information for supporters travelling to galatasaray away posted on: mon 17 feb 2014 chelseafc.com
chelsea fans travelling to the champions league away game versus galatasaray which takes place on wednesday 26 february are recommended to read the following information.
please note that any updates or changes to this information in the build-up to the game will be notified via the club's twitter account: @chelseafc
the city
istanbul is the largest city in turkey with a reported population of 14 million. it bridges asia and europe and is centred on the bosphorus, one of busiest waterways in the world. it has a long and varied history which makes it a popular tourist destination, with many bars and restaurants collected around the old district and the more modern taksim square. it benefits from excellent communication links with a comprehensive metro and bus system.
there are numerous flight connections from across europe with two main airports - ataturk havalimani international, situated approximately 16 kilometres from the city centre, and the newer sabiha gokcen international, located on the eastern, asian side of the city about 35 km south-east of the city centre. most charter flights use this airport.
stadium
the turk telecom arena is located in the sisli area approximately 12 km north of the city centre. it is a modern stadium completed in 2011 with a capacity of 52,652.
matchday transport
the police have advised it is not safe for chelsea supporters to use the metro to and from the stadium on match day and it is strongly recommended use is made of the special bus services which will be provided for visiting supporters. cabs can be hired to the stadium, the fares are determined with a taximeter. make sure the driver switches it on before the trip. however there is no guarantee taxis will be available for the return journey.
match day bus transport to the stadium
buses will be provided by the local bus company for the exclusive use of chelsea supporters from a bus stop located in asker ocagi cd, which is situated to the north of taksim square. it can be found between the grand hyatt and intercontinental hotels. (map below).
buses will leave at set intervals - 18:00hrs, 18:30hrs, 19:00hrs, 19:30hrs and 20:00hrs. supporters should arrive in good time and be in possession of a pre-paid travel card - istanbul kart - which costs 15 tl (£4) and can be purchased from many outlets across the city displaying the following sign -
istanbul card
post-match, the buses will be positioned outside the visitors' entrance, in a segregated area, and will take supporters back to taksim square. persons who are drunk will not be allowed on the buses.
stadium and regulations
chelsea supporters will be located in the south stand, sectors 417 - 421 which can be accessed via gates g11 - g 12. it should be noted that that there are no lifts and the stairs are steep. all the seats have roof cover and there will be refreshment facilities available throughout the match. disabled supporters will be located in k9, gate 3.
the turnstiles will open at 18:45 and supporters are advised to get to the stadium early to allow for the entry procedures which will consist of a body search and then electronic ticket scan. large bags should not be brought to the stadium and there are no storage facilities for such items.
there are no dedicated areas for banners within the away sector but reasonable-sized flags, without poles, will be permitted.
prohibited items - these are similar to those in the uk however it should be noted that no plastic bottles or cans of drink of any size, coins or lighters will be allowed. no loose change will be given for purchases in the stadium; instead vouchers will be issued which can be redeemed after the match. credit cards can be used. telescopic cameras and umbrellas are also not permitted.
persons who are drunk will not be allowed entry.
chelsea supporters will be held back for approximately 30 minutes after the end of the match.
general security advice
while istanbul is generally a safe city and the police have not given any specific areas to be avoided (other than the metro to the stadium on match day), supporters should be aware of pickpockets, petty theft and bag snatchers in crowded places. care should be taken to keep bags and cameras secure and not to keep on show any other valuables. supporters are advised to leave their passports in the hotel safe and use another form of photographic id, e.g. a driving licence or passport photocopy.
drinking in the streets is not permitted and offenders can be fined. it is an offence to insult the turkish nation or national flag. photographic identification must be carried.
visas
british nationals need a visa (£10) to enter turkey and these can be obtained on arrival or by e-mail in advance (www.evisa.gov.tr). visas are valid for multiple stays up to a maximum of 90 days. passports must be valid for six months from the date of entry. there are no specific health warnings but supporters are advised to check national travel health network for advice. all supporters are advised to have adequate travel insurance as the european health insurance card does not apply.
