Fans urged to consider travel advice ahead of 2016 European Championships

Updated

British football fans planning trips to France for the 2016 European Championships have been urged to remain updated on the latest travel advice amid heightened security measures.

The draw for the Euro 2016, due to be held in France next summer, will take place today with three home nations in competition.

France has declared a three-month state of emergency following a series of terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13, which claimed 130 lives.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has launched a campaign to help sports fanatics plan a smooth getaway.

Foreign Minister James Duddridge said: "It's never too early to begin your preparations, so we're encouraging fans to do their research and stay up to date with our travel advice."

He added: "Never before have we seen three home nations teams reach the finals of a European Championships.

"I am sure this will be reflected in the number of fans making the journey across the Channel."

The 11-point guide offers practical advice such as planning ahead with accommodation, buying tickets from accredited outlets and taking out travel insurance. But it also steers readers towards the foreign travel advice for France, which sets out the increased security measures prompted by the tragedy in Paris.

That advice warned France is still contending with a high threat from terrorism.

It said: "Due to ongoing threats to France by Islamist terrorist groups, and recent French military intervention against Daesh (formerly referred to as Isil), the French government has warned the public to be especially vigilant and has reinforced its security measures."

The advice adds: "You should be vigilant in public places, follow the advice of the local authorities and subscribe to email alerts for updates to this travel advice."

Public gatherings, flying drones and the use of fireworks in the Paris and surrounding regions remain prohibited. At the beginning of the month, the French Ministry revoked advice for school groups not to travel to the Ile-de-France area.

The advice also outlines issues around the large numbers of illegal migrants in Calais and industrial action by farmers.

It also points out 17 million British nationals visit France every year, and most trips are trouble-free.

England, Wales and Northern Ireland are in the pot for the draw.

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