Football Supporters’ Federation WalesFSF Cymru Issue 41

Information for the fans by the fans. FSF Help line number is

+447905 861 848

International Friendly match

Ukraine vs WalesMonday, March 28th 2016, kick off 21:00 Local time

Olimpiyskiy National Sports Complex, Kiev

Welcome to Issue 41 of our FSF Cymru information booklet for Welsh fans. We have finally qualified for a major tournament and this friendly match against Ukraine will be perfect preparation for our game with Russia in the group stages. We are expecting around 600 Welsh fans to make this trip to the Capitol of the Ukraine. Igor Gomonai from the Ukraine Fan embassy team has been very helpful to us in compiling this booklet and he will also assist us during the trip.

Top Tip – Keep a copy of your passport and a list of important phone numbers in a place that can be easily accessed if needed. A good idea would be to scan your passport and e mail it to yourself.

FSF CYMRU - by Wales fans, for Wales fans - an independent organisation, committed to helping Wales supporters. FSF Cymru are proud members of FSE (Football Supporters Europe)

MISSION STATEMENTTo help and support Wales fans who travel away. Our role is to provide accurate and objective information, including a Risk Assessment: we convey what other agencies, such as police forces, government departments, and football authorities are recommending: we publish a comprehensive guide which is distributed free of charge to all travelling supporters: we operate and publicise a 24 hour Hotline for fans in difficulties: we arrange a Football embassy operation, at venues abroad, where we can offer advice, guidance and support as necessary.To work with the Football Association of Wales in all aspects affecting the fans, to ensure that the supporters voice is heard.A continuous, running dialogue is held with Mr Mark Evans, Head, International Affairs, we take supporters complaints, views to the FAW for discussion “To take every possible action to eradicate any inter club rivalry when fans are following the Welsh national team”

Before you travel anywhere in the world outside of the United Kingdom please visit the Know before you go website https://www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

Ukraine gained independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, it is Europe's second largest country. While Ukraine and Russia share common historical origins, the west of the country has closer ties with its European neighbours, particularly Poland, and nationalist sentiment is strongest there.A significant minority of the population uses Russian as its first language, particularly in the industrialised east. In Crimea, an autonomous republic on the Black Sea that was part of Russia until 1954, ethnic Russians make up about 60% of the population.Russia once again seized and annexed Crimea in March 2014, amid the chaos following the fall of President Viktor Yanukovych, plunging Europe into its worst diplomatic crisis since the Cold War.The country is vast in area and has a population of over 44 million. The most populated cities are Kievwith 2.8 million, Kharkiv 1.4 million, Dnipropetrovsk Donetsk and Odessa all with over one million inhabitants

TOGETHER STRONGER

FSF Cymru Help line number is + 447905 861848

FSF Cymru Fan Embassy service during this trip will be based at the Hotel Rus, (opposite)Situated just 200 yards from the Olimpiyskiy stadium where the match will be played. We will also be visible and available in bars and cafes throughout the city especially around the ARENA area and available 24 hours on our hotline number and at the stadium on match day +44 7905 861848

FSF Cymru Help line number is + 447905 861848

Supporters team manager Neil Dymock has arranged a match against our Ukrainian friends, hopefully this can be finalised but full details are not known yet. Come along and support the lads (pictured below in Cyprus last year) Gol the Welsh supporters charity will be visiting the Frolivska 9/11 project giving donations that the Welsh fans have contributed towards through raffles. Gol would like to thank all Welsh fans who contributed especially on the coaches in Cyprus ands Bosnia

FAW Ticket informationLucy Mason FAW ticket manager will be available for ticket collections from Holiday Inn (picture Left) 100 Chervonoarmiis'ka Street, KievNearest metro Olimpiis'ka Metro Station although this is likely to be closed a few hours before and after the match.Ideally she hopes to be available Sunday 11am until 3pm and match day 1pm until 6pm.As always anyone collecting must bring photo ID and tickets will not be released without it.

Lucy Mason ticket manager 0044 7827 157874Wayne Palmer Welsh Police 0044 7980 659963

Kiev Airport and Entry requirements

The international airport in Boryspil, 29 km (18 mi) east[ of Kiev, the capital of Ukraine. It is the country's largest airport, serving 65% of its passenger air traffic, including all its intercontinental flights and a majority of international flights. It is one of two passenger airports that serve Kiev along with the smaller Zhulyany AirportTerminal D will be the one used by the Welsh fans Check-in area: Terminal D is equipped with 60 international and 16 domestic check-in counters, 6 Self-Service Check-in Kiosks, 18 international and 6 domestic aviation security control points, and 28 passport control desks. For passengers' convenience the terminal is also equipped with lifts, elevators and moving walkways.

Security and passport checks can take longer than some airports so arrive early for your departure

Being 18 miles out of the City centre you will need transport on arrival. From July 1, 2015 each visitor of Terminal D can use official taxi with fixed prices for the services rendered. The modern comfortable cars are waiting for passengers 24/7 in the first line of Terminal D. There are varying reports that some passengers have problems with Taxis so advice is to get a set price preferably in writing and don’t travel alone if possible. The cost to the City centre should be no more than £15 dependant on how many passengers 570 UAH There is no Metro station at the airport the nearest one is 10 miles away.The cheapest way to get to the City centre is to take the Sky bus although FSF Cymru do not recommend this for first time visitors to Kiev. It costs just 50 UAH (£1.30) Although they are frequent every 15 minutes by day ,every 30 minutes by night , they terminate at the Kiev Train station which is not really near many of the main hotels and you probably would have to transfer to a metro, which is not great if you have luggage, as taxi drivers tend to overcharge from here.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS To enter Ukraine your passport must be valid for a month beyond your intended departure date from the country. Visas are not required by EU citizens. Ukraine is bordered by Russia, Belarus, Poland, Romania and Moldova. There are usually no major hold ups with border officials at airports, but if you are crossing borders by train or road they can be more thorough - expect lots of questions as well as possible vehicle searches (these are particularly found at the Poland/Ukraine and Romania-Ukraine borders, which are popular cigarette-smuggling routes). To enter Ukraine you will require travel insurance. If you haven’t got insurance you will be expected to obtain it at your point of entry.

Kiev metro (subway) started working in 1960. Presently there are three lines and 43 stations. The left and right banks of Kiev are connected through the Metro bridge. Because the road traffic in Kiev is so heavy, metro is often the fastest and most convenient mode of transport. It can, however, be quite unpleasant during rush hours as it gets so crowded. That is usually between 7 and 8 am and 5 and 6pm.Taxis Most taxis that you catch on the street don't use taximeter. It is therefore important that you agree on a price before you get inThe metro works from 6 am to 12 pm daily. You need to purchase either a small green token for 4.00 UAH or a monthly card. The tokens are valid for one ride but include changing lanes. When you get to the platform by stairs or on the escalators, there are tables with names of stations in English now as well . The names and directions are written in Cyrillic and English, the staff does not speak English so rely on your mapStadium is on the Blue line or green line use either Palats Spotu or Respublikansky stadionKiev Trams and trolleybusesTrams are probably the least used mode of transport in the city. Although there are still tracks in the city centre, there are only two working lines - one on each bank. They are mainly used by commuters to the suburbs. Trolleybuses are slowly disappearing and those that you can see in Kiev are really the dinosaurs of transportation - they are old, squeaky and very slow. If you want to have a ride for fun, you can hop on and buy a ticket from a conductor. It will cost you 3 Hyrvnia to go either by tram or Kiev BusesThe city invests into modernization and especially in the city centre you can see nice new buses connecting Kreshatyk and Pecherskaya Lavra for example. The fare is about 1.50 UAH.

Some General Information for Welsh Fans in Kiev

IN THE CITYTHINGS TO SEE AND DO

As you would expect, there are plenty of gold-domed churches and cathedrals to look at as well as numerous galleries and museums. Independence Square is famous for the ‘Orange Revolution’ in 2004, a series of political protests and demonstrations in the Square in support of a rigged presidential election.Kyiv-Pecherska Lavra (the Caves Monastery) is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyiv. The upper lavra has churches and museums for which there is an entrance fee, and the lower lavra has the caves which are free.Tours to Chernobyl Reactor 4 site at Pripyat just outside of Kyiv - all visits to the site must be booked a number of days in advance for security reasons.

ACCOMMODATIONThere’s a wide range of accommodation available – from top of the range hotels to budget hostels but please ensure that any accommodation booked on the internet is reputable. A number of places were advertised on accommodation websites for the Euro 2012 and when fans arrived at the address the accommodation didn’t exist. Check how many reviews the place has had on the website and how far back they go. If unsure, go with recommendations of places friends and family have used before.

EATING AND DRINKINGThere’s an abundance of restaurants on all the main streets in the centre of Kyiv to suit all budgets. For those who can’t do without a fast-food fix there are a few familiar outlets: Kentucky Fried Chicken (Ocean Plaza, Gorkoho 176) and McDonald's (Khreschatyk 19a, Sofivs’ka 1/2, Borychiv Uzviz 10, Chervonoarmiys’ka 22).

TIMEUkraine is +2 GMT.

ELECTRICITYAC is 220 volts, and the frequency is 50 hertz. The European round two-pin plug is used. You will need an adaptor which is best purchased before you arrive.MONEY EXCHANGE RATE FEBRUARY 2016 was £1 = 37.5 UAH The currency in the Ukraine is the hryvnia (UAH). The hryvnia is subdivided into 100 kopiyok. Notes are colour coded and come in denominations of 1 (yellow/blue), 2 (peach), 5 (blue), 10 (crimson), 20 (green), 50 (violet), 100 (olive), 200 (pink), 500 (brown). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 50 kopiyok and there’s also a 1 hryvnia coin.Credit Cards - VISA, MasterCard/Eurocard are all accepted in major hotels, restaurants, stores and ATM’s. If you have an American Express card you may experience problems when using the card.

BANKSBanking hours - Most banks open 09:00hrs – 17:00 hrs. Smaller branches may close for an hour for lunch.OTP Bank, Chervonoarmiyska 9/2. Open Mon-Fri 09:30 – 17:00. Closed Sat & Sun.Raiffeisen Bank Aval, Khreschatyk 16. Open Mon – Fri 09:00 18:00. Closed Sat & Sun and 1 hr for lunch daily between 13:00 – 14:00Uni Credit Bank, Yaroslavin Val 14a. Open 09:00 – 17:00. Closed Sat & Sun.

Exchanging money - You may not need your passport to exchange money but it’s best to take it just in case. There are a number of exchange kiosks and banks around Independent Square.

Out and about in Kiev

Eating out in Kyiv is relatively cheap - if you can avoid the major tourist traps. While Eastern Europe used to have a reputation for being very cheap when it came to food and drink, prices have escalated as more and more tourists have found their way to the edge of the continent. The bars and restaurants around Independence Square and the main street Kreshatyk will have inflated prices compared to a lot of the rest of the city. As a main tourist destination, Kyiv isn’t short of cafes, bars and restaurants to suit all budgets and palettes, however. Many of the shopping malls have fast food outlets and those who can’t do without their rations of burger and coke will be pleased to learn there are over 15 McDonald’s outlets, one of the main ones being at the top of Independence Square.In the centre of Kyiv there are restaurants on every main street; you are virtually spoilt for choice with such a wide range of everything from traditional Ukrainian cuisine to Uzbekistan restaurants and everything in between. If it’s something quick, cheap and tasty you’re after then you won’t be disappointed if you head to Puzata Khata where there are a number of outlets around the city centre. There’s a wide variety of food including traditional Ukrainian dishes and familiar western dishes.

DRINKING. There are so many options but here are two that might appeal to Welsh fans, but our advice is look around and try some local bars.O’Brien’s, ( bottom right) Mykhailivska 17A. The nearest metro station is Maidan Nezalezhnosti. Open 08:00 - 02:00. The main bar is upstairs where there are also darts, pool tables and 5 big screens. Food served daily from 08:00-19:00. Wi-Fi available.FSF Cymru are looking to base themselves occasionally at the “beer house” pictured below left and there are more details on the next page but the nearest metro station is Ploscha Lva Tolstoho (Blue line)

You’re advised not to drink the tap water, but bottled water is easily and cheaply available. Beer in bars is expensive for locals. So they tend to buy beer from street-vendors (of which there are many) and these are much more reasonably priced.

Out and about in Kiev

The Arena Mall is in the centre of Kiev and we found a good bar here called the Beer House that is worth a visit but there is plenty to do in this area of the city. The arena is a large entertainment complex popular with tourists ex pats and locals. It is spread over four floors and boasts a night club, Karaoke Lounge and of course beer house. The Arena is in a great location at the lower end of Khreschatyk, right next to Kiev's famous Bessarabsky Market. FSF Fan Embassy will be here at regular intervals

The People’s Friendship Arch was constructed in 1982 and was originally intended as a symbol of unification between Ukraine and her Soviet overlords as well as the 60th anniversary of the founding of the USSR. Constructed of titanium and spanning 50 m (164 ft), it stands on a viewing deck with panoramas over the River Dnieper and was the work of architect I N Ivanov. Describing an arc – which is illuminated in the colours of the rainbow by night (Nearest Metro station is Maidan Nezalezhnosti.Independence Square, is known to locals as ‘the big greenhouse’ referring to the domes of the Globus Shopping Centre. The square is also famous for the 2004 ‘Orange Revolution’. Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (the Caves Monastery) will probably take up half a day at least and it is the most popular tourist attraction in Kyiv. The upper lavra has churches and museums, for which you’ll be charged an admission fee, and the lower lavra has the caves which are free to enter • Andriyivsky Uzviz (Andrew’s Descent) is one of the oldest and steepest streets in Kyiv. Named after St. Andrew who is said to have climbed the street carrying a crucifix . If you don’t fancy the climb you can get the funicular up to the top for 2 UAH. Open from 06:30-23:00. The nearest metro is PoshtovaPloscha • Zoloti Vorota (Golden Gate) is the remains of the city’s main gates and a rather unique structure. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. The nearest metro station is Zoloti Vorota • Dim z khymeramy

THE CAVE MONASTRYOpen: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Entrance to the caves: 9 a.m. - 16.30 p.m.How to get thereGetting from the Arsenalna subway station.The Kiev- Pechersk Lavra is located near the World War II Museum and the entrance to the Upper Lavra is located near the last stop of public transport (trolley 38, city Bus 24 - if getting from the Khreschatyk street).

Kyiv has the highest number of square kilometres of park per resident in Europe, lined with benches and dotted with monuments. Spring is generally mild, so there should be plenty of opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and the central squares. There are an abundance of churches and cathedrals including St. Michael's golden-domed Monastery - one of the oldest monasteries of Kiev.(below left)It is assumed that St. Michael's Cathedral was the first temple with gold domes. After this started this original tradition in Russia. Independence Square is well worth a visit ( bottom right)

Out and about in Kiev

Night life Kyiv is much more of a club city than a bar town. There is a bar and club scene at the heart of the city centre, but don’t be surprised if you encounter more of your own countrymen than Ukrainians in these establishments. It can be difficult to find an empty table on weekends, especially when many popular expatriate hangouts offer drink specials at peak hours. On weekends and holidays, the main street of Khreschatyk is closed to automobile traffic, making it Kyiv’s most active scene for nightlife, people-watching, or a casual stroll. For something a little more active and exciting, jazz and techno dance clubs are just as busy now as any time of the year.

FSF CYMRU HELP LINE + 44 7905 861 848

Stadium

The National Sports Complex Olimpiyskiy, also referred to as Kiev Olympic Stadium, is the Ukrainian national stadium and home of FC Dynamo Kiev, it has a capacity of 70,050 seats. When the Olimpiyskiy got selected to host the Euro 2012 final, another major round of redevelopment works was required, which included the complete reconstruction of the first tier, the rebuilding of the entire West Stand, and the installation of a roof on the previously uncovered stadium. Wales fans will be housed in section one (shown above top let) It is numbered one in the plan, if there are more than 750 travelling we will also be allocated section 3 both are lower tier.

Above left we see the entrance to the away section for Welsh supporters and top right we see the concourse below our seating, it is possible, dependant on how many tickets are sold by Ukraine, could see the refreshment and toilet areas shared between both sets of fans.Directions to stadiumThe stadium is situated very close to the city centre and is very easy to reach, its just half a mile away from one of the most famous streets in Kiev Khreschatyk Street. The two closest metro stations are called Olimpiyskiy and Palats Sportu (Palace of Sport). bus (№ 69), trolleybus (№ 3, 40)Fixed route taxi (№ 171, 411, 427)Taxi (it is possible to conclude the agreement with taxi company to provide reduced tariffs for the passengers who want to get to the stadium)

Stadium

What a Consul can do:Contact relatives and friends and ask them to help you with money or ticketsAdvise on how to transfer fundsRefer you to local Social ServicesHelp you to get in touch with Local Lawyers or provide information on legal aid.Arrange for next of kin to be informed of accident or a death and advise on proceduresContact and visit British Nationals under arrest or in a Prison and, in certain circumstances, arrange for messages to be sent to relatives or friendsGive guidance on organisations experienced in tracing missing personsMake representations on your behalf to the local authorities in certain circumstances

But a Consul cannot:Intervene in court proceedingsGet you out of prisonGive legal advice or instigate Court proceedings on your behalfGet better treatment for you in hospital or prison than is provided for nationalsInvestigate a crimePay your hotel, legal, medical or any other billsPay for travel tickets for youUndertake work more properly done by travel representatives, airlines, banks or motoring organisationsObtain accommodation, work or work permit for youRenew or replace a Full British passport

If you’re in Ukraine and you urgently need help (e.g. if you’ve been attacked, arrested or there has been a death), call +380 44 490 3660.

The British Embassy can be found at Desyatynna St, 9, Kiev, Ukraine, 02000 in the Pecherskyi District of the city. Desyatynna Street links the upper end of Andriivskyi Ascent (Andriivskyi Uzviz) and Mykhailivska Square (near the upper station of the Funicular).The nearest Metro station to the Funicular station is POSHTOVA PLOSHCHA

Before you travel anywhere in the world outside of the United Kingdom please visit the Know before you go website https://www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo

British Embassy information for Welsh fans in Ukraine

Safety and securityPolitical situation

The security situation in the southern parts of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in the east of Ukraine remains highly unstable with ongoing clashes between Ukrainian armed forces and Russian-backed armed separatists despite a ceasefire. This has resulted in more than 9,000 deaths and the displacement of over 1.5 million people. Civilians continue to get caught up in the fighting.On 17 July 2014, Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur crashed in the area around Torez in Donetsk oblast, an area under separatist control.There are no scheduled flights into or out of Donetsk and Lugansk airport.The situation in Kyiv and western cities is generally calm, although occasional public demonstrations continue in and around the Verkhovna Rada (parliament building) and elsewhere in the city. On 31 August 2015, 3 police officers were killed and more than 100 others injured in clashes outside the parliament building in Kyiv. The Ukrainian authorities have recently increased their internal security measures and warned of possible security incidents in Kyiv and other cities. There have recently been a series of hoax bomb threats, especially in Kyiv. You should remain vigilant and monitor the media for information about possible safety or security risks. Public demonstrations can flare up and turn violent with little warning.There has also been a series of small explosions, mainly in the middle of the night, and other security incidents in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Kherson and Lviv. These have included bombs being placed in pubs and cafes and outside banks. Of the most serious incidents, 3 people were killed and others injured in a bomb attack on a march in Kharkiv in February 2015 and a policeman was shot dead and another seriously injured in Odesa at the end of June 2015.You should take great care and remain vigilant throughout Ukraine. Avoid all demonstrations and take extra care in public gatherings.

Health section – there is no reciprocal health care agreement between the UK and Ukraine; make sure you have adequate travel health insuranceBe alert to the possibility of street crime and petty theft, which is on the increase in Kyiv. Foreigners may appear to be lucrative targets. Where possible, avoid walking alone late at night in dark or poorly lit streets. Keep valuables and cash safe and out of sight, especially in crowded areas, tourist spots, and public transport, where pickpockets and bag snatchers operate.Don’t lose sight of your credit cards during transactions.Do not leave drinks or food unattended as they could be spiked. Beware of accepting drinks from casual acquaintances.

British Embassy information for Bosnia and Herzegovina

Some useful words and phrasesI don't speak Ukrainian - Ya ne rozmovlyayu ukrayinsʹkoyu, What time is it? - Kotra hodyna?Enough - dosyt‘ Vodka no change Beer Pyvo Two beers Dva Pyva One Coffee Odna KavaCan I pay? Chy mozhu ya zaplatyty?NumbersOne – один (odyn); Two – два (dva); Three – три (try); Four – чотири (chotyry); Five – п'ять (p'yatʹ); Six – шість (shistʹ); Seven – сім (sim); Eight – вісім (visim); Nine – дев'ять (dev'yatʹ); Ten – десять (desyatʹ); 100 – сто (sto); 1000 – тисяча (tysyacha); Million – мільйон (milʹyon).

Important telephone numbersPolice 102, Ambulance 103 Fire brigade 101, FSF Cymru +447905 861 848, FAW +447827 157 874

Emergency number 112 can be called on all occasions. Usually they have English speakers available which might not be the case with the separate ones for the Police, Ambulance and Fire brigade.

British Embassy information for Ukraine

British Embassy information for Welsh fans in Ukraine

Please contact us at the FSF if possible before seeking Embassy assistance, we will be able to guide you through the process. FSF Cymru Help line number is + 447905 861848

What to do if your British Passport is lost or stolen whilst in UkraineIt is vital you report a lost or stolen passport as soon as possible to the local police and to the British Embassy even if you don't want to replace your passport immediately. This will reduce the risk of someone using your passport or your identity.When you report the loss or theft to the Embassy, they will give you a Lost or Stolen (LS01) Notification form to fill in and sign. They will record the loss or theft of your passport and forward the information to Identity and Passport Service. The IPS will then cancel your passport to reduce the risk of someone else using your identity. You need to use form LS01 to report any loss or theft of your passport whether applying for a replacement passport or not.Once you report your passport as lost or stolen, it is electronically cancelled. If you find it, you will not be able to use it as a proof of identity, nationality, or for any other legal purpose. You must not use it as a means of identification as this may be detected as a potentially fraudulent act.You will also not be able to use it for travel. Doing so may cause the passport to be impounded by the Borders and Immigration Authority at UK ports or airports. If travelling overseas, you could face deportation or arrest.If your passport is lost or stolen the British Consulate in Kiev can issue an emergency travel document that will get you home at a cost of approximately £95. Please contact the FSF Cymru help line if you need assistance, we have direct contact with the consulate.

It can be very expensive paying for an emergency travel document and then having to pay for a new passport back in the UK. On arrival in the Ukraine ensure your passport is always in a safe or a secure place until you need it for the return journey

An emergency travel document allows you to leave the country you’re in and travel to your destination via a maximum of 5 countries. The emergency travel document can also cover a return journey if you’re resident in the country you’re applying from.An emergency travel document doesn’t guarantee entry to every country. You may also need a visa. Check with the embassy or consulate of the country or countries you’re intending to travel to or through. You must present:• 2 identical recent photographs of yourself - make sure they meet the rules for passport photo or your

application will be delayed• details of your intended travel plans - where and when you intend to travel (including countries you will travel

through)• a completed application form• a police report if your passport has been lost or stolen• You will have to pay a fee, equivalent to £95. Embassy or consulate staff will tell how much this is in local

currency when you apply.

Getting your emergency travel documentThe embassy or consulate staff will check that you’re eligible for an emergency travel document. If you’re not, they will tell you why. Please contact FSF Cymru we will try to assist with this processYou may get the document on the day you apply if your circumstances are straightforward. If your circumstances are more complex, it can take longer. You may need to change your travel plans.

Using your emergency travel documentThe emergency travel document will only be valid for the journey that you specified when you applied and for a specific period of time. This will be shown on the document.Your existing British passport will be cancelled in most cases.Immigration authorities may keep your emergency travel document when you arrive at your destination.You will need to get a replacement passport when back in the UK if you intend doing anymore travelling and pay the full costs, any fees that you paid for an emergency travel document will not be taken into account

Wear Red for Wales

Join the FSF for free please visit http://www.fsf.org.uk/

FSF CYMRU HELP LINE +447905 861 848

The square of Glory and Glory Park, Kiev