UEFA Euro 2024 Germany
21 May 2024
The UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament is scheduled to take place between 14 June to 14 July 2024. Football matches will be held at 10 venues across Germany. Twenty-four teams, including Scotland and England, will be competing. Details of fixtures can be found on the match schedule.
The potential risks to your health if you are planning to attend the Euro 2024 tournament 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 the Euro 2024 tournament.
Advice for Travellers
Before Travel
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have prepared travel guidance specific to the Euro 2024s, which includes advice for fans to:
- plan ahead due to the increased demand on transport and accommodation
- check that your passport is valid for entering the Schengen area
- check if your EHIC or GHIC is in date, or apply for one
- ensure you have valid travel insurance in place
Check that you are up to date with routine vaccines for day to day life in the UK. In the past large gatherings of people in close contact, including 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 Germany country page for information on known existing health risks in the country, such as tick-borne encephalitis, and information on any disease outbreaks in the alerts 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 around stadiums and public transport increases the risk of infectious diseases which cause respiratory and/or gastrointestinal illnesses spreading.
- Always take care with respiratory hygiene and hand hygiene, and take safe food and water precautions at all times to reduce your risk of illness.
The summer months can lead to an increase in biting insects, meaning that diseases spread by insects and ticks may be a risk, particularly if you are planning on visiting rural areas, parks and woodlands.
- Always practice appropriate insect and tick bite avoidance both day and night to protect yourself
- Be aware how to treat insect bites and how to remove ticks
You should try to moderate your alcohol intake. Drinks should never be left unattended or accepted from strangers. Excessive use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs can lead to being denied entry to football stadiums, and increase risk-taking behaviours which may lead to accidents or injuries occurring.
- Carrying a simple first aid kit can help to self-manage basic health problems
- Practicing safer sex and the use of condoms can help reduce the risk of 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 temperatures in Germany can become hot in the summer months.
- Make sure you keep well hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks and wear a high factor (SPF) sunscreen. Seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, and consider wearing a hat / head covering.
- Practice sun safety to help reduce the risk of sunstroke and other heat disorders in warm weather, as well as skin cancer.
For further information on disease risks, other health risks and vaccination advice, see the Germany 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 prompt medical advice, and ensure you mention your travel history to the health professional.