Mon, 5th May 2008

UEFA have released the following information regarding visa arrangements for the Champions League Final in Moscow.The match ticket will serve as visa entry to Russia for a maximum 72-hour period for all ticket holders.

This applies to independent travellers as well as those on official trips.

For anyone who has already applied for a visa there will be no refunds.

In order to organise the UEFA Champions League Final 2008 in Moscow in the most efficient and enjoyable way and following high level discussions involving the UEFA President, Michel Platini, the Russian Government and UEFA are pleased to confirm that all supporters of the two finalist teams will be able to use their match ticket as a visa entry to the Russian Federation for a period of 72 hours.

The visa exemption applies to all ticket holders coming to Russia for the final in the period between 19 and 23 May 2008. Supporters will need to present a valid match ticket, a valid passport and a completed immigration form upon entrance to the Russian Federation. All supporters travelling to Russia without visas will be asked to keep their ticket up to departure from Moscow. Anyone overstaying the 72-hour entry period will then have to pay the fee for a regular visa when leaving the country.

Commenting on this historical decision UEFA President, Michel Platini, said:

'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, and for this I must thank wholeheartedly the Prime Minister 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.'

Our note: You must leave Russia in 72 hours. If not, there will be a huge fine ( around £1000) and you cannot leave the country until you issued an exit visa from Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This will cost you at least £150 and you need to accommodate yourself at least 2-3 weeks in Moscow so please do not take any chances.

If you still want visa:

How To Apply for Russian Visa

• Valid passport with at least 6 month validity from your return date
• A fully completed Russian visa application form - Click Here to Download the form.
• 2 Clear Pages in your passport
• Passport size photo

3 days Express Service ( Your passport will be with you  5-6 days later than you send) £ 160.

8 days Standard Service ( Your passport will be with you 15-16 days later than you send) £ 110. ( We cannot guarantee you will receive your passport before you travel).

When you fill the form:

• Complete the Visa Application Form as completely as possible, remembering to sign and date it.
• Question 6 is either 'tourism' or 'Champions Leauge Final'. 'visiting friends' etc. is not a valid answer
• Questions 7 and 13: Leave blank
• Question 14: tick 'YES'. You do not need to send your policy but it is your responsibility to make sure you are properly covered.
• Question 21: your UK work/study address; if you are self-employed please use the address from which you operate (can be your home address); if you are retired please state "retired".

email: champions@skyhighholidays.com if you need further info or if you want to apply.