St Mirren travel to Iceland this week as we take on Valur in Reyjkavík in the UEFA Conference League Second Qualifying Round.
Saints face the Besta deild karla side on Thursday evening in our first European tie since 1987.
Traveling to Iceland for a football match can be an exciting experience. Here are some safety travel tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip:
Before You Go
Research and Plan Ahead:
Weather: Check the weather forecast. Iceland's weather can be unpredictable, so pack accordingly.
Visa Requirements: Ensure you have the necessary travel documents and visas, if applicable.
Health Precautions:
Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required for Iceland.
Travel Insurance: Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and trip cancellations.
Travel Documentation:
Make copies of important documents like passports, tickets, and insurance papers. Store them separately from the originals.
Airport Security:
Arrive early at the airport to allow ample time for security checks and boarding procedures.
Luggage:
Always keep your luggage within sight. Use locks and tags to secure and identify your bags.
Upon Arrival
Local Transportation:
Taxis and Public Transport: Use licensed taxis and familiarise yourself with the local public transport system.
Driving: If renting a car, be aware of Iceland's driving laws and road conditions.
Accommodation:
Stay in reputable hotels or accommodations. Use hotel safes to store valuables.
During Your Stay
Safety at the Stadium:
Tickets: Only purchase match tickets from our official sources.
Crowds: Be cautious in large crowds and follow the instructions of local authorities and event staff.
Behaviour: Respect local customs and laws. Avoid any behaviour that could be seen as disruptive or disrespectful.
Personal Safety:
Alcohol Consumption: Drink responsibly and be aware of your surroundings.
Night Safety: Stick to well-lit areas and avoid walking alone at night.
Emergency Contacts:
Know the local emergency numbers (e.g., 112 for emergency services in Iceland).
Have the contact details of your country's embassy or consulate in Iceland.
Weather Preparedness:
Dress appropriately and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Carry waterproof and windproof clothing.
Be cautious when participating in outdoor activities, such as hiking or exploring natural sites. Inform someone of your plans and expected return time.
Communication:
Stay Connected: Have a working mobile phone with international roaming or a local SIM card.
Share your travel itinerary with family or friends back home.
Cultural Respect
Local Customs: Familiarise yourself with Icelandic customs and etiquette. Icelanders are known for their politeness and respect for nature.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Iceland.
Away section:
Turnstiles will open at 5.45pm local time.
If you have concerns regarding access to the stadium, please contact slo@stmirren.com as soon as possible.
Permitted Items:
- Small Bags: Bags should not exceed 25cm x 25cm x 25cm; backpacks should be left in the cloakroom.
- Battery Packs and Charging Cables
- Flags and Banners: These should not exceed 2m x 1m and will be checked by security for inflammatory language.
- Essential Medicines: Including inhalers.
Prohibited Items:
- Video Cameras
- Toiletries: Including perfume bottles.
- Please see appendix for the full list of prohibited items provided below.
How to get to the stadium:
It is a an approx. 36min from the centre of Reykjavik to the Hlíðarendi Stadium, see map in pix
Useful Information
British Embassy Reykjavik
Laufásvegur 31
101 Reykjavík
Iceland
Passport advice line: +44 300 222 0000
Emergency services in Iceland
Telephone: 112 (ambulance, fire, police)
Useful Links:
Appendix
Unless otherwise authorized in writing, Stadium Visitors and Accredited Persons are not permitted to use, possess, hold, or bring into the Stadium the following Prohibited Items:
- Weapons of any kind.
- Anything that could be used as a weapon or to cut, thrust or stab, or as a projectile, in particular long umbrellas and other unwieldy implements.
- Bottles, cups, jugs or cans of any kind as well as other objects made from glass or any other fragile, non-shatterproof or especially tough material or Tetrapak packaging, hard cooler boxes
- Fireworks, flares, smoke powder, smoke canisters, smoke bombs or other pyrotechnics.
- Alcoholic beverages of any kind, narcotics, or stimulants.
- Racist, xenophobic cause, charity, or ideological concern related materials, including but not limited to banners, signs, symbols and leaflets, objects, or clothing, which could impair the enjoyment of the event by other spectators, or detract from the sporting focus of the event.
- Flagpoles or banner poles of any kind. Only flexible plastic poles and so-called double-poles that do not exceed 1 meter in length and 1 cm in diameter and which are not made of inflammable material are permitted.
- Banners or flags larger than 2m x 1m50. Smaller flags and banners are permitted if they are made from material which is deemed “of low flammability” and complies with national regulations and standards.
- Any promotional or commercial, materials, including but not limited to banners, signs, symbols and leaflets, or any kind of promotional or commercial objects, material, and clothing.
- Gas spray cans, corrosive, flammable substances, dyes, or receptacles containing substances which are harmful to health or are highly flammable:
- Unwieldy objects such as, large bags, rucksacks, suitcases, and sports bags. “Unwieldy” is given to mean all objects which are larger than 25cmx25cmx25cm and which cannot be stowed under the seat in the Stadium.
- Large quantities of paper and/or rolls of paper.
- Mechanically operated instruments which produce an excessive volume of noise such as megaphones, hooters, or gas-powered horns. Drums will not be permitted.
- Laser pointers.
- Cameras (except for private use and then only with one set of replacement or rechargeable batteries), video cameras or other sound or video recording equipment.
- Computers or other devices used for the purposes of transmitting or disseminating sound, pictures, descriptions, or results of the events via the internet or other forms of media.
