News story

Olympique de Marseille vs Arsenal

Advice for fans travelling to see the Olympique de Marseille vs Arsenal game on the 18 September 2013.

From:
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Published
17 September 2013
This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
*

Date: 18 September 2013

Venue: Stade Vélodrome, 3 Boulevard Michelet, 13008 Marseille

Kick-off time: 20:45

Along with this advice, please also check out our travel advice for France

Passports and visas

Ensure you check your passport and visa details:

  • you don’t need a visa to travel to France, but your passport should be valid for your time in the country
  • remember to bring your European Health Insurance Card but also take out travel insurance, even if you’re only going for one night
  • travellers should carry ID at all times

Getting to the stadium

Check out the following information on how to get to the stadium:

  • stadium metro station is Rond Point du Prado
  • metro from old Port (where visiting supporters gather) is on line 1 (2 stops) to Castellane then change to line 2 and further 2 stops to stadium
  • supporters should allow around 30 minutes to get to stadium from Old Port by Metro
  • supporters should aim to leave Old Port by Metro at 18.00 at the latest to avoid congestion
  • main line railway station is Gare St Charles. Regular coach service to airport arrives and departs here
  • taxis from airport to stadium will cost around 70€ (more during rush hour)
  • no scheduled public transport will be running at the end of match

At the match

Advice for at the match:

  • all official Arsenal supporters (except VIPs and sponsors) will enter the stadium via the Parc Chanot entrance
  • ticket inspection and full body searches will be carried out by Marseille football club stewards and police
  • large police contingent will control entry to official supporters’ area
  • alcohol is banned inside the stadium
  • please note that Arsenal fans will be held back for around 20 to 30 minutes while the home supporters disperse
  • the stadium opens 2 hours before kick-off, you are advised to arrive well before the start of match as ticket and security checks can take up to an hour to complete before admittance to the visitors’ section
  • if you appear drunk you may be refused entry to the stadium

Tips

The following items are banned in the stadium and will be confiscated (and are unlikely to be returned):

  • banners and flags displaying anything which can be construed as racist or homophobic
  • flagpoles, sticks
  • fireworks and flares
  • alcoholic drinks, bottles, glasses, and cans
  • megaphones and drums
  • knives, belts, chains or any objects which can be thrown or used as a weapon

Consulate address

British Consulate
24 Avenue du Prado
3006 Marseille

Tel: +33 4 91 15 72 10

Emergency number: 112

Arsenal website

Published 17 September 2013

Related content