Travel officials have warned football fans to ensure they have travel insurance before heading to South Africa for the 2010 World Cup next summer.

With an abundance of violence surrounding sporting events such as this, it comes as no surprise to hear warning like these in recent times.

In particular, authorities are singling out England fans, warning them they could face high crime rates, high hotel prices and fake match tickets if they are not on their best behavior.

With the World Cup draw already being finalized, and football fans now knowing who their immediate opponents will be, the Foreign Office (FO) has urged supporters to visit a new website – www.fco.gov.uk/worldcup – and also to register their travel plans with the FO, at www.fco.gov.uk/locate.

Foreign Office minister Chris Bryant said it was important travelers researched the destination they were staying at and to cover all safety bases.

“Visiting the Foreign Office website to research the destination, as well as taking out appropriate travel insurance in case something does go wrong, can make all the difference between an experience to remember and one to forget,” he said.

The advice is part of the FO’s “Be on the Ball” campaign, which was launched last month. It also reminds travelers that cash machine scams and carjacking could also be a problem for visitors to South Africa.

In particular there are also concerns over the location of the event. South Africa has been known for its local turbulence in the past, and the safety of the guests for next year’s event is unknown.