The Foreign Office has issued a travel warning to football fans heading to Turkey for the Europa League final, with tens of thousands expected to travel to Istanbul for Wednesday's match. Aston Villa will play the German side Freiburg at 22:00 local time on May 20 in Europe's second biggest club competition.
British nationals travelling to Istanbul were told to follow several steps on the government website before setting off, as UEFA set out how supporters will be handled around the stadium. Gates will open at 19:00 local time, and additional security and ticket checks will be in place before kick-off.
UEFA said Istanbul has an extensive public transport network, with metros, trams, buses and ferries available for fans making their way to the stadium. Supporters were advised to get an Istanbulkart or use their own contactless payment method for public transport, with more information on services and routes available through Metro Istanbul, İETT and Şehir Hatlari.
The timing will matter for anyone planning a late return. UEFA said the post-match ceremony and celebrations should finish at around 12.30am local time if the game ends in normal time, while a match that goes to extra time or penalties is likely to finish at 1.15am.
The warning and the travel advice land just as the city prepares to host one of its biggest football nights in years. With fans arriving from across Britain and beyond, the final will put Istanbul's transport network, stadium security and overnight logistics under pressure long after the final whistle.
