PokerStars Festival Sochi - FAQ

Got questions about the big PokerStars Festival Sochi event or need help planning your trip? Check out the most frequently asked questions below, or contact live@pokerstarslive.com.

PokerStars Festival Sochi is a seven-day poker event that takes place in Sochi, Russia. The event will be held at the Sochi Casino and Resort from October 16–22 , with the High Roller Event starting on October 19, the Sochi Cup on October 20, and the Main Event taking place from October19.

You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in any of the events. No persons under the age of 18 are allowed to enter the tournament area and /or the Casino throughout the duration of the event.

All foreign citizens, travelling to and from Sochi, need to have a passport. Make sure you start working to get your passport now should you require one; it is your responsibility to have proper documentation.

To enter the Russian Federation you will need a visa if there is no international treaty between the Russian Federation and your country establishing a visa-free regime.

View the list of countries where a visa for Russia is not required here.

Feel free to email us should you require any help to obtain your visa live@pokerstarslive.com. Visas should not be applied for until you have received confirmation from Live Events that you have passed the verification checks.

To confirm what documents are needed to obtain your visa, please contact your nearest Russian Embassy/Consulate. You may need to provide valid travel insurance when completing a visa application form.

Citizens of most countries can apply for a tourist visa. However, citizens of certain countries might require a business visa. Your local Russian Embassy/Consulate can confirm this.

To apply for a Russian visa you are required to have a visa invitation letter issued by an authorized agency. Unfortunately PokerStars Live is unable to issue a visa invitation letter for you and any guests.

You can apply for the visa invitation letter online at - www.invitationtorussia.com. Alternatively, visit www.ivisaonline.com, or email support@ivisa.ru.

Please note that the above details are for information purposes only and should not be viewed as 100% guaranteed. It is highly advisable to check thoroughly whether you require a visa to enter Russia. It is the sole responsibility of all players to ensure that they have secured the correct visa (if required).

If you need a hotel confirmation for your visa application, please contact the PokerStars Travel Team via email or call on +34 93 325 67 77 and they will be able to assist you.

On first arrival at the casino you will need to show your immigration card which will be given to you at the airport by customs upon your arrival when you present your visa/passport.

You will also need to bring your passport for the casino to create your Casino Card.

The events have a variety of buy-ins. Please check the schedule for full details on the tournaments available and the cost of entry.

There are numerous online qualification options open to players through the PokerStars game client. Head to the 'Events' > ‘Live’ tab to see the full list.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All qualifiers are required to pass additional verification in order to be able to participate at PokerStars Festival Sochi. Our Verifications Team will be in contact shortly after you have qualified online. You will be asked to send copies of your passport and proof of address in your name. You are advised NOT to make any travel arrangements until you have received an approval email from Live Events. This will come after you have passed the verification process.

Once you have submitted the required documentation you should hear from us within 5-7 days.

If you have won a full PokerStars Festival Sochi package you will be required to complete an online accommodations registration form, where you can input all hotel details, including requests for extensions and upgrades. Any special requests (i.e. additional nights, additional guests, upgrading accommodation), should be included on this registration form. You will then be contacted with rates and information regarding the request by PokerStars Travel.

For all other players, media and anyone else planning on attending the PokerStars Festival Sochi please visit: www.pokerstarstravel.com.

Or contact info@pokerstarstravel.com to enquire about rooms.

Unfortunately you cannot buy the package directly using Stars Account funds.

You can buy your ticket using any of the following options, please note that we cannot accept part payment of one payment type with another.

• Cash (RUB only)
• Visa, Mastercard, credit and debit card
• Wire in advance to the casino (email registrations@pokerstarslive.com for instructions)

Regarding your accommodation please visit www.pokerstarstravel.com or contact info@pokerstarstravel.com

You can buy-in using any of the following options, please note that we cannot accept part payment of one payment type with another.

• Cash (RUB only)
• Visa, Mastercard, credit and debit card
• Wire in advance to the casino (email registrations@pokerstarslive.com for instructions)

For more information about the buy-in options please visit the Buy-in page.

No, unfortunately you cannot use funds from your Stars Account to buy-into any PokerStars Festival Sochi event.

No, unfortunately you cannot use funds from your PSLive account to buy-into any event.

Yes, you can always choose your starting day whether you are online qualifier or if you buy-in onsite. Remember that PokerStars Festival Sochi Main Event has two start days, Day 1A on October 19, and Day 1B on October 20.

Players have the following payout options available:

• CASH (RUB)
• WIRE TRANSFER processed by the Casino

Yes, the currency exchange desk at the casino is available 24/7. The Casino is responsible for the exchange rates.

Yes. You are required to accept and sign the PSLive Terms of Use to sign up for a PSLive account. The PSLive Terms of Use are comprised of the Rational Group rules and regulations governing live poker tournaments and cash games during PokerStars-sponsored live events. Upon registration to a Tournament for the first time, you will need to sign and accept the PSLive Terms on-site in Sochi in order to receive a PSLive Card, which is mandatory to play in any of the tournaments.

Players who participate in any tournament will receive a free PokerStars Festival Sochi branded item that can be collected from the Information Desk. You do not need to play in the Main Event to receive one of these; however you must show a valid tournament buy-in receipt to any of the scheduled events to be eligible.