Russia Waives Visas For Cl Final

The Russian government has waived normal visa requirements for a 72-hour period to enable ticket-holding fans to gain access to Moscow for the Champions League final between Manchester United and Chelsea.

More than 42,000 Chelsea and Manchester United fans are set to attend the match at the the Luzhniki Stadium on 21st May but there had been fears that Russia’ strict visa policy would mean many fans would be unable to secure their entry to the country in time.

The new visa exemption will apply between 19th and 23rd May but supporters will need to present a valid match ticket, a valid passport, and a completed immigration form upon arrival in Russia.
 
Anyone overstaying the 72-hour entry period will then have to pay the fee for a regular visa when leaving the country.

Commented UEFA president Michel Platini: ‘This is great news for football fans travelling to watch this year’s UEFA Champions League final in Moscow.

‘Our job is to make sure that they are able to get to and from Moscow as easily as possible. I am therefore extremely pleased that at my request, all fans travelling with a valid match ticket can use this to enter Russian territory.

‘For this I must thank wholeheartedly the president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, the Russian government, the city of Moscow and the Football Union of Russia for this exceptional and unprecedented gesture.’

Both clubs have been given 21,000 tickets each for the final at the Luzhniki Stadium, where the capacity is being set specifically at 69,500.