News story
Rugby world cup sevens 2013
Travel advice for rugby fans travelling to Russia 28-30 June 2013
Rugby world cup sevens 2013 will be held in Moscow, Russia between 28-30 June at the Moscow Luzhniki Stadium. The men’s tournament is made up of 24 teams and the women’s tournament comprises 16 teams. The UK will be represented by teams from:
-
England – both men’s and women’s teams
-
Ireland (players from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland) – both men’s and women’s team
-
Scotland – only men’s team
-
Wales – only men’s team
As well as the advice below, check out our travel advice for Russia before you travel and the Official RWC Sevens 2013’s website.
Passports, visas and health insurance
- British citizens need a visa to travel to Russia, and your passport should be valid for a further three months after your Russian visa expiration date
- Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Russia, so travel/health insurance is essential, even if you’re only going for one night - it could save you a lot of money if you find yourself in difficulty.
- It is essential you carry your passport with your Russian visa and migration/registration card with you at all times – in particular, you’ll need to carry your passport to the match to gain entry to the stadium. The police conduct ID checks, and want to see original documentation.
- If you lose your passport or have it stolen, you should report the loss to the local police as soon as possible in the first instance and obtain a police report or confirmation of loss from the police. The British Embassy can then provide you with an emergency travel document (ETD) and advice on how to obtain an exit visa so that you can leave Russia and return home.
Key Transport tips
- Luzhniki Stadium – nearest Metro is SPORTIVNAYA/СПОРТИВНАЯ (Red Line)
- British Embassy – nearest Metro is SMOLENSKAYA/СМОЛЕНСКАЯ (Light Blue line; Dark Blue line)
- Domodedovo Airport – is served by a train service “AERO-Express” from PAVELETSKAYA STATION /ПАВЕЛЕЦКАЯ (Metro – Brown circle line; Dark Green line)
- Sheremetyevo Airport – is served by a train service “AERO-Express” from BELORUSSKAYA STATION/БЕЛОРУССКАЯ (Metro – Brown circle line; Dark Green line)
- Vnukovo Airport – is served by a train service “AERO-Express” from KIEVSKAYA STATION /КИЕВСКАЯ (Metro – Brown circle line; Dark Blue line; Light Blue line)
- Stadium website with map and contacts (in Russian)
- Metro (underground) tickets can be bought for 1, 2, 5 or 11 trips – on sale in all Metro stations (COST: 1 trip – Rbl 30; 2 trips – Rbl 60; 5 trips – Rbl 150; 11 trips – Rbl 300). 90-minute tickets for travel by bus, trolleybus, tram, metro and monorail system services for a limited number of activations (1 activation = 1 metro trip + unlimited ground transportation trips within 90 minutes):
| No of activations | Valid for (days) | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 activation | Day of purchase | 50 |
| 2 activations | 5 days after the first activation | 100 |
| 5 activations | 90 days, incl. day of purchase | 220 |
| 11 activations | 90 days, incl. day of purchase | 450 |
REMEMBER to keep your ticket if you pay for more than one trip
- Bus tickets can be bought from the driver (at Rbl 100 for 4 tickets) or from silver ticket kiosks near some stops (COST: 1 trip – Rbl 25; 2 trips – Rbl 50; 5 trips – Rbl 100; 11 trips – Rbl 200).
- The Metro runs from 5:30am until 1:00am.
- Buses run from 5:30am until 1:00am.
At the match
- Access to the stadium can be slow. There will be ticket checks and body searches at the entrance to the turnstiles. To avoid a last minute bottleneck please try to get to the stadium early.
- No bottles or cans are allowed to be brought into the ground and alcohol is banned within the stadium. Flags and banners without poles are allowed subject to message, language and content.
- Smoking is allowed in the “smoking areas”.
- Standing during the game is allowed.
Tips
- Tap water has to be boiled before drinking.
- As in any other city beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, railway stations, around the town centre and when using public transport. Only carry what you need, leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits. Pickpockets operate on the Metro and in tourist areas such as Red Square.
- Don’t smoke or drink in Red Square - it’s illegal and you will be arrested.
- Acts of theft will be prosecuted rather than fined or deported.
Minimise the risks:
- Security at the Stadium will be strict and uncompromising – refrain from antagonising the police even if you believe you are in the right.
- Carry your passport at all times. The police conduct ID checks, and want to see originals.
- Carry a note of the address of your hotel (in both English and Russian) – it can help people give you directions and ensure that taxi drivers know where you want to go.
- Keep the number of valuables you carry to a minimum - passport, a credit card, your phone and some money - and ensure they are secure (not in back pockets).
- Change money at a bank, hotel, or in exchange kiosks – it is illegal to exchange money in the street.
- Carry the contact number for your travel insurer at all times
- Carry the address and telephone number of the Embassy so you can call for help.
- Leave a copy of your passport and other important documents safe in your hotel in case you lose the originals.
- Don’t carry weapons of any sort – they will be confiscated and could get you arrested.
Drink and drugs:
- Be vigilant when drinking - pickpockets may operate in some bars.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended – drink spiking is not uncommon.
- Beware of strangers offering to buy drinks for you.
- Don’t turn up drunk at the stadium – security will be tough and you will be refused entry.
- Russia operates a zero tolerance policy on the possession and use of drugs, whether hard or soft. Penalties are severe and can result in long jail sentences.
What the British Embassy can do:
- If you lose your money or are robbed, the Embassy can help you transfer funds from friends or family in the UK – but cannot provide you with money in any circumstances.
- If you lose your passport or have it stolen, the Embassy can issue you an emergency travel document ETD) so that you can leave Russia.
- If you are detained or arrested in Moscow, insist on contacting the Embassy on 8 495 956 7200 (from within Moscow) or +7 495 956 7200 (if calling from a UK mobile).
- This number is available 24 hours a day. Embassy staff can make sure you are being treated fairly – BUT if you have broken the law, they cannot arrange for you to be released from detention, nor can they pay fines.
- In the case of serious injury or illness, the Embassy can help you contact a member of your family and your travel insurance company.
British Embassy Moscow contact details
British Embassy in Moscow
Smolenskaya Naberezhnaya, 10
Moscow 121099
Website: UK and Russia
Embassy Switchboard: +7 495 956 7200
Emergency numbers
International emergency number (from your mobile): 112
Police: 02 (from Russian public phones only)
Ambulance: 03 (from Russian public phones only)
International SOS (Private, English-speaking ambulance): +7 495 937 5760
Published 18 June 2013