The Travel Clinic Ltd writes:
We wish the Olympic and Paralympic teams all the best this year.
We advise that you get vaccinated against Hepatits A which is a disease spread easily through contaminated food and water before you travel to any parts of Russia. Also we recommend an influenza vaccination to prevent contracting flu whilst travelling. Flu season is upon us and is at its contagious height in the UK and Russia at this time of year. Suffering from flu is miserable but associated complications such as pneumonia can be life threatening. Both Hepatitis A and Influenza vaccinations are available at The Travel Clinic Ltd.
Check out the FCO website for excellent guidance and advice about visas and passports; this also includes the contact details of the British Embassy in Russia. Be aware you must carry your Russian visa and migration/registration card and passport with you at all times. Police can carry out ID checks at any time and will require original documentation. You will also need these to gain entry to the Olympic venues, along with your spectator pass which after buying your ticket and registering, you will need to collect at one of the spectator registration centres.
Ensure you get adequate medical insurance. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) does not apply in Russia and hospital treatment or stays could prove very costly without it.
Obvious but worth remembering, Russia will be cold! Average temperatures for the time of year are 8.3 degrees centigrade. Ensure you pack appropriately with plenty of warm waterproof and windproof clothing and footwear. Standing on ice and snow will make your body temperature drop quickly.
The US Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a great travel health page dedicated to the winter Olympics. Follow their healthy habits such as
· always wear a seatbelt, and be aware of heavy traffic, particularly if you are a pedestrian
· wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitiser; cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve and not your hand, to prevent spreading germs
· if you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Do not accept drinks from strangers and watch your drink at all times, spiking of drinks is not uncommon in Russia
· Russia has a zero tolerance of drug use and penalties are severe, including long jail sentences
· use British latex condoms if you have sex
· Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) travellers should be aware of the law introduced in June 2013 banning the promotion of “non-traditional sexual relationships”. Be careful about public displays of affection and rallies or demonstrations for the rights of LGBT. Since the law was passed, violence against LGBT community has increased and foreign citizens found to be guilty of violating the law could be fined, jailed or deported
· As with any major city or sporting event, watch out for pickpockets
· Stay safe in a crowd and check for emergency exits and plan a meeting point if you get split up from your group
Great Britain is hoping to have the best winter Olympics to date, up to six medals, according to a report by the BBC sports page. If you are lucky enough to be competing or to be a spectator, enjoy your trip and keep in mind some of the above advice.
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