2024 Paris Olympic Games - France and Tahiti
26 Jun 2024
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games will take place in France between 26 July to 11 August in venues across mainland France. Surfing events are to be held in Tahiti, French Polynesia. The 2024 Paralympic Games will take place between 28 August to 8 September 2024 in venues across France.
Further event-specific information can be found on the official websites for:
If you are planning to attend the 2024 Paris Games, the potential risks to your health will vary depending on your pre-existing general health. what activities you are planning on doing whilst abroad, and the precise areas you plan to travel to.
See the information below for ways to protect your health if you are planning to travel to France or Tahiti for the Games.
Advice to Travellers
Before Travel
Make sure you plan well ahead due to the increased demand on transport and accommodation for the Olympic Games. In particular:
- review the latest FCDO foreign travel advice for France and/or French Polynesia (Tahiti) for country-specific entry requirements, passport validity, safety and security issues and travel warnings.
- check that your passport is valid for entering the Schengen area for entry to France.
- check if your EHIC or GHIC is in date, or apply for one.
- make sure you have valid travel insurance in place, which covers any pre-existing medical conditions. Be aware that EHIC/GHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance.
- consider what precautions you may need to take to maintain your personal safety whilst travelling abroad.
Check that you are up to date with all routine vaccines for the UK. In the past, large gatherings of people in close contact, such as at sporting events, have been responsible for the transmission of highly infectious diseases such as measles and flu.
- There has been a recent increase in cases of measles in Europe.
- Make sure you have had two doses of the MMR vaccine. For information on what to do if you're unsure if you've had 2 doses of the MMR vaccine, see NHS inform (Scotland) or NHS UK (rest of UK).
Review the France country page and/or the French Polynesia country page for:
- information on known existing health risks in that country.
- information on any disease outbreaks (in the ‘news’ section).
If you think you may need travel health advice and/or vaccines or boosters before travel, you should arrange for a travel health risk assessment.
During Travel
Crowds of people on public transport and around stadiums increase the risk of infectious diseases that cause respiratory and/or gastrointestinal illnesses spreading. To reduce your risk of illness:
- Always take care with respiratory hygiene
- Wash your hands frequently
- Take safe food and water precautions at all times
Diseases spread by biting insects, including ticks and mosquitoes are a risk in certain parts of France and Tahiti. The risk may be higher in the summer months, and if you are planning on visiting rural areas including parks and woodlands.
- Diseases spread by mosquitoes such as dengue fever and West Nile virus are on the rise in Europe
- Know what precautions you need to take to protect yourself against insect and tick bites both day and night.
- Be aware how to treat insect bites and how to remove ticks.
Excessive use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs can lead to being denied entry to sporting events and stadiums, and also increase risk-taking behaviours which may lead to accidents or injuries occurring. There may be severe penalties for drug offences or possession of illicit drugs.
- You should try to moderate your alcohol intake.
- Do not leave drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
- Avoid adventure sports or recreational water activities after drinking alcohol.
- Consider carrying a simple first aid kit to help to self-manage basic health problems.
- Always practice safer sex and use condoms if partaking in casual sexual relationships, as this can help reduce the risk of exposure to blood borne viruses and other sexual health risks.
- Seek sexual health advice and screening once you return home if any unprotected sexual activity has occurred.
The summer temperatures in France and Tahiti can become hot and humid. Practicing sun safety can help reduce the risk of sunstroke and other heat disorders in warm weather, as well as skin cancer.
- Make sure you keep well hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks.
- Wear a high factor (SPF) sunscreen (at least SPF 30).
- Seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, and consider wearing a hat / head covering if shade isn’t possible.
For further information on disease risks, other health risks and vaccination advice, see the France country page and the French Polynesia country page.
After Travel
If you become unwell in the weeks/months after travel, particularly with a high temperature (fever), flu-like symptoms, confusion, rash and/or diarrhoea, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible, and ensure you mention your travel history to the health professional.