Be on the Ball for World Cup 2010
Travel advice for football fans(30/12/2009)
If you're planning to travel to South Africa for the World Cup next year, make sure you follow some basic tips for a safe and enjoyable stay.
The FCO's Be on the Ball consular campaign, aimed at helping football fans going to South Africa, kicked off on 24 November at a press conference in London.
Almost half a million fans from around the world are expected to descend on South Africa for the World Cup next year with tens of thousands travelling English fans among them.
Foreign Office Minister, Chris Bryant, said that "it is crucial that those planning to travel to the region are aware of what measures they should take to stay safe".
He said: 'South Africa is a wonderfully diverse country and promises our fans a great experience next summer. However, it is crucial that those planning to travel to the region are aware of what measures they should take to stay safe.
Taking a few simple steps such as visiting the FCO website to research the destination, as well as taking out appropriate travel insurance in case something does go wrong can make all the difference between an experience to remember and one to forget.'
Gary Mabbutt, ex-England player, who took part in the press conference, joined the FCO in urging fans to take a few simple precautions before they travel.
He went on: 'I have been lucky enough to travel around South Africa a great deal and I truly believe it will be an amazing experience for any fan travelling to watch their team play. As with any country though, there are unique laws to be aware of and areas to avoid so we're really urging fans to take the necessary precautions before travelling.'
Working with the South African authorities and travel industry partners, the FCO has produced a dedicated World Cup advice page with information from rules of the road to accommodation issues and transport advice. This will be updated regularly as the World Cup approaches.