FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 Travel Guide

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia was a historic event, uniting football fans from around the globe. Held from June 14 to July 15, 2018, the tournament featured 32 teams competing across 11 vibrant host cities. Whether you were fortunate enough to attend or are reminiscing about the experience, this guide offers valuable insights into the event’s logistics, attractions, and travel essentials.

Host Cities & Stadiums FIFA World Cup Russia

Matches were played in 12 state-of-the-art stadiums across Russia. Here’s an overview:

City	Stadium	Capacity
Moscow	Luzhniki Stadium	81,000
Moscow	Spartak Stadium	45,000
Saint Petersburg	Krestovsky Stadium	67,000
Kazan	Kazan Arena	45,000
Nizhny Novgorod	Nizhny Novgorod Stadium	45,000
Samara	Samara Arena	45,000
Volgograd	Volgograd Arena	45,000
Yekaterinburg	Yekaterinburg Arena	35,000
Kaliningrad	Kaliningrad Stadium	35,000
Rostov-on-Don	Rostov Arena	45,000
Saransk	Mordovia Arena	45,000
Sochi	Fisht Olympic Stadium	48,000

Each stadium offered a unique atmosphere, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of its city.

FIFA World Cup Russia Tickets & FAN ID

To attend matches, fans required a FIFA World Cup ticket and a FAN ID. The FAN ID not only served as a match access pass but also provided benefits like:

Visa-free entry into Russia for ticket holders.
Free public transportation on match days.
Access to FIFA Fan Fests in host cities.

Tickets were available in four categories, with prices varying based on match importance and seating location.

Visa & Travel Essentials FIFA World Cup Russia

For most international visitors, obtaining a visa was necessary. However, ticket holders with a FAN ID enjoyed visa-free entry. Essential travel tips included:

Passport Validity: Ensure your passport was valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Registration: Foreign visitors had to register their stay within seven days of arrival.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for medical emergencies and unforeseen events.

Coming to Russia and all about Passport & Visas.

Although, the preparations for visa-free entry to Russia is done five months prior to the FIFA world cup.
The fans that want to go for FIFA matches in Russia can get tourist visa or can also have Visa-free entry.
Original passport should have at least 2 empty pages, it should be valid for at least 6 months before the Visa ends.
YOuhave in Russian or English language. The type of visa is in accordance of the country.
The easy or the better way is to get private visa if you have friends or relatives in Russia. Submit the documents to territorial department of the Federal Migrating service of Russia Federation.
If the whole family is coming, the children’s application will be included in parent’s passport & visa. If the child has his own passport, then all documents have to be submitted and a separate visa will be made.
We love our pets and cannot leave them at home alone. Well, good news is that you can bring maximum two along with you by just bringing the Veterinary prescription of pets and by paying for the extra carrier and by fulfilling other requirements.
Keep yourself insured which is necessary to get visa. The insurance will cover all medical transport & dental aid.
The fans attending the competition will get the FIFA World Cup 2018 FAN ID and one can get its benefits which we are going to let you know.

FIFA 2018 Fan ID & Football tickets in 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia.

Football tickets in 2018 FIFA World Cup has four classes where the first is the most expensive and for the best seats, the second & third are for outside the first zone and fourth are at affordable price which can only be purchase by the residents or people staying in the country for a long time.

Benefits of FIFA World Cup 2018 FAN ID.

The fans have all the perks of being a spectator at the FIFA.
Roam around to the host city for free, you just have to register for the train on official website.
You can visit the host cities by air, by rail, by bus and by sea at some places for free.
If you like to drive through the host cities, that is also an option by renting a car but knowing all the Russian traffic regulations must be read thoroughly. It includes the type of roads, toll roads, pay parking at host cities and what the lights signify.

Getting Around Russia

Navigating Russia’s vast expanse was facilitated by:

High-speed trains connecting major cities.
Domestic flights for longer distances.
Public transportation: Metro systems in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg were efficient and affordable.
Ride-sharing apps: Services like Yandex.Taxi and Uber operated in several cities.

Travel in Russia for FIFA WC 2018.

Travelling and roaming to experience the city is fun and easy. The country has metro throughout, bus, trolleybus, trams & taxis for convenience.
If you are renting a car, you ought to have knowledge of the rental terms, insurance policies and details regarding your license.

Fan Experience & Attractions

Beyond the matches, Russia offered a plethora of attractions:

FIFA Fan Fests: Held in cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, these events featured live screenings, music, and cultural performances.
Cultural Sites: Visitors explored landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square, Hermitage Museum, and Lake Baikal.
Cuisine: Russian delicacies like borscht, pelmeni, and blini delighted food enthusiasts.

Mosco Metro.

If you think to travel by taxi, rather take metro in Moscow. The metro is so beautiful & vibrant that it totally looks like a museum due to its fascinating decorations and rich looks.

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2. Eternal Flame.

The Eternal Flame, also known as Tomb of the unknown soldier, is a Russian honor guard as one can experience in India gate. Ring any bells? Yes, we are talking about ‘Amar Jyoti Jawaan’. Have a free walking tour to get to know all about the attraction.

3. Saint Basil’s Cathedral.

This is the most famous Church because of the colourful onion domes which are brightly painted which attracts people alot. It is said that the Ivan the Terrible had cut out the eyes of the architects who made this church in 16^th century. Again, similar to the incident which matches Taj Mahal in India where Shah Jahan had cut out hands of the architects so that no monument is made thereafter.

4. Zaryadye Park.

Zaryadye Park is an urban park which has a good and watchable landscape. It is located near Red square locality only.It also has a floating bridge which has Ice Cave and 4D attraction called “Flight over Russia”.

5. Bolshoi Theatre.

The Bolshoi Theatre is the iconic and the most important theatre which hosts ballets & operas performances. The Russian ballets are known for their highest standards in the world. Just get the tickets months before the performance where chances of getting inexpensive tickets are high. There are plethora of places to watch here. Prioritize and enjoy!

Souveniers from Russia.

People say that memories are the best souvenirs, and indeed, some things serve as reminders of the time you spent cherishing. For instance, fans can collect gifts such as handmade, carved, and painted wooden items, crystals, gems, or the FIFA Russia World Cup mascot as mementos.

However, travelers must declare these items to the authorities in advance. Additionally, they must present a copy of the document to prove ownership and confirm that the mementos legally belong to them.

Furthermore, FIFA WC 2018 official gift shops opened in the host cities and offered fans a wide range of merchandise. For example, visitors could buy the official World Cup 2018 mascot Zabivaka—the wolf with themed clothes—keychains, fridge magnets, and much more.

Moreover, the organizers designed these souvenirs to capture the spirit of the event. Similarly, fans could take home memorabilia that celebrated their World Cup experience. In addition, the official items ensured authenticity and quality. Ultimately, collecting these mementos allowed fans to preserve the memories of an unforgettable football tournament.

Travel Tips & Safety

To ensure a smooth experience:

Language: While English was spoken in major cities, learning basic Russian phrases proved helpful.
Currency: The Russian Ruble (RUB) was the official currency. Credit cards were widely accepted, but carrying some cash was advisable.
Safety: Like any major event, staying vigilant in crowded areas was essential. Utilizing hotel safes for valuables and avoiding isolated areas at night were recommended.

Conclusion

The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia celebrated more than just football; in fact, it showcased culture, unity, and the universal love for the beautiful game. Moreover, fans from all over the world attended thrilling matches. Not only that, the host cities displayed Russia’s rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere. Meanwhile, supporters enjoyed live fan events and cultural festivities. Additionally, the tournament allowed visitors to explore iconic landmarks and taste local cuisine. Furthermore, friendships and connections formed among fans created unforgettable experiences. As a result, the event fostered global camaraderie.

In addition, the matches delivered excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments. Consequently, the tournament inspired new generations of football fans. Similarly, the fan culture strengthened international bonds. Indeed, every day of the World Cup revealed new surprises. Therefore, attending the World Cup offered a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Ultimately, the journey filled fans with passion, memories, and a shared love for football.