Dnipro vs Spurs - travel advice, Wednesday update

Travel advice to Dnipropetrovsk - updated Wednesday, February 19, 2pm GMT.

Current Situation

It has been widely publicised recently that the political situation in Ukraine has led to many demonstrations; particularly in the city of Kyiv and those fans that are travelling via Kyiv should take extra care.  You should avoid all demonstrations and public gatherings as even peaceful protests can be unpredictable.

We are aware that a number of our fans will travel to Dnipropetrovsk via Kyiv and you should take extra care when in public areas and if travelling by train, keep all your belongings together and in sight at all times.

The British Embassy advises that you should carry your Passport with you at all times for ID purposes.  Police often carry out passport checks on foreign nationals, but will introduce themselves and produce a document verifying their request.  If you are detained for not being able to present your passport, you should ask for an official report.

If you experience any problems when in Dnipropetrovsk, please call the Travel Line – 07917 880445 and we will endeavour to help.

Update – Wednesday February 19, 2pm GMT

We remain in contact with the British Embassy and have been advised that the Police in Dnipropetrovsk have been briefed to expect British fans and the situation there is stable and under control.

Once again travelling fans are advised to avoid gatherings and areas where demonstrations could occur such as public squares and administrative buildings during journeys to and from the stadium.

For those fans travelling via Kiev, the Metro in Kiev is currently still not operating - details on how to get from Boryspil Airport to the railway station in Kiev is available by clicking here.

Update - Wednesday February 19, 2014

The Club has been in contact with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Kiev. For fans travelling via Kiev and train, they have confirmed that the fast train is still not operational but other trains are. Fans need to take extra care if in the centre of Kiev and the FCO advises that you go straight  from the airport to the Station for transport onwards. Roads in the centre of Kiev are blocked with traffic as the Metro is not working.

Once again we would stress that fans should take extra care at all times and continue to check both the Club website and gov.uk for updates.

Update – Tuesday February 18, 2014

Given the ongoing situation in Ukraine, we are in contact with the British Embassy and we wish to remind fans planning on travelling to our match against FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk that they should continually check this website – and the Gov.uk website – for updates and travel advice over the course of the next 48 hours.

Protests and demonstrations are occurring in Kiev and many other cities. In Kiev, clashes have resulted in fatalities with reports of live ammunition being fired.

We are due to obtain updated information regarding the situation in Kiev, with specific reference to the train station and airport for travelling fans, on Wednesday morning. We will convey this to supporters via tottenhamhotspur.com as soon as possible.

Read more about the political situation in Ukraine on the Gov.uk website by clicking here and read additional travel advice here.

Update – Monday February 17, 2014 

We have received today some important information from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office relating to rail services within the Ukraine at present.

Due to technical and engineering problems, all high speed rail services within the Ukraine are suspended with immediate effect. This suspension was put into place late last week and there is no estimated date where services are scheduled to recommence.

We understand that a number of our supporters travel plans for this match included a transfer from Kiev to Dnipropetrovsk via rail.   We have been told that some local trains will still run - supporters using these services are advised to check http://www.uz.gov.ua/en/passengers/timetables/ for further information.  Please check ticket validity and timings before travelling.

Should we have any further information regarding this situation, we will pass this on to travelling fans as soon as it is to hand.

General Information:

Dnipropetrovsk is primarily an industrial city of around 1 million people and is now Ukraine’s third largest city, characterised by its mix of architectural styles  and a number of Theatres, including an Opera and Museums of interest to tourists.  There are also numerous parks, restaurants and Churches.  In the heart of the city is Zhovtneva (October) Square, which includes the majestic Cathedral founded by Catherine the Great.

Those fans travelling will find a variety of shops and cafes which cater for all tastes.

Money:

The official currency of Ukraine is the Hryvnia.  US Dollars and Euros are the easiest currency to exchange although sterling can be exchanged at a more limited number of sites. Whilst there are a number of currency exchange kiosks you should only use official exchange booths and you will need to present your Passport in order to exchange money.  You will be given a receipt which you should retain as you may need to produce this if you wish to exchange money back on departure.  ATM’s are also available and credit cards are widely used in the cities.  Don’t lose sight of your credit card during transactions.

Local Laws and Customs:

Please be aware that there are very severe penalties for being caught in possession of drugs.

Smoking and drinking alcoholic drinks in public places is officially banned.  Public places include transport, bus stops, underground crossings, cultural sports and government establishments, playgrounds and parks.

Crime:

Be alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft and where possible, avoid walking alone late at night in dark or poorly lit streets.  Keep all valuables out of sight, especially in crowded areas, tourist spots and public transport where pick pockets and bag snatchers may operate.

Stadium:

The Dnipro Arena Stadium is located near the centre of the city and is in excellent condition.  Spurs fans should make their way to the west side of the Stadium where there is a specific entry gate for away fans, which will lead to section 28.  There are no turnstiles and all tickets will be scanned by hand.  Welfare facilities are excellent in this section and only Spurs fans may utilise the area.  As always, Spurs fans can expect to be held back at the end of the match until such time as the surrounding area has been cleared of home fans – upto half an hour but all facilities will be available during this time.  Your tickets will be distributed at the entry point by a member of the THFC Stewarding Team.  Tickets have also been sold in this section to Russian Spurs, a fan group who have travelled to our games in Eastern Europe this Season.

As always, please abide by the Stadium rule and regulations.  There will be English speaking Stewards and Police in this area and there will be three THFC Travel Stewards to assist if required.  The usual prohibited items apply prior to entry and all flags and banners will be checked for appropriate wording.  It is common policy and normal ground rules at football stadia in the UK and elsewhere in Europe that all flags of an overtly religious/sectarian/political nature will not be permitted and may be confiscated – please respect this request.

The Stadium can be accessed from the city centre by foot, it is about 10-15 minute walk and mini-buses may also be used.  It is recommended that you do not use the bars close to the Stadium as these are frequented by the Dnipro fans.

Do remember to have the correct Travel Insurance prior to travelling.

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 on local statues or historic monuments, including architecture as this may offend local inhabitants.

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

For more details, visit the FCO website…

https://www.gov.uk/government/world-location-news/fc-dnipro-vs-tottenham-hotspurs-travel-advice

Follow the FCO travel advice page on Twitter - https://twitter.com/FCOtravel and on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/foreignoffice

BRITISH EMBASSY IN UKRAINE

British Embassy Kyiv
9 Desyatynna St.
01901 Kyiv
Ukraine

Tel: +380 44 490 3660

Email: britconsular.kyiv@fco.gov.uk

www.gov.uk/government/world/ukraine

Emergency services numbers

101 – Fire

102 – Police

103 – Ambulance

112 – Emergency