England and Wales fans urged to follow World Cup travel advice: Qatar 2022

• FCDO publishes 6 tips to help traveling fans enjoy the tournament in Qatar
• One month before the start of the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup
• England and Wales bosses Gareth Southgate and Rob Page encourage supporters to check the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Travel Tips

With just one month to go until the 2022 FIFA Men’s World Cup kicks off in Qatar, the FCDO has released 6 top tips for traveling England and Wales fans. Following these tips will help fans avoid avoidable problems and enjoy the tournament.

Any Brit planning to attend the World Cup is advised to:

1. get ready before you go. Our control List has all the practical steps fans need to think about before heading to the tournament, from passport validity to health prescriptions

2. read our travel advice and sign up for email alerts. World Cup specific information is available at gov.uk/qatar2022. Our Qatar travel advice is under constant review so fans should sign up for email alerts to stay up to date with the latest developments throughout the tournament.

3. follow the entry requirements for Qatar. To enter Qatar, fans must have a Hayya card (a form of fan identification), as well as proof of a negative COVID-19 result via a valid PCR or rapid antigen test certificate. Accommodation should be arranged before you go

4. obtain travel insurance. Without it, fans risk medical bills of up to thousands of pounds. Fans should verify that insurance covers them for all destinations, medical needs, COVID-19 related costs and planned activities.

5. know the do’s and don’ts. The laws and customs of Qatar are very different from those of the United Kingdom. There can be serious penalties for doing something that is not an offense in the UK. Alcohol availability and associated laws will differ from previous tournaments

6. avoid drugs. Qatar takes a zero-tolerance approach and visitors can expect a severe penalty for possessing even residual amounts. Punishment may include lengthy custodial sentences

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said:

The countdown to the World Cup is on, with just one month left until the action kicks off in Qatar.

We want all Brits traveling to enjoy their World Cup experience, and they are more likely to do so if they prepare before they go. By following our top 6 tips and signing up to Qatar travel advice email alerts will help fans have the best time possible at the tournament.

The FCDO works closely with a variety of partners, including football associations, supporters’ representatives and the UK police, to provide practical information and advice to supporters on the go.

England manager Gareth Southgate said:

I know how much our fans are looking forward to seeing England at major tournaments.

With just 1 month to go I would suggest anyone going to the World Cup sign up for UK government travel alerts.

As well as providing them with all the information they need, they will also get important tips to get the most out of following England. We can’t wait to see them all in the final.

Wales manager Rob Page said:

Everyone in Wales is looking forward to seeing Cymru in the World Cup, our first appearance in the competition since 1958.

For fans traveling to Qatar, we know how excited they are to see Cymru play at the tournament, but it’s extremely important that they keep up to date with the latest information and advice.

For the best possible experience, we advise our fans to sign up for Qatar travel advice email alerts.

Ashley Brown, England Fan Embassy Team, part of the Football Supporters Association, said:

Traveling to World Cups always requires a level of planning for supporters to ensure we get the most out of a tournament, whether it’s match days, sightseeing or general security. .

Qatar has very different laws than the UK and we encourage all fans to familiarize themselves with the FCDO6 top tips and follow the FSA for further fan-specific updates.

Paul Corkrey, Fan Embassy Wales said:

This is our first World Cup for a generation and we know Welsh fans will be determined to enjoy the experience.

It’s a journey into the unknown but information is available and we urge the Red Wall to bookmark the FCDO Travel advice website.

The UK will have a consular presence in Qatar and across the region throughout the tournament. UK nationals needing help or advice can contact the FCDO by telephone 24/7 on +44 (0)20 7008 5000 or by calling the embassy locally on +974 4496 2000. Qatari supporters can access Qatari emergency services by dialing 999.

Fans planning to travel elsewhere in the region should check the Travel Tips for each place they plan to visit or transit. Rules and requirements vary from country to country.