Italy vs England rugby match in Rome: consular advice
The Italy and England Rugby teams will meet in Rome for their NatWest 6 Nations Rugby Tournament on 4 February 2018 at 4pm.
The Consular Services of the British Embassy Rome have advice for English supporters travelling to see the match.
Traveling fans normally prepare well for their trips, don’t get into fights, don’t overindulge, don’t lose their passports and don’t normally come to our attention. Keep it up!
However, to avoid getting into trouble, here’s a bit of advice:
- check that your passport is valid for your whole trip to Italy
- make sure that you bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – this proves your entitlement to free/reduced cost health care if you need medical attention
- the EHIC does not replace comprehensive travel insurance though, so make sure you’re insured. Insurance could cover the entire cost of hospitalisation, and repatriation should that become necessary
- keep an eye on your possessions at all times: pickpockets operate in large crowds and on most public transport
The emergency numbers in Italy are:
- 112: Carabinieri
- 113: police
- 118: emergency ambulance
- 115: fire brigade
Practical information
- the venue for this match will be the Olympic Stadium in Rome. Kick-off time is at 4pm, Italian time. The stadium opens at 2pm. You should try to arrive early as access to the stadium might take some time and certainly before 3pm
- a fan zone at Parco del Foro Italico (next to the Stadium) is open from 10am on Sunday until 8pm. There is no parking at the stadium so don’t arrive by car
- disabled car parking spaces are located outside the Carraia Nord, in Largo Ferraris IV, where you will be directed to the Tribuna Tevere to access the stadium
- Italian police and stewards will conduct ticket checks and security screening. You might be required to show an original identity document so ensure you bring one with you. Any items that could be used as a weapon, like glass or plastic bottles are not permitted inside the stadium
- note also that musical instruments, large umbrellas and items of luggage are not permitted inside the stadium
How to get to the Olympic Stadium
- take Metro Line A to Flaminio/Piazza del Popolo and walk to the stadium (4.5 Kms) for about 30 minutes, or you can take tram no. 2 from Flaminio which drops you close to the stadium. Or take bus 910 from Roma Termini, get off at Piazza Antonio Mancini, then walk through the park, over the Bridge Duca D’Aosta and you’ll see the Stadio Olimpico
- combined metro and bus/tram tickets can be purchased from most tobacconists, bars or vending machines at metro stations and major bus stops and cost €1.50 each. Please note that bus and tram tickets must be stamped in the small yellow ticket machine found on buses and trams as soon as you start your journey. Failure to do so will result in a fine, if checked by an inspector
- if things go wrong and you need consular assistance, call us on +39 06 4220 0001.
Travel arrangements
Rome has two airports, Fiumicino and Ciampino and it has been known for travellers to go to the wrong airport and subsequently miss their flight home. If you are taking a taxi to the airport, please make sure you specify which one to the taxi driver.
Stolen passports
If your passport is stolen report the loss to the local police as soon as possible and obtain a copy of the police report. Please be aware that you cannot travel back to the UK without a valid travel document. You will need to apply to the Consular Section of the British Embassy, Rome during opening hours for an Emergency Travel Document. This will mean applying for an Emergency Travel Document at the British Embassy in Rome on the Monday after the game.
The Emergency Travel Document is a temporary one-way travel document which will allow you to return to the UK or back to your country of residence. You will need to produce the following:
- a copy of the police report reporting the passport stolen
- an acceptable form of identification, if possible (e.g. driving licence and/or photocopy of your lost passport)
- one passport-size photograph. We are able to provide a photo at the Embassy for a cost of €5 paid only in cash
- a fee of €117 or £100 (payable in cash or by credit card except American Express)
- any details you may have of your return travel arrangements
- authorisation from both parents if you are under 16
Lost wallets
If you lose your wallet please try to cancel your credit cards as soon as possible. British consular officials cannot give you money to help you return home. You can transfer money from relatives or friends in the UK using many of the reputable commercial money transfer agencies in Italy including Western Union and Moneygram and Consular staff can assist you in this.
You can also use most major credit cards (and debit cards carrying the Maestro and EC logos) to obtain money from Italian cash machines if you have your PIN. Consular staff can provide you with telephone and internet facilities during opening hours.
If you are arrested
British consular officials can visit you in prison (if you request it) and can put you in touch with local lawyers if you need one. But they cannot get you out of prison, represent you in court or pay your bills. If you wish to see a consular official please make this request clear to the local police authorities.
Consular assistance
The Consular Section of the British Embassy in Rome is open to the public from 09:00 – 12.00 and 14.00-15.00 Monday-Fridays.
The contact number for those requiring consular assistance including emergencies during your visit to Rome is 0039 06 4220 0001.
The address for the British Embassy Rome is Via XX Settembre 80/a, 00187 Rome, Italy.
Check out our Italy Travel Advice before you go.