Foreign Office, ECB Offer World Cup Travel Advice

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office, in conjunction with the England and Wales Cricket Board, is issuing essential travel advice to travelling cricket fans ahead of the Cricket World Cup.  Thousands of supporters are expected to travel from the UK to the tournament which will take place in India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka from 19 February - 2 April.

Jeremy Browne, Minister for Consular Affairs, said:

“Following an exciting winter of cricket in Australia, we want British supporters to enjoy a trouble free time at the Cricket World Cup in South Asia. I recommend fans visit our travel advice at www.fco.gov.uk/cricket to help them prepare – from getting the right visa to taking out comprehensive travel insurance, seeking medical advice on malaria and vaccinations, and keeping safe and secure during their trip.”

David Collier, ECB Chief Executive said: “The ECB is delighted to partner with the FCO to help promote this campaign. The safety of our fans is paramount and we urge everyone intending to travel to South Asia to support England in the ICC World Cup to visit the FCO website to get the latest travel advice.”

The Foreign Office has a dedicated Cricket World Cup advice page www.fco.gov.uk/cricket which contains details of match dates, locations and travel tips, including: 

Before you go:

• Visit your GP as soon as possible to check if you need any vaccinations or malaria tablets
• Check entry requirements. Visas are required for India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.  Note that if you intend to travel to India and then plan on attending matches held in Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, you should apply for a double or triple entry visa and must provide evidence of your itinerary on application 
• Make copies of your passport, including your visa pages; leave a copy with family or friends and carry another with you
• Understand and respect the local laws and customs - do some research before you go 

For the latest security information on South Asia the FCO provides regular updates and information including on Facebook and twitter sites

Sign up to Foreign Office travel advice on Facebook (www.facebook.com/fcotraveladvice) and Twitter (http://twitter.com/britishabroad), so you can receive the latest information on the go

While you are away

• Always carry a form of photo identification – you may be asked to show it to authorities
• Watch out for poor road conditions and dangerous driving and be extra careful when travelling by car or bus
• Take care of what and where you eat and drink. If you do get ill, the British High Commission can provide information about local hospitals and doctors

You can find more specific information on the FCO website: www.fco.gov.uk/cricket