Good news for football Lovers and those who want to visit Russia but cannot fulfill Russian visa requirements; Russia announced visa free entry system for spectators of FIFA football world cup 2018. Normally, you need to arrange too many documents to apply for Russia visit visa. But now you don’t need to get any documents. You do not need to apply any visa or don’t need to have any bank statement or invitation letter or any other document. You can enter Russia without visa to see FIFA world cup matches which is going to held in Russia in 2018. First match will start on 14th June 2018 and final match will be played on 15th July 2018. Matches will be played in 11 cities of Russia. Schedule of all matches can be found at http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/index.html. The only requirement to enter Russia without visa is your valid passport and a Fan id. You can enter Russia 10 days before 1st match and have to leave Russia within 10 days after final match. It means you can stay in Russia from 4 June to 25 July 2018. All you need is to apply for a fan id to visit Russia visa free. There is no requirement or restriction for nationality, visitors from any country with any nationality can visit Russia to see football matches. However, it is your choice whether you go to stadium to see the match or not or spend time in other activities.
Read Latest Announcement by Russian President: Second great Visa free entry to Russia Until end of 2018
How to get Fan Id for Russia World Cup 2018?
Fan id a small laminated form which has your identity information and photo. One Fan id is enough for all matches however; you have to buy separate ticket for each match you want to see. There is no application fee for Fan Id but match ticket may cost around 220USD per match. Let’s talk about how and where to get fan id. To apply Fan id, you have to buy at least on match ticket in advance because you will be asked for ticket number when you apply for fan id online. Buying ticket and fan id application both are done online through a quick process. First you have to buy ticket for one or matches which you want see at http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/organisation/ticketing/purchase.html . Russia world cup tickets will be in last phase of sale from 18 April to 15 July 2018. At this website you have to login or register a new account by using your Facebook or Gmail id. After logging in, you have to enter your personal and contact information then you can select match which you want to see and can make payment online through your credit card. You can buy tickets for as many as matches you want to see. Normally ticket price for one match is around 220 USD. Your ticket will be sent to you by email. If you don’t have any credit card, you can make payment from the credit of your friends/relatives too.
After buying ticket for minimum one match, you can proceed to Fan id application. You have to visit https://www.fan-id.ru to apply for fan id. At the home page of this website you will see all information about fan id and how fan id looks like. If you have already purchased match ticket, you can start application process of fan id by clicking red button of “Registration”. On the next page you have to accept all terms and conditions and then click on “Next” to proceed. Then you need to enter your ticket Id which you had already purchased, your personal details and photo etc. application process is quite simple and straight. After completing the process, you will receive email with your application number. You just need to wait for approval. You can track your application status online at the same website by entering your application number. Once your fan id application is approved, you will be informed through SMS and email. Fan id will be delivered through courier service/VFS. There may be some other options to receive fan id too according to country.
Fan id allows you to use free train service available in cities where matches will be played. You can make train reservation online in advance at https://tickets.transport2018.com/free-train/schedule provided that you have fan id and match ticket.
If you have any child travelling with you, you need to get separate fan id for child too regardless age. Child birth certificate may be demanded as an identity proof.
Applicants from south Asian countries like Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal etc. who want Russia world cup free travel, are advised to arrange accommodation proof, round trip air ticket and some show money after getting Fan id. Though Russia wants to be a good host for football world cup spectators yet airport immigration still asks many questions about the air ticket, place to stay in Russia and proof of funds. These things are not needed to buy ticket matches or to apply for Fan id. It is only need when you want to fly for Russia. Fan id is not an e visa or paper visa rather it is only a registration document and approval. With your fan Id, you can enjoy Russia visa free during world cup and stay up to estimated 51 days in Russia legally. From 4 June 2018 to 25 July 2018, you can enter any time in Russia and return to your country any time. More information can be seeking at embassy of Russian in your country.