Safety tips for Russia World Cup
Football fans going to Russia for the World Cup are being urged to be aware of the risks of travelling to the destination.
Travel risk experts, International SOS and Control Risks, have put together a list of vital travel safety tips, outlining the health and security environment in Russia.
"With thousands of people expected to attend the World Cup in Russia, risks can arise from a wide range of sources," said Timur Baiguzhinov, security expert at International SOS and Control Risks.
"Use of ground transportation, awareness of petty crime in crowded spaces, security at accommodations and visa requirements, among other considerations, could all potentially result in disruption to business arrangements."
He reminded fans of new regulation stipulating that all foreign visitors must register with the relevant authorities within three days of arrival.
"We also advise that visitor’s carry their passports at all times, only use official taxis and consider that taxi drivers may only speak Russian, and to avoid posting any political statements or discussing potentially contentious topics online," he added.
Dr Olivier Barles, regional medical director at International SOS, said the while many medical facilities in Russia have been improved in the recent years, visitors should be aware that standards do not always fully match international ones.
"Multi-language skills and requirement for payment in local currency are important issues to consider," he said.
"We would urge organisations and their travellers to plan medical support before they travel and make contingencies for any minor ailments as well as in the event of a more serious medical emergency."
Travel advice includes:
– If staying in private accommodation check with your host that you are registered with the local migration services body within 72 hours of your arrival to a host city.
– Avoid self-driving and only use official taxis. Ensure that you have your hotel and other key addresses written down in Russian and an online/offline translation service available.
– Avoid overt displays of wealth by leaving valuables in a secure location (i.e. hotel safe) and only carrying small amounts of cash on your person.
– If you are a LGTBQ traveller, avoid displays of affection in public, as Russian legislation considers the ‘promotion of homosexual propaganda’ to be illegal.
– Monitor international diplomatic affairs for issues that may impact you based on your profile and avoid discussing politics in public settings. Carefully consider any social media postings.
– In the event that you notice unrest brewing, vacate the area and return to a secure location (i.e. hotel or local office) until the situation stabilises.
– Adopt measures to safeguard information security. Avoid public Wi-Fi networks and turn off your mobile phone’s Bluetooth and Wi-Fi functions when not in use.
– Have medical plans in place in case of any issues.
Bev
Editor in chief Bev Fearis has been a travel journalist for 25 years. She started her career at Travel Weekly, where she became deputy news editor, before joining Business Traveller as deputy editor and launching the magazine’s website. She has also written travel features, news and expert comment for the Guardian, Observer, Times, Telegraph, Boundless and other consumer titles and was named one of the top 50 UK travel journalists by the Press Gazette.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026