APOEL v Spurs - advice for fans travelling to Cyprus - updated

Travel advice and information for supporters travelling to Nicosia, Cyprus for our UEFA Champions League Group H fixture against APOEL on Tuesday - UPDATED on Monday.

Update - Monday 25 September

We have been advised by APOEL this evening (Monday) that back packs and ruck sacks will NOT be allowed in the GSP Stadium for Tuesday night's match.

There is a free bag drop-off point at the North Ticket Collection Window near to the away supporters' entrance. However, APOEL advise fans not to bring bags to help searches and a speedy entry into the stadium.

Small ladies' handbags will be allowed in, subject to search, but APOEL's preference is for no bags.

APOEL also advise fans to arrive an hour before kick-off (8.45pm local time).

Cyprus/Nicosia

Cyprus is a warm and welcoming destination, with English being widely spoken.

Nicosia is the capital of the island and the seat of the Cypriot government. As such, the city has all the usual amenities that can be expected of a capital city.

Whilst the holiday season is winding down, travelling supporters will find a vibrant culture in the resort towns of Larnaca, Ayia Napa and Limassol, with temperatures during the day still expected to reach 34 degrees centigrade. As expected, there will be numerous restaurants and cafes available offering a wide variety of food and beverages and many historic tourist sites to explore across the island.

Cyprus is served by two large international airports at Paphos and Larnaca, both of which have excellent links to Nicosia with frequent shuttle bus services that run 24 hours a day. Taxi’s across the island are plentiful and reasonably priced.

GSP Stadium

The game will take place at the GSP Stadium, home to both APOEL and Omonia Nicosia, which is a short journey from Nicosia city centre.

The stadium was built in 1999 with a capacity of 22,709 and has all the modern facilities and amenities you can expect for a recently built ground.

Our supporters are allocated seats in the North Stand (blocks 114-116 and 210-212) and can access via turnstiles B1 and B2.

Below: Turnstiles B1 and B2 at APOEL's GSP Stadium

There will be familiar Club stewards on hand to assist you on arrival. Please ensure you travel to the stadium light and avoid bringing bags as there are no left luggage facilities. The usual prohibited items will apply and we would ask that you please abide by the local regulations at the Stadium, which are displayed outside the entrance to the turnstiles. For any advice, please speak to a member of the Club stewarding team.

Match night

Please arrive an hour before kick-off (8.45pm local time)

The stadium will open two hours before kick-off. Flags and banners are welcome, but will be checked prior to entry. Please do not place flags at the front of the stand as there is a concrete moat between the stand and the pitch area. Flags placed in that area may be confiscated. Flags are welcome to be hung at the rear of the stand and on the segregation fencing.

It is common policy and normal ground rules at football stadiums in the UK and elsewhere in Europe that flags of an overtly religious/sectarian/political nature will not be permitted and may be confiscated - please respect this request.

The away area of the stadium has suitable catering and welfare facilities and excellent sight lines. On our inspection visit, there was no fence or netting facing the pitch.

Below: Our fans' view at the GSP Stadium

A decision will be taken on the night as to whether or not away fans will be held back, please listen for announcements. APOEL supporters are known for their loud and passionate support of their Club and have a following of local Ultras. They are not known to cause any issues for visiting Clubs to the island.

The Club is rightly proud of good behaviour during previous European travels and we would ask that you uphold this by respecting local amenities and cultures. Please do not place flags and banners which may cause offence on any building.

General advice

- Remember to have the correct Travel Insurance prior to travelling.

- Currency is the Euro. Current exchange rate at the time of writing is £1 = €1.13.

- Cyprus is a popular destination for UK holidaymakers and the weather will still be very hot during the time we are visiting.  Do take care in the heat, stay hydrated and use sunscreen.

- Crimes against tourist are uncommon, but do take care of personal possessions in crowded areas.

Contacts

If you experience any issues relating to ticketing, please call the travel line - +44 7917 880445. This number will be available throughout the day/evening of the match.

If you have any problems relating to crime or loss of passport, you should contact the British Consular Service in Cyprus on +357 22 861 100 - www.gov.uk/world/cyprus.

Finally, please remember that you are an ambassador for the Club and we would respectfully request that you behave accordingly throughout the entirety of your visit.