New visa deal for Moscow final is just the ticket for fans

Russia has agreed to allow fans with European Cup final tickets entry to the country without a visa.

Supporters of Manchester United and Chelsea will be able to use their tickets for the game in Moscow as a visa substitute for a 72-hour period between 19 and 23 May.

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The news will be a huge relief for the estimated 42,000 ticket-holders planning to travel to Russia. The move alleviates a huge burden on the Russian National Tourist Office in London, which has been handling visas on behalf of the Russian Embassy in Britain for the 21 May final.

It is unclear whether they would have processed all the applications in time, but yesterday's announcement ends fears that fans with tickets could miss the match.

The news follows discussions involving Michel Platini, the president of European football's governing body, Uefa, and the Russian government. United and Chelsea officials met Russian match organisers in Moscow on Thursday.

As well as a match ticket, supporters need a valid passport and a completed immigration form when arriving in Russia. Those travelling have been urged not to dispose of their ticket until they have left the country. Anyone overstaying the 72-hour entry period will be charged the fee for a regular visa upon departure.

Fans without a ticket, hoping to travel independently, should be able to have their visas processed in time – though the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office have advised supporters not to travel "if they do not have a ticket or accommodation beforehand".

Both clubs have been given 21,000 tickets for the match at the Luzhniki Stadium, where the capacity is being set at 69,500.