Invictus Games 2016
Updates and travel advice for British Nationals travelling to Orlando, Florida for the 2016 Invictus Games
The Invictus Games takes place from 8-12 May at the ESPN World of Sports Complex Walt Disney Resort Orlando, Florida USA. This page has useful information and tips for fans travelling to the USA. Those visiting the USA should review the Foreign Office’s travel advice. It includes information on entry requirements, health and local laws.
Passports and visas
- Your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. You do not need any additional period of validity on your passport beyond this.
- The US Visa Waiver Programme (VWP) allows most British Citizen passport holders to visit the US for up to 90 days.
- All those travelling under the V WP arriving by air or sea should provide details online at least 72 hours before travel. This is known as an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation or ESTA. If you do not have an ESTA you will be refused entry to the USA. For more information, and to apply online, visit the official ESTA website.
You won’t qualify for entry to the USA under the VWP, and will need to apply for a visa from the nearest US Embassy or Consulate, if:
- you have a British passport that describes your nationality as something other than ‘British Citizen’;
- your passport has been extended by 12 months under exceptional measures put in place in mid 2014;
- your passport doesn’t include certain security features;
- you’ve been arrested for certain crimes, even if it didn’t result in a criminal conviction;
- you’re a dual national of Iran, Iraq, Sudan, or Syria;
- you’ve travelled to Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia or Yemen since March 2011. Certain exemptions apply on a case-by-case basis, for more information about these exemptions, see the website of the US Embassy;
- your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is not valid in the US, and so comprehensive travel insurance is essential, even if you are only going for one night - it could save you a lot of money should you get into difficulty;
- you must carry a form of identification with you at all times.
Getting to the ESPN World of Sports Complex
The complex can only be accessed by vehicle. A Taxi will cost approximately $60 one way from Orlando International Airport. There are no trains to the location but bus transportation is available from Disney’s All-Star Sports Resorts, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort on a limited schedule so plan your journey carefully. ESPN World of Sports Complex general parking is free.
To avoid delays, arrive early and follow the direction of the parking attendants and police officers.
At the games
- Access to the complex can take time - there will be ticket checks and body searches at the entrance to the turnstiles.
- The restrictions in place for the complex are similar to ground regulations in the UK sporting venues as in any other city beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, around the town centre and when using public transport - only carry what you need and leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes.
Tips
- As in any other city beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, train stations, around the town centre and when using public transport. Only carry what you need, leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits.
- Don’t leave passports in rental cars, especially in the boot, as there have been a high number of thefts by gangs targeting the vehicles of those who appear to be tourists.
- You should be mindful of Florida alcohol laws. The legal drinking age in Florida is 21. Driving while intoxicated is not tolerated, and can be met with extremely heavy penalties. You may not drive with an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment of your car. If the containers have been opened, you are required by law to place the containers in the boot of your car.
Contact the British Consulate-General in Miami
British Consulate-General 1001 Brickell Bay Drive. Miami, Florida 33131
Telephone + 1 407 254 3300
British Consulate-General Miami
Emergency services numbers
Dial 911 for any emergencies while in the US