Several countries’ diplomatic bodies, travel specialists and international agencies provide sets of advice for different countries and different cultures, especially when it comes to major events as the World Cup.
For Russia 2018 World Cup, one of the controversies regarding safety is related to LGBTQ receptivity. Attitude towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travelers can be less tolerant than in other European countries.
There are no laws protecting LGBT from discrimination. On the contrary: although there is no law forbidding homosexuality, there is a 2013 law banning the promotion of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’ towards people under 18. What constitutes such behavior is not specified in the law, which can be quite vague. Punishment for the breaking of this law include fines, jail time and deportation. There are currently no cases of foreigners sentenced under this law. However, attention is recommended regarding public displays of affection between same-sex couples, which, besides the law, can be met with hostility. Some paramilitary groups have even announced patrols to prevent the so-called promotion of ‘non-traditional sexual relations’.
Women travelers are also more likely to be impacted by the different cultural and religious habits. While sexual harassment is a rare occurrence in bigger cities, gender stereotypes are strong in Russian society and ideas of traditional gender roles still persists. Most diplomatic bodies, however, do not issue specific advice for women who are traveling to Russia.
Sochi
Population: approximately 401.000
Stadium: Fisht Stadium (48.000)
Matches:
- 15 June, 21:00 – Portugal vs Spain – Group B
- 18 June, 18:00 – Belgium vs Panama – Group G
- 23 June, 21:00 – Germany vs Sweden – Group F
- 26 June, 17:00 – Australia vs Peru – Group C
- 30 June, 21:00 – Winner Group A vs Runner-up Group B – Round of 16
- 7 July, 21:00 – Winner Match 51 vs Winner Match 52 – Quarter-finals
- Fifa Fun Fest: South Mall of the Seaport (10.000)
Kazan
Population: approximately 1.200.000
Stadium: Kazan Arena (45.000)
Matches:
- 16 June, 13:00 – France vs Australia – Group C
- 20 June, 21:00 – Iran vs Spain – Group B
- 24 June 2018 21:00 – Poland vs Colombia – Group H
- 27 June, 17:00 – South Korea vs Germany – Group F
- 30 June, 17:00 – Winner Group C vs Runner-up Group D – Round of 16
- 6 July, 21:00 – Winner Match 53 vs Winner Match 54 – Quarter-finals
- Fifa Fun Fest: Family Center Kazan (25.000)
Rostov-on-don
Population: approximately 1.100.000
Stadium: Rostov Arena (45.000)
Matches:
- 17 June, 21:00 – Brazil vs Switzerland – Group E
- 20 June, 18:00 – Uruguay vs Saudi Arabia – Group A
- 23 June, 18:00 – South Korea vs Mexico – Group F
- 26 June, 21:00 – Iceland vs Croatia – Group D
- 2 July, 21:00 – Winner Group G vs Runner-up Group H – Round of 16
- Fifa Fun Fest: Theatre Square (25.000)
Ekaterinburg
Population: approximately 1.400.000
Stadium: Ekaterinburg Arena (35.000)
Matches:
- 15 June, 17:00 – Egypt vs Uruguay – Group A
- 21 June, 20:00 – France vs Peru – Group C
- 24 June, 20:00 – Japan vs Senegal – Group H
- 27 June, 19:00 – Mexico vs Sweden – Group F
- Fifa Fun Fest: Mayakovsky Central Park of Entertainment and Culture (17.000)
Continue to monitor our SAFEY app for updated information on events in Russia.