Geneva: Northern Ireland Fans' Embassy Blog

[AONISC]

𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗡 𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗦' 𝗘𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗦𝗬 𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗗𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗘𝗩𝗔  

The ongoing pandemic meant that we were unable to carry out a 'Site Visit' to Geneva ahead of Saturday night's match.

However, we've still been able to put together some information and thanks to a friend who was in Geneva, we have a few photos too. We hope you find this guide useful, please share it and tag your friends.

ON ARRIVAL 

Most fans will be flying into Geneva. You can obtain a ticket which allows you access to free Public Transport for 60 minutes in 'Zone 10' of the city, which covers the airport and downtown Geneva. 

The tickets are dispensed from a machine in the the Arrivals area, before you leave the 'secure' area. Remember - once you go out, you can't go back in!

'Gare Cornavin' is the main transport hub in the city. The train takes as little as six minutes and the bus will take you twenty.

When you check in, your hotel should be able to offer you a complimentary travel pass. This will allow you further free access to public transport.

EATING AND DRINKING 

Fans who travelled to Basel for the World Cup play-off in 2017 will know that Switzerland isn't one of the cheaper destinations for an 'away day'. 

There are plenty of pubs to choose from in the area near to the 'Gare Cornavin' station. Among them are the Britannia, Mr Pickwick and Grand Duke.

Expect to pay upwards of £6 for a bottle or half litre of beer in these locations. If you're happy to settle for 'pub grub', then a burger and chips comes in at around £14. Fast food outlets are similarly priced. 

MATCHDAY AND GETTING TO THE STADIUM

The Swiss police have suggested that the 'Lady Godiva' pub is a good place for a matchday meet-up. From here to the Stade de Geneve is a short five-minute tram journey followed by a walk of less than ten minutes. The nearest tram stop is 'De Stael' and if you decide to take the train, then it's 'Lancy-Bachet'.

Northern Ireland fans will be located in Block X of the 'Tribune Sud' (South Stand). Allow plenty of time to get through security, especially as Covid checks will be in place.

There is no 'left luggage' facility at the Stade de Geneve for this match.

COVID REGULATIONS

Rather than detail the specific regulations at the time of writing, it's best advised to keep an eye on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office section on Switzerland (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/switzerland/coronavirus).

It's also worth checking out any regulations that may be in place should you be arriving in another Swiss city and travelling onto Geneva, as laws and regulations may vary in the different regions of the country.

Make sure you follow any information provided around proof of vaccination and testing. 

The Swiss FA have put together some information for Northern Ireland fans, which you can access here https://www.football.ch/en/sfv/nationalteams/a-team/eventinfo/tabid-4303.aspx

GENERAL ADVICE

With the UK's departure from the EU, a couple of things have changed. If you're travelling on a British Passport, you still need to have three months' validity after the date you leave Switzerland - but this is from the date the passport was issued. Any months which were 'added on' when you renewed won't count.

The European Health Insurance Card is no longer valid for most people, so make sure you have adequate Travel Insurance in place, and check out what you're actually covered for. Cheapest isn't always best!

IF YOU NEED HELP

Some useful numbers

112 (General Emergency); 144 (Ambulance); 117 (Police); 

The British Embassy is in Berne, the number is +41 31 359 7700 and is available 24/7. 

We're also here to direct you towards the right point of contact, you can get in touch through this page, our Twitter @AoNISC_Travel or through our Fan Embassy Network on 

+447943 542100. 

Have a good time - but stay safe! 💚