Trialist
0
·
5
·
about 7 years

We are a group of 3 kiwis living in Amsterdam and have just received confirmation that we've been allocated tickets to all the All Whites games for Russia 2017. Keen to hear of other NZ supporters heading there. Always better when all the supporters can get together before/after games and tee up a few bars to meet at in advance.

Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

I'm planning to be there.  Missed the first rounds of ticketing but they are back on sale from March 1st.  Will catch the North Ireland match too.

Trialist
1
·
3
·
about 7 years

Hi

I am a kiwi living near Belfast and want to go to the NI match with my two young sons.

Marto or anyone have you seen tickets for NI match anywhere?

Bryan

.

Trialist
2
·
13
·
over 15 years

Yes we are going to the games in Russia and looking to also go to the Northern Ireland game. Flights booked to St Petersburg and accommodation. The same for Sochi. Really looking forward to it. 5 in our party

Trialist
2
·
13
·
over 15 years

We are flying from/to Amsterdam on 15th June

Marquee
6.9K
·
9.3K
·
over 13 years

I hope you're spending some time there outside of the games, it's an amazing place but really expensive and difficulit to get to so you should make the most of it.

Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

Hi

I am a kiwi living near Belfast and want to go to the NI match with my two young sons.

Marto or anyone have you seen tickets for NI match anywhere?

Bryan

.

Not had a look yet.  Was waiting for NZF to mention something.  Not sure if the Beige Brigade (do they still exist?) will be organising anything.  Otherwsie will be a case of contacting The (Northern) Irish FA.

Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

We are a group of 3 kiwis living in Amsterdam and have just received confirmation that we've been allocated tickets to all the All Whites games for Russia 2017. Keen to hear of other NZ supporters heading there. Always better when all the supporters can get together before/after games and tee up a few bars to meet at in advance.

Just brought my tickets for all three games.  As I understand it we don't need a visa for Russia, just the fan ID thing from FIFA, is that how you read it too?

Marquee
6.9K
·
9.3K
·
over 13 years

Marto wrote:

We are a group of 3 kiwis living in Amsterdam and have just received confirmation that we've been allocated tickets to all the All Whites games for Russia 2017. Keen to hear of other NZ supporters heading there. Always better when all the supporters can get together before/after games and tee up a few bars to meet at in advance.

Just brought my tickets for all three games.  As I understand it we don't need a visa for Russia, just the fan ID thing from FIFA, is that how you read it too?

I'd double check it, It's probably different for big events and they make exceptions, but I've been to Russia a few times and if you're going there normally you have to do the following:

  • Book all accomodation before applying for a visa 
  • Book all flights in and out
  • Get letters of acceptance from all accomodation providers
  • If you're staying with people in Russia they must go through thorough background checks and financial checks
  • Provide bank statements to prove that you've paid for said accomodation

Obviously you need to hand all these documents and your visa over to the Russian Embassy, then you wait a few weeks for acceptance.

When you're in Russia if you go to smaller cities and towns you have to sign in at the police station of post office as a foreigner and sign out when you leave.

Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

Ryan wrote:

Marto wrote:

We are a group of 3 kiwis living in Amsterdam and have just received confirmation that we've been allocated tickets to all the All Whites games for Russia 2017. Keen to hear of other NZ supporters heading there. Always better when all the supporters can get together before/after games and tee up a few bars to meet at in advance.

Just brought my tickets for all three games.  As I understand it we don't need a visa for Russia, just the fan ID thing from FIFA, is that how you read it too?

I'd double check it, It's probably different for big events and they make exceptions, but I've been to Russia a few times and if you're going there normally you have to do the following:

  • Book all accomodation before applying for a visa 
  • Book all flights in and out
  • Get letters of acceptance from all accomodation providers
  • If you're staying with people in Russia they must go through thorough background checks and financial checks
  • Provide bank statements to prove that you've paid for said accomodation

Obviously you need to hand all these documents and your visa over to the Russian Embassy, then you wait a few weeks for acceptance.

When you're in Russia if you go to smaller cities and towns you have to sign in at the police station of post office as a foreigner and sign out when you leave.

Thanks for the reply Ryan.  That was what I was doing until FIFA sent me the fan ID thing.  Will call the Russian Embassy in London tomorrow for clarification.  The pass said that you get 6 days before and 6 days after the comp to come in and out without a tourist visa as long as you have the ID.  I think Russia is scared that no ones going to turn up.

Marquee
6.9K
·
9.3K
·
over 13 years

Cool, I'm sure they make it easier for big events, just triple check as the Russian border officials aren't the friendliest bunch. I hope you get a chance to have a look around as it's a fascinating country with amazingly hospitable people.

First Team Squad
1.2K
·
1K
·
over 14 years

Russia was easily one of the most interesting places I ever visited, and I'd suggest taking the chance to go there won't be regretted - especially combined with seeing the All Whites play

Life and death
2.4K
·
5.5K
·
almost 17 years

Ryan wrote:

Marto wrote:

We are a group of 3 kiwis living in Amsterdam and have just received confirmation that we've been allocated tickets to all the All Whites games for Russia 2017. Keen to hear of other NZ supporters heading there. Always better when all the supporters can get together before/after games and tee up a few bars to meet at in advance.

Just brought my tickets for all three games.  As I understand it we don't need a visa for Russia, just the fan ID thing from FIFA, is that how you read it too?

I'd double check it, It's probably different for big events and they make exceptions, but I've been to Russia a few times and if you're going there normally you have to do the following:

  • Book all accomodation before applying for a visa 
  • Book all flights in and out
  • Get letters of acceptance from all accomodation providers
  • If you're staying with people in Russia they must go through thorough background checks and financial checks
  • Provide bank statements to prove that you've paid for said accomodation

Obviously you need to hand all these documents and your visa over to the Russian Embassy, then you wait a few weeks for acceptance.

When you're in Russia if you go to smaller cities and towns you have to sign in at the police station of post office as a foreigner and sign out when you leave.

Wow, it was easier when they were the USSR
Marquee
6.9K
·
9.3K
·
over 13 years

Well, that was doing it ourselves. If you go through a tourist agency then they will handle most of the details for you, I'm guessing when you went to the soviet union it was always through a tourism agency.

When you list it out it sounds a lot worse than it is and the visa is by far the hardest part - you can freely travel when you're in the country, even if you're not supposed to.  You just need to sign in at the police station.

The bank account checks aren't always required, they seem to be a spot check at random sort of thing. Because it's so hard to get the visa if you're staying with people (the background checks) a lot of people buy fraudulent invitation letters from hotels and then just stay with relatives, and that's what the bank account checks are for, to make sure you've actually paid for accomodation rather than produced fake letters. 

I'll also add that the last time I was there was 2012, since then they've had the Winter Olympics and a regular f1 race (as well as a war with the Ukraine and a lot of sanctions from the west) so it might be more open.

Trialist
0
·
5
·
about 7 years

ChelseaFC88 wrote:

Yes we are going to the games in Russia and looking to also go to the Northern Ireland game. Flights booked to St Petersburg and accommodation. The same for Sochi. Really looking forward to it. 5 in our party

Awesome! Where have you booked your accommodation? Great to hear of some other Kiwis heading over!

Trialist
0
·
5
·
about 7 years

Marto wrote:

Ryan wrote:

Marto wrote:

We are a group of 3 kiwis living in Amsterdam and have just received confirmation that we've been allocated tickets to all the All Whites games for Russia 2017. Keen to hear of other NZ supporters heading there. Always better when all the supporters can get together before/after games and tee up a few bars to meet at in advance.

Just brought my tickets for all three games.  As I understand it we don't need a visa for Russia, just the fan ID thing from FIFA, is that how you read it too?

I'd double check it, It's probably different for big events and they make exceptions, but I've been to Russia a few times and if you're going there normally you have to do the following:

  • Book all accomodation before applying for a visa 
  • Book all flights in and out
  • Get letters of acceptance from all accomodation providers
  • If you're staying with people in Russia they must go through thorough background checks and financial checks
  • Provide bank statements to prove that you've paid for said accomodation

Obviously you need to hand all these documents and your visa over to the Russian Embassy, then you wait a few weeks for acceptance.

When you're in Russia if you go to smaller cities and towns you have to sign in at the police station of post office as a foreigner and sign out when you leave.

Thanks for the reply Ryan.  That was what I was doing until FIFA sent me the fan ID thing.  Will call the Russian Embassy in London tomorrow for clarification.  The pass said that you get 6 days before and 6 days after the comp to come in and out without a tourist visa as long as you have the ID.  I think Russia is scared that no ones going to turn up.

I was very happy to find on the Fifa website today also that the Fifa ID thing can be used for entry into Russia instead of a visa. Saves a lot of extra time and work going through the usual application process! 

Trialist
0
·
5
·
about 7 years

Marto wrote:

We are a group of 3 kiwis living in Amsterdam and have just received confirmation that we've been allocated tickets to all the All Whites games for Russia 2017. Keen to hear of other NZ supporters heading there. Always better when all the supporters can get together before/after games and tee up a few bars to meet at in advance.

Just brought my tickets for all three games.  As I understand it we don't need a visa for Russia, just the fan ID thing from FIFA, is that how you read it too?

Yes, I read the same today. Great news!

Trialist
0
·
5
·
about 7 years

Marto wrote:

Hi

I am a kiwi living near Belfast and want to go to the NI match with my two young sons.

Marto or anyone have you seen tickets for NI match anywhere?

Bryan

.

Not had a look yet.  Was waiting for NZF to mention something.  Not sure if the Beige Brigade (do they still exist?) will be organising anything.  Otherwsie will be a case of contacting The (Northern) Irish FA.

Very interested in this game too. Keen to hear if anyone hears of any avenues for purchasing tickets through.

Marquee
1.7K
·
8.1K
·
over 16 years

Look up the Flying Kiwis on Facebook. That crazy b*stard, Matt Fejos, is leading the charge with some 'proper naughty villains' to the red star. Not sure what any of that means, UK life has changed him.

WeeNix
15
·
760
·
over 16 years

Thanks Brumbys!

Yes have a little crew coming from Holland, England, Norway, Hungary, Germany. Kiwis uniting ?❤⚽?.

Please flick me a kine if you want to meet up, be great.

Matt fejos on facebook

Thanks

Starting XI
1.3K
·
2.7K
·
almost 9 years

For those talking about going to the Northern Ireland game in Belfast

get in touch with these guys http://www.aonisc.co.uk/home

They will be able to help you out with tickets and also good advice about where to drink go etc

Marquee
690
·
7.3K
·
over 14 years

competition here, better get in quick though, it finishes on 30th March.

http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/games/be-there-with-hyundai/index.html

Trialist
0
·
2
·
about 7 years

Does anyone know if there will be an All Whites supporter zone at each game? Would like to get tickets for these areas if possible 

WeeNix
15
·
760
·
over 16 years

Hey mate, we booked through NZF so will be. Have you sorted tickets yet? Who are you going with? We've got a little crew going, let me know if you want to link up over there. Up the All Whites.

Marquee
690
·
7.3K
·
over 14 years

Feast your eyes on these slogans.  Shame they didn't put an english translation on some of the counties slogans.  Guess I could use google translate... vote here

http://www.fifa.com/confederationscup/games/be-there-with-hyundai/vote-slogan.html

Marquee
870
·
7.3K
·
almost 17 years

My favourite is:

БУДУЩИЕ ПОБЕДЫ ПРИНАДЛЕЖАТ ТЕМ, КТО ВЕРИТ В СВОИ МЕЧТЫ!!!

Starting XI
1.5K
·
4.9K
·
over 15 years

RT Russian state television English language website may be useful for Kiwis heading to Russia: a good place for info on host cities, stadium guides, Confederations Cup news reports etc..

RT Confederations Cup specific website for latest news, links to host city guides, stadia guides etc.:

https://www.rt.com/fifa2018/

Guide to online coverage with links such as guide to host cities, host stadia guide etc.

https://www.rt.com/sport/388740-fifa-confederation...

Sports section of RT website:

https://www.rt.com/sport/

Here NZ Embassy official Cecelia Warren talks about NZ at the Confederations Cup:

https://www.rt.com/sport/387158-new-zealand-russia...

Marquee
6.9K
·
9.3K
·
over 13 years

If you go take the time to learn Cyrilic.

Things like the Metro systems have Latin translation of the Cyrilic letters but you can learn the alphabet in a few hours and it's phonetically consistent so you can ask where something is, or order something from a menu without too much hassle.

Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

Tickets arrived today, they look quite cool.  Am pumped for this AW Confed tour.

Marquee
1.2K
·
8.2K
·
over 16 years
Trialist
0
·
2
·
almost 7 years

Hi,

I'm a sports writer based in Moscow with the Associated Press news agency. 

We're trying to get to know fans who are travelling to Russia for the tournament from various countries, to put together a picture of what the fan experience is like ahead of the World Cup next year.

We're interested in experiences like how you travel to Russia, first impressions, encounters with locals, high and low points of the trip. If we could chat by phone before/during the tournament, or if you feel like sharing video of some fun moments on tour (singing with Russians on an overnight train, say), feel free to get in touch via my account here or at jellingworth AT ap DOT org.

First things - how have you got on with the ticketing and Fan ID system? Everything arriving on time and smoothly? Any concerns you have at this stage?

Best regards,

James Ellingworth

Sports Writer, AP Moscow bureau

Trialist
0
·
10
·
almost 11 years
Heading over to St Petersburg for the game against Portugal with a few English mates who'll be honorary Kiwis for the occasion. Keen to meet up with any other supporters that'll be heading over too!  
Starting XI
2K
·
4.7K
·
almost 17 years

Has anyone received their fan IDs yet?

Trialist
0
·
2
·
almost 7 years

Hi James, 

My partner and I are going. We're going via England to catch a couple of ICC Champions Trophy games first, collect some English mates to be honorary Kiwi supporters and head on over to Russia. We leave tomorrow, but while the Fan ID process was no problem at all, we don't have the tickets yet. I've made two attempts to contact FIFA to find out what options we have, but they just re-send the ticket terms and conditions, which isn't helpful. Anyone who wanted to go via Korea to see the FIFA U-20 on the way to Russia would be in all sorts of problems too I expect. I know FIFA/Russia are worried about attendance at the Confederations Cup - they should be when they have such disregard for fans making the effort to come from the other side of the world. I'm going to take the email confirmation with me and see if there is anything we can do, but in the meantime if you have any inside knowledge on what to do next, I'd be grateful. I'm not buying another 5 tickets to each game because FIFA didn't send them in time. 

Regards,
Emma

Trialist
2
·
13
·
over 15 years

We have booked an AirBnB apartment for the duration of the three games in the centre of St Petersburg. Flying down to Sochi day before the game and staying in Alder at a really reasonably  priced hotel (took the gamble as it is only for a coupe of nights). FAN ID's arrived and all set to go. Also traveling over to Belfast for the game, looks like it's going to be a good summer

Trialist
0
·
2
·
almost 7 years

Hi Emma (theevilgal),

I saw your message on the forum about the difficulties you’ve been having with the tickets. Tried to message you via the system here, but it won't send properly.

Are you now in the UK, but still without tickets? Have FIFA been any help since you posted?

It seems like quite a lot of fans around the world are in a similar situation, and that FIFA and Russia’s distribution systems have been struggling to cope.

We’re still trying to get a grip on the scale of the problems, and once we do, we plan to publish a story for the Associated Press news agency on the problems this has caused for fans. Can we stay in contact by email (my address is below), so I can keep track of how you get on?

James Ellingworth

[email protected]

Life and death
2.4K
·
5.5K
·
almost 17 years

Shark a proper journalist.

Trialist
1
·
4
·
almost 10 years

Hi mate. I'm all booked up for the 2 matches in Petersburg. I am coming over from NZ by myself. Would be great to meet up for a pint

Arrive in Russia on the 16th back NZ on the 26th

WeeNix
170
·
510
·
almost 10 years

They finished relaying the turf again on the 1 June at St Petersburg so hope its fine before kick off in a couple weeks gime

WeeNix
15
·
760
·
over 16 years

Hi all super pumped for kickoff next weekend.

Organising a friendly match at 12pm near the stadium, venue to be confirmed.

The Russians are very warm friendly and keen to welcome us .

Get in touch if you are going iver or no anybody that is - Matt Fejos on facebook or matt.fejos@ hotmail.com

Going to be an amazing trip supporting our proud little nation and i have a really good feeling about sneaking a result vs Russia!!

You’ll need an account to join the conversation!

Sign in Sign up