2014 FIFA World Cup Travel Advisory to Fans Going to Brazil
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop is calling all fans travelling to Brazil for the 2014 FIFA World Cup to heed The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade travel advisory.
"With less than a month until the FIFA World Cup kicks off, I urge all Australians planning to travel to Brazil to read the Smartraveller bulletin issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. This World Cup bulletin provides fans with information on ticketing, visas, transport and accommodation, safety and security, in-country emergency contacts, travel health, and helpful match day reminders. The bulletin should be read in conjunction with the travel advice for Brazil," Bishop said in a statement.
"I also strongly advise all Australians travelling to the World Cup to register their travel and contact details with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and to take out comprehensive travel insurance," she added.
As for the Socceroos, she wished them good luck with their final preparations.
Overall, Brazil was given an advisory rating by DFAT of "Exercise a high degree of caution."
Essentially all travelers to Brazil for the FIFA World Cup are advised of the following:
- We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil because of the high levels of serious and violent crime, particularly in major cities.
- Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
- Large-scale protests occurred in many cities throughout Brazil in 2013. Demonstrations can occur at any time and can turn violent with little or no warning. We recommend Australians avoid all demonstrations and protests and monitor local media for information about expected demonstrations.
- The incidence of violent crime, including muggings, armed robbery, kidnappings and sexual assault, is significant.
The Socceroos will play at Cuiaba (13 June), the capital state of Mato Grasso located close to the border of Bolivia. It has humid and dry climate.
The team will also be playing in Porto Alegre (18 June) with subtropical and winter climate.
Lastly, it will play at Curitiba (23 June), 550 km south of Rio de Janeiro, with cool and can-drop-to-zero climate.
DFAT advised for fans to be aware that they have to travel long distances between match venues, considering that Brazil is a large country. It is highly recommended to take air travel when moving from one match location to another, specifically for the 2,100 km distance between Cuiaba and Porto Alegre to attend the first and second matches.
Fans should have the following guidance during the match days:
- Traffic congestion and transport disruptions are anticipated throughout the World Cup. Allow plenty of time to get to matches.
- There will be exclusion zones around stadiums. Ticket holders should prepare to walk up to 5 kms from transport drop off points.
- You and your bag may be subject to a search before you are allowed entry to a stadium. No food or drink will be permitted into the stadiums. Allow extra time to clear security checks and follow the instructions of local authorities.
- FIFA has advised that ticket holders who are intoxicated will be refused entry into matches.
For more comprehensive travel advisory, please visit 2014 World Cup in Brazil.