World news story

Consular services in Paris issue advice before “le Crunch”

The France and England Rugby teams will meet in Paris for their RBS 6 Nations Rugby Tournament opening match on 1 February.

• From: British Embassy Paris
• Published: 27 January 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

England Rugby Union player - Credits: chrissmallwood, Creative Commons License

The consular services of the British Embassy Paris have advice for England supporters travelling to see the match.

Travelling rugby supporters are one of our nicest and easiest customer groups. In their vast majority, they prepare well for their trip, don’t get into fights, don’t overindulge, don’t lose their passports and don’t normally come to our notice. Thank you!

We’d like this state of affairs to continue, so here’s a bit of advice.

• Check that your passport is valid for your whole trip to France.
• Make sure that you bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) – this proves your entitlement to reduced cost health care if you need medical attention.
• The EHIC does not replace comprehensive travel insurance, though. It does not cover the entire cost of hospitalisation, and it does not cover repatriation should that become necessary. As a rough guide, travel insurance will often cost less than two coffees at the airport – it’s a no-brainer!
• Keep an eye on your possessions at all times. Pickpockets operate in all large crowds and on most public transport.
• The emergency number in France is 112.
• Check out our travel advice for France before you go.

Have a great time, and may the best team (hopefully England) win!

Practical information

• Kick-off is at 6 PM French time, doors open at 4 PM. You should try to arrive early as access to the stadium can take some time.
• French police and stewards will conduct ticket checks and security screening.
• If you’re arriving by Eurostar, take suburban train line RER D from Gare du Nord to Stade de France – Saint Denis, or RER B from Gare du Nord to La Plaine – Stade de France. If you’ve travelled by air to Paris Charles de Gaulle, take RER B from Aeroport Roissy Charles de Gaulle to La Plaine – Saint Denis.
• If you’re driving, you must book your car park before arriving. No vehicle access will be possible if you do not have a parking ticket, and you will not be able to buy one on the spot. More information is available on the stadium website.
• Alcohol is banned inside the stadium.
• If things go wrong and you need consular assistance, call us on +33 1 44 51 31 00.

Published 27 January 2014