Zenit fans will not have to pay any fees for their visas, but they must apply by Friday evening

British Ministers have agreed that, from now, Zenit fans wishing to attend the UEFA Cup Final in Manchester next week will receive their visas free of charge.

All Zenit fans with tickets for the UEFA cup final should make their initial online applications by midnight on Friday. We want as many Zenit fans as possible to enjoy a great footballing occasion in Manchester next week.

There is a two stage process. Ticket holders must make an initial application at the latest by Friday night, by logging onto www.visa4uk.fco.gov.uk . As part of the online process they will then be given an appointment at the Visa Application Centre where they can finish the application process in person. Fans cannot turn up at the application centre without an appointment.

The British Consulate in St Petersburg is doubling its visa staff this weekend and continuing to work 24 hours a day to make sure all FC Zenit fans, who want to see the UEFA cup final, can get their visas in St Petersburg.

But, unfortunately, although we will make every effort to process every application, we cannot guarantee that anyone applying for a visa after midnight on Friday will receive a visa in time to travel to the UK.

Zenit fans living in Moscow will be able to make appointments at the Visa Application Centre in Moscow, and must also apply online by midnight on Friday.

Please note. We will not be lifting the requirement for visas. If you have a ticket, you will need a visa to travel.

Full details of the application process can be found at www.ukvac-ru.com