May 30 travel warning for Brits heading to popular European destination

Thousands of Brits travelling next week have received an important alert before they set off.

Arsenal supporters travelling to Budapest for next week’s UEFA Champions League final have been handed an official warning by the Foreign Office over crowds, fake tickets and travel disruption. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office updated its travel advice for Hungary on Friday ahead of the showpiece clash between Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna on Saturday, May 30.

British fans were urged to “plan their movement around the city” and arrive at designated fan zones or the stadium “well in advance” of kick-off amid expectations of huge crowds descending on the Hungarian capital.

The FCDO also warned supporters to take care of passports and valuables on public transport and in busy areas, while UEFA said fans must carry original photographic ID to gain entry to the stadium. Driving licences will not be accepted.

In an update posted on social media, the FCDO said: “Hungary: Read our latest travel advice for new information about the upcoming UEFA Champions League Final on 30 May.”

Officials said Arsenal fans should use the dedicated fan zone at Városliget Park and Heroes’ Square before making their way to the stadium. UEFA also warned fans not to buy tickets from unofficial resale websites or touts, saying supporters risk being refused entry or thrown out of the ground if tickets are purchased on the secondary market.

The warning comes as Arsenal prepare for their biggest European night in nearly two decades.

The North London club last reached the Champions League final in 2006, when Arsène Wenger’s side lost 2-1 to Barcelona in Paris despite taking the lead through Sol Campbell.

Arsenal secured their place in this season’s final after a dramatic European campaign under manager Mikel Arteta, reigniting hopes among supporters that the club can finally lift Europe’s biggest prize for the first time in its history.

The final is expected to trigger a huge influx of British travellers into Budapest, with airlines and hotels reporting soaring demand around the match weekend.

Supporters have also been facing sharply higher travel costs, with flights and accommodation prices surging following Arsenal’s qualification for the final.

The FCDO advised travellers to sign up for travel alerts and follow instructions from local authorities throughout the event. More details here.