5 top tips for visiting the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Top footballing nations from across the globe head to Russia in 2018 for the latest staging of the FIFA World Cup.

Holders Germany will be eager to defend the trophy they claimed in 2014, although five-time winners Brazil are likely to make a strong bid for another success.

There are 11 cities hosting the tournament with Moscow, St Petersburg and Sochi amongst the venues.

Hosts Russia will kick-off the competition in the capital city on June 14, while the second semi-final on July 10 and final on July 15 are also scheduled to take place there.

Read on for our top five tips for planning a trip to the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Check local gambling regulations

Gambling is only legal in Russia in four specially arranged zones in the Altai, Krasnodar, Kaliningrad, and Primorsky regions.

Online gambling has also been restricted, although poker is a grey area due to issues surrounding whether it is a game of skill.

Some foreign-based websites are accessible, but Internet Service Providers have been instructed to block gambling-related websites.

Check out adventure slots ahead of your trip to Russia to boost your bankroll, but make sure you’re aware of the local regulations once you’re inside the country.

Book early

Don’t leave your hotel bookings until the last minute, as demand will be high with tens of thousands of fans travelling to Russia. Also, apply for a visa well in advance, and if you need to obtain an apostille, then you should contact a notary in Los Angeles (нотариус лос анджелес) or anywhere near you as soon as possible. Once your travel and living situation is secured, you can then move on to securing tickets.

Get your match tickets sorted early too and always use a credible source. Touts have been the scourge of previous tournaments, but Russian authorities will undoubtedly be quick to clamp down on illegal sales.

Take out comprehensive travel insurance to ensure that your belongings are protected throughout your trip.

Research the Moscow Metro

Much like the Tube in London, if you’re planning on getting around the capital the Moscow Metro will be crucial to your plans.

Take a colour map written in both English and Russian, just in case you need to ask for help.

Count the number of stations you need to travel, as some of the signage around the network isn’t up to scratch.

Allow yourself extra time to work out you’re heading in the right direction, as there might not be staff on hand to assist you.

Russia isn’t always cold

It’s always cold in Russia, isn’t it? Russia is famous for its cold winters, but don’t expect to be shivering during the World Cup.

Weather during June and July is usually warm with temperatures above 20 degrees centigrade, so pack your sun cream and flip-flops and enjoy a balmy Russian summer.

Keep your wits about you

Russian hooligans didn’t cover themselves in glory at Euro 2016 in France and there’s been threats of further violence at the World Cup.

England’s qualification for the tournament will see security ramped up, but the home nation have insisted the event will be safe.

Fans should stick together and listen to the advice on the areas to avoid around the various host cities.

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