The World Cup is getting near and I’ve decided I can’t resist. How can I make to Russia?

You will need to apply for match tickets – Fifa’s latest “first come, first served” phase is open until 3 April – and sort out your travel. But you might not get beyond the airport, and certainly won’t get into any of the stadia, if you haven’t got a Fan ID.

What’s a Fan ID? You mean a ticket isn’t all I will need to attend a game?

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You’ll need your Fan ID and your ticket if you want to get inside. A Fan ID is a small, laminated document that you will probably wear around your neck. It will display your photograph and your name, and will be linked to your ticket purchases – considerably reducing the risk of touting.

Do I need a visa as well?

No – perhaps the best thing about a Fan ID is that it operates in lieu of a visa and means foreign-based supporters may circumvent a process that can be both expensive and time-consuming. Once you have your Fan ID in hand you will be able to enter Russia without a visa as long as you arrive between 4 June and 15 July, and leave between 4 June and 25 July. It allows multiple entries, itself a highly prized function.

So how much does a Fan ID cost and how do I get one?

It is completely free and the process is fairly simple. First you need to buy your match tickets – not necessarily having them on your person, but at least having the purchase confirmed electronically as you will need the ID code you are given. Then visit the official Fan ID application website and follow the steps. You will have to submit passport information, a mugshot and a few other details such as your date of birth, full name, citizenship and postal address. Processing time between application and approval should be around 72 hours; just make sure you select postal delivery rather than collection in Russia, which is possible in each of the host cities, if you want to make use of its visa-waiving properties. Helpfully it can also be sent to your local Russian visa centre rather than your home address if you prefer. Just don’t leave it all until the last minute, because delivery abroad takes an estimated 30 days.

Are there any other benefits?

Yes – if you have a Fan ID you will be able to travel to the stadia for free on match days via public transport, although be sure to check which routes this applies to. Even more excitingly, you will be able to book your place on extra train services between many of the host cities – which have been laid on entirely free of charge. Have a play around with the website and see what is available. And perhaps that brings us to the biggest benefit of all: you’re coming for the football but this, in tandem with the visa-waiving purpose, provides a freedom to explore Russia that simply has never been available before.

It all makes sense – but how do we know it works?

The Fan ID has never been used at a major tournament before but it was trialled at the Confederations Cup last summer and went down well – even if the sight of several thousand supporters wearing lanyards around their necks sometimes gave the impression of being at a conference rather than a football match.