the A2 motorway
  • the stadium building includes a shopping centre and restaurants
  • Basel Airport is approximately 15 minutes from the city centre by tram number 50
  • the stadium is approximately 20 – 30 minutes walk from Basel city centre, or 10 minutes by tram (take tram number 14 from Aeschplatz to St Jakob, which is the closest tram stop to the stadium)
  • supporters with match day tickets can travel on public transport for free from 16:45 hrs on match day
  • public transport stops at 01:00 hrs
  • a taxi from Basel city centre to the stadium should cost approximately CHF 25. Note: Swiss currency is the Swiss Franc
  • Basel public transport map

At the match

Advice for the match:

  • Chelsea supporters will be seated in Stand B, which is on the western side of the ground in Sectors B1 and B2
  • there will be ticket checks and body searches at the entrance of the stadium
  • turnstiles open at 18:45 hrs, you’re advised to arrive in good time
  • no bottles, excessively large banners or flag poles will be allowed into the grounds
  • whilst there are luggage deposit facilities, you’re not recommended to bring large items to the ground
  • people who are drunk or behaving in an inappropriate manner won’t be allowed in to the stadium and could face arrest
  • alcohol won’t be available in the stadium
  • catering facilities are available in the visitors section throughout the match
  • it is anticipated Chelsea supporters will be held back for a short period at the end of the match

Tips

General advice and tips:

  • Switzerland is generally a safe country but take common sense precautions when in crowded city areas and on local transport as pick pockets do operate
  • keep your bags secure and preferably leave all valuable items in your hotel safety deposit box
  • keep your passport safe

Contact details for the British Embassy in Berne

British Embassy Berne
Thunstrasse 50
3005 Berne
Switzerland

Telephone: +41 (0)31 359 7700

Office hours: Monday to Friday: 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5pm

For more information and detailed travel advice for Switzerland, please visit the British Embassy Berne website.

Emergency services numbers

Public Emergency Line 112

Published 26 November 2013

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