Tuesday, August 13, 2019
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Travelling to Saint Petersburg
International travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic
⚠️ To help ticket holders with the key decisions that come next, we have summarised the essential entry requirements when travelling to Saint Petersburg for UEFA EURO 2020. This information is constantly evolving and changing and is based on the latest information received by UEFA from the local authorities. UEFA cannot guarantee that it will be accurate or reflect the latest position, although we will do our best to keep this up to date. It is your responsibility to check the Government websites to verify the latest information before your travel date.
Fan ID
A FAN ID is a mandatory document for everyone who attends a match at Saint Petersburg Stadium. The FAN ID allows you to enter Russia without a visa during the tournament. Details about how to apply are available on www.fan-id.ru.
Travel exemption
A travel exemption has been created and will be in place for all UEFA EURO 2020 games in Saint Petersburg. It will allow travelling fans from other nations with matchday tickets to enter Russia without a visa. However, some additional documents are required.
The travel exemption applies to both the general public and participating national association ticket holders during the following times:
- Entry period to Russia from 00:00 on 29 May to 23:59 on 2 July (local Russian time).
- Exit period from Russia 00:00 on 29 May to 23:59 on 12 July (local Russian time).
🛂 Travel exemption documents for entry and exit
If travelling to Russia by plane or travelling cross border, you will need to have the following documents to hand:
1️⃣ A valid passport recognised by the Russian Federation.
2️⃣ Your FAN ID. We recommend printing it out on an A4-size sheet to present it when boarding the plane.
3️⃣ Proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test in electronic or printed form in Russian or English. The test should be dated no earlier than three calendar days before arriving in Russia *.
4️⃣ A COVID-19 pre-travel screening form for those on international flights to Russia. To save time, we recommend printing it double-sided and completing it before arrival in the Russian Federation. It may also be provided to you during your flight. This form must be presented together with proof of your negative COVID-19 PCR test upon arrival at Russia passport control.
* Travelling fans from states such as the Eurasian Economic Union, including Armenia, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, via Russian airports need to provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test using the Путешествую без COVID-19 (Travel without COVID-19) mobile app.
Let me give you a top tip:
If you travel to Russia connecting via other countries, please also check their transit rules and COVID-19 restrictions. In addition, if you need a transit visa or any additional documents, please make sure you obtain these well in advance.
Leaving Russia requires you to present your passport and FAN ID at passport control.
Getting There
- Airport: Pulkovo Airport (LED)
- Distance to city centre: 20km
- Alternative airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), Vnukovo (VKO), Zhukovsky (ZIA)
Pulkovo Airport has direct flights to many European destinations and is the base airport for several Russian airlines.
An alternative option could be flying to one of Moscow's airports – Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo or Zhukovsky – and then travelling to Saint Petersburg by high-speed train, which takes approximately 3h45min. If you're travelling to or from Saint Petersburg via LED Airport, make sure you read the COVID-19 information that is available on the airport website.
Saint Petersburg has several railway stations: Moskovsky Station handles the trains arriving from Moscow and destinations in the south, including high-speed Sapsan trains. International destinations will not be operating during UEFA EURO 2020 so please use alternative means of transport for travelling to Saint Petersburg.
If you plan to rent a car from outside of Russia to drive to Saint Petersburg, please be aware that most rental companies don't permit driving across the Russian border.
Let me give you a top tip:
If you are a disabled passenger, please inform your airline or travel agent and let them know about the kind of assistance you need. You can do this either when booking your flight or closer to your travels, but make sure it's at least 48 hours before you start your journey.
Getting Around
📍 Distances
- City centre to stadium: 45 minutes by metro
- Airport to city centre: 1 hour by express bus and metro
Transport from airport
🚌 By shuttle
There will be dedicated shuttle services S1 connecting the airport to the city centre and S10 from the airport to the stadium. Further details and schedule are available on the UEFA EURO 2020 app.
🚇 By public transport
The express bus service 39x and city bus 39 run between the airport and the nearest metro station, Moskovskaya, where passengers can transfer to the blue metro line (2) to get to the city centre.
🚖 By taxi
A fully licensed taxi service with fixed rates runs from Pulkovo Airport. Check the official airport website for the exact rates.
🚗 By rental car
Keep in mind that there will be road closures around UEFA Festival sites, the stadium and major attractions. Parking options are limited and renting a car may not be the best option. It's best to stick to public transport to get around the city. If you do rent a car, make sure you're familiar with the local traffic laws.
Let me give you a top tip:
If you require assistance at the airport, book it at least 48 hours in advance by phone. Alternatively, disabled passengers can call for help using the button at the entrance to the terminal on the third floor.
Transport in the city
🚇 By public transport
Saint Petersburg has an extensive network of public transportation: buses, trams, metro, commuter trains, and more. The city has undoubtedly some of the most beautiful metro stations in the entire world, so missing out on them is not an option. Another bonus point: it's the fastest way to get around. The five metro lines are colour coded, so navigating the system is relatively easy.
- S2 connecting city centre (Ligovsky Avenue, 30) and stadium.
Operating hours: three hours before the match until kick-off. - S3 connecting Petrogradskaya metro station (Kamennoostrovsky Avenue, 42) and stadium.
Operating hours: three hours before the match until three hours after the final whistle. - S4 connecting Vyborgskaya metro station (Smolyachkova Street, 19) and stadium.
Operating hours: three hours before the match until three hours after the final whistle. - S6 connecting Chkalovskaya metro station (Bol'shaya Zelenina Street, 12a) and stadium.
Operating hours: three hours before the match until three hours after the final whistle.
Let me give you a top tip:
Public transport stops can be far apart, so try to plan if your walking capability is limited. Trams and the metro in Saint Petersburg are largely inaccessible due to stepped access, but you can look at the metro accessibility programme here.
🚗 By car
If possible, avoid driving in the city. There will be road closures around UEFA Festival sites, the stadium and major attractions. Parking for private vehicles will not be available at the stadium.
🚖 By taxi
Taxi travel is quite affordable in Saint Petersburg and numerous private operators have apps to request a ride. However, keep in mind that many drivers won't speak English. If the language barrier is not a problem for you, hailing a taxi in the streets is possible – just make sure it's a registered company and you negotiate the price before getting in. In most cases it's best to ask your hotel reception to help you call a taxi.