Birkirkara v West Ham United football match
Advice for fans travelling to Malta for the Birkirkara v West Ham United football game on 23 July 2015
Date: Thursday 23 July 2015
Venue: Ta’ Qali National Stadium
Kick off time: 8.45pm (local time)
As well as this advice, check out our travel advice for Malta
Passports and visas
Please check your passport and visa details. You don’t need a visa to travel to Malta but you must have a valid passport. You should also be sure to:
-
remember your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
-
take out good travel insurance - it could save you a lot of money if you get into difficulties
-
bring with you a copy of the personal details page of your passport in case you lose your passport
If you lose your passport, you’ll need to get an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) from the British High Commission in Malta. To get an ETD you’ll need to supply a police report, flight reservation and one photo; the fee is €139.
Getting to the stadium
There are limited transport links to the Ta’ Qali National Stadium. Supporters can use the bus services listed below to reach the venue, but the journey takes about an hour so allow plenty of time.
No public transport is available after the match; the last bus leaves at 10:30pm and the match will still be under way. You should therefore make alternative travel arrangements (eg a pre-booked taxi) before leaving for the stadium.
Local taxi services
- Ecabs : +356 2138 3838
- Yellow Cabs : +356 2298 2298
- Williams Garage : +356 21575146
- Johns Garage : +356 2298 2998 (Mini vans available)
- Wembleys : +356 2137 4141
- Percius : +356 2144 2530
- Zarb Coaches : +356 2148 9991/2/3 (Mini vans available)
The white taxi service can be pre-booked and picks up passengers from anywhere, except bus-stops. Taxi services from the Malta International Airport to all places in Malta are based on a fixed tariff; for more information visit the Malta international airport website
Local bus routes
Malta is served by a network of around 80 bus routes, many of which converge on the central hub outside Valletta’s city gates.
To reach the stadium you’ll need to catch the 202 or 203 route. This route starts in Pembroke and goes through the Sliema Ferries area and ends in Rabat; you should catch the bus from Sliema Ferries; buses leave roughly every 20 minutes
Further public transport information is available at the Visit Malta website.
At the match
-
Access to the stadium might be slow; there will be ticket checks and you should have your passport with you. ‘Pat down’ body searches may take place at the entrance to the turnstiles.
-
To avoid a last minute bottleneck you should aim to arrive at the stadium early; gates will open 2 hours before kick-off.
-
Flags and banners are welcome, but not if they’re on sticks; flags of an overtly political, sectarian or religious nature won’t be allowed and may be confiscated.
-
West Ham United stewards will be travelling to Malta and will be present at the stadium to help supporters.
-
Toilet and catering facilities will be available inside the stadium; UEFA regulations stipulate that alcohol will not be on sale inside the stadium.
-
Fans without tickets won’t be allowed into the stadium and will be removed from the stadium area.
-
Fans who misbehave will be arrested and prosecuted the following day.
Helpful tips for the local area
As in any other city, beware of pickpockets and bag snatchers at airports, railway stations, around the town historical centre and when using public transport.
Only carry what you need. Leave spare cash and valuables in hotel safety deposits and never leave valuables or anything on show in cars.
British High Commission address
Whitehall Mansions, Ta’ Xbiex Seafront, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta, XBX 1026
Public opening hours: Monday, Tuesday Thursday, Friday, 9am to 1pm (closed all day Wednesday)
Telephone: +356 2323 0000
Emergency services numbers
Fire/Police/Ambulance: 112