RBS 6 Nations France v. England 19 March 2016
Specific travel advice for rugby fans ahead of the match at the Stade de France.
England rugby team - Credits: RFU
In their vast majority, rugby fans are a cheerful and well-behaved crowd that normally do not need Consular assistance or advice. However, given the specific security considerations in France after the terrorist attacks last November, and to ensure that this match remains a festive occasion, please read and follow this specific travel advice.
- match date: Saturday 19 March 2016
- venue: Stade de France, Saint-Denis
- kick off time: 9pm (local); you are advised to be in place for 8PM (local)
Along with this advice, please read our travel advice for France and follow us on Twitter at @BritishinFrance.
A national state of emergency remains ongoing since last November. The French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced security measures. These measures will have an impact on the time it takes for you to get to and in the stadium.
Please see the French government’s advice about what to do if a terrorist attack occurs.
Getting to the stadium
- from Paris Gare Du Nord Eurostar Terminal, take RER B to La Plaine - Stade de France or RER D to Stade de France – Saint Denis
- from Paris Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris Orly airport, take RER B to La Plaine Stade de France
- by car, take motorway A1 exit 2 (Stade de France) or A86 exit 9 (Saint Denis La Plaine – Stade de France) - you must book your car park space in advance on the stadium’s website.
At the match
- security will be enforced by French police and stewards, the process will be thorough and time consuming: you should expect to go through several check points before entering the stadium (security measures include patting down, bag searches, ticket checks…)
- doors open at 7PM local time, 2 hours before kick-off - you should arrive well before the start of match as ticket and security checks will take a long time to complete before admittance - we have been informed that at no point will security checks be relaxed (i.e. if you are late you will not be in place for kick-off)
- supporters with disabilities are advised to arrive at the stadium no later than 2 hours before kick-off time
- avoid carrying large bags, motorcycle helmets and other luggage, as these will have to be left in a locker
- alcohol, fireworks, flares, bangers, rigid flagpoles, knives, weapons and so on are banned inside the stadium and will be confiscated
- if you appear drunk you may be refused entry to the stadium
Passports and visas
- you don’t need a visa to enter France, but make sure that your passport is valid until you return to the United Kingdom
- 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
- you should carry your ID with you at all times
Tips
- smoking is not permitted in the stands
- possession and use of recreational drugs is illegal in France and any infringement may result in arrest and imprisonment
- did we mention travel insurance?
- the Europe-wide number to call in an emergency is 112
Consulate address
British Embassy
Consular Services
16 rue d’Anjou
75008 Paris
Tel: +33 1 44 51 31 00
Useful links
Follow us on Twitter at @BritishinFrance!