Travel advice for Liverpool & Chelsea fans travelling to Istanbul

Liverpool FC v Chelsea FC – 2019 UEFA Super CupTravel Advice

Date: Wednesday 14 August 2019
Venue: Beşiktaş Park, Istanbul, Turkey
Kick off time: 10pm (local time)

As well as this advice, check out our travel advice for Turkey

UEFA also provides a guide to the host city of Istanbul including information on getting around the city.

Passports and visas

British nationals need a visa to travel to Turkey. We recommend that you get an e-Visa online through the official Republic of Turkey E-Visa website. An e-visa costs $20 (US) and you can pay by credit or debit card. You should apply for your e-visa at least 48 hours before travel.
Turkish visit visas are valid for multiple stays up to a maximum of 90 days in a 180 day period.
The Turkish government require that your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Turkey and that there is a full blank page for the entry and exit stamps.
The Turkish authorities may stop members of the public to conduct ID checks. It’s illegal not to carry some form of photographic ID in Turkey. You should carry your passport and a printed copy of your e-visa (if applicable) on you at all times.
Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in Turkey, so travel insurance is essential, even if you’re only going for one night. It could save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties.
If you lose your passport, you will need to get an Emergency Travel Document from the British Consulate General in Istanbul. You will need to supply your flight reservation and one photo. The fee is £100.

Getting from the airport

From Istanbul Airport

You can take a taxi into the city centre, which takes around 45 minutes depending on traffic and costs between 130 and 150 Turkish Lira (TL).

The Havaist shuttle bus is also available, which departs from the arrivals terminal every 15-30 minutes and takes around 60-80 minutes. It will cost around 18 TL.

Alternatively, you can take the public bus, which also departs from the arrivals terminal. The H2 line is the most popular option. It costs around 16 TL and takes around 70-110 minutes.

If you plan to use public transport during your stay, we recommend you buy an IstanbulKart travel card. These are available from ticket kiosks for 6 TL and can be topped up and used for additional journeys on the city buses, metro, trams, ferry and funicular.

From Sabiha Gokcen Airport

You can take a taxi into the city centre, which will take between 45-120 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately 180-200 TL.

Alternatively, you can take Havabus, which departs from the arrivals terminal every 30 minutes and takes between 45-120 minutes. Tickets can be purchased on-board the bus and cost between 12-18 TL depending on your final destination.

Getting to the stadium

The closest tram station is Kabataş on tramline T1 and is a 10 minute walk from the venue.
The closest metro station is Taksim on metro line M2 and is a 10-15 minute walk from the venue.

Useful links

Taxi scams

There have been reports of taxi drivers trying to overcharge passengers in Istanbul. To reduce the risk of this happening, only use licensed taxi companies and ask the driver to switch the meter on at the beginning of your journey.

Road closures

Only accredited cars will have access to the zoned areas at the stadium.
A number of roadblocks will be in place around the stadium which may cause delays if travelling by car. The following streets will be affected, so please plan your journey accordingly:

Bomonti Tunnel

Mete Str.

Kadirgalar Str.

Akaretler Junction

Findikli Junction

Gumussuyu Str.

Fan Meeting Points

Locations

Fan meeting points are located in Taksim Square for Liverpool fans and Besiktas for Chelsea fans

At the match

Entry procedures

Liverpool fans should enter the stadium from the North Entrance and Chelsea fans from the South Entrance
Access to the stadium may be slow. There will be 3 perimeter checks which will include ticket checks and body searches. Get to the stadium early – doors will open at 7pm (local time)
There is a strict No Bag Policy in place inside the stadium. Bag deposit stations are located en-route to the stadium and bag checks will be conducted
Flags and banners without poles are allowed subject to size and must not contain political, racial, religious or offensive language
Obey instructions from the stadium security to avoid being removed from the stadium and/or detained by the police

Disabled supporters

The stadium is currently not wheelchair accessible. You should contact your respective club for further information.

Alcohol and smoking

Alcohol and smoking are prohibited within the stadium.

After the match

You should aim to arrive at the airport well in advance of your flight’s scheduled departure time, in case of possible delays reaching the airport.

Vodafone Stadium plan

Local information

Climate and time

August is the hottest month of the year in Istanbul. The average temperature high is around 28°C during the day, but can regularly rise above 30°C.

Istanbul is 2 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+3).

Crime

Generally crime levels are low, but street robbery and pickpocketing are common in the major tourist areas of Istanbul. Only carry what you need and leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits.

Local laws and customs

It is an offence to insult the Turkish nation or the national flag, or to deface or tear up currency. If you’re convicted of any of these offences you could face a prison sentence of between 6 months and 3 years.

Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in other public areas. You can be fined if you are caught smoking in a designated smoke-free area.

Personal security

Demonstrations do occur in Istanbul, particularly in the area around Taksim Square. You should remain vigilant and avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place.

British Consulate General Istanbul

Meşrutiyet Caddesi No 34, Tepebaşı / Beyoglu, 34435, Istanbul / Turkey

Telephone: +90 212 334 64 00

For out-of-hours emergencies (e.g. one involving accident, injury or loss/theft of your passport), phone the number above and follow the instructions given.

Office hours: Monday – Friday 08:30 – 12:30, 13:30 – 16:45 except public holidays (14 August 2019 is a local public holiday)

Contact Form

You can also check our Travel Advice for Turkey

Emergency services numbers

Ambulance 112

Police 155

Fire 110

Further information

Liverpool FC

Chelsea FC

Beşiktaş Park (in Turkish)