The Winter Olympics will kick off on 6 February 2026 and run until 22 February, while the Paralympics will take place between 6 and 15 March. The Games will bring both attendees and athletes from across the globe to Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, with competitions also taking place in several sites across the country’s northern region. More than one million attendees are expected.
General precautions:
- Mass events may favor gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, therefore: Frequently wash your hands with water and soap or clean them with an alcohol-based product. Avoid close contact to sick people.
- To avoid sexually transmitted diseases (HIV, syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, Mpox, etc.): follow safer sex practices (condoms). Consider vaccination against hepatitis A and B. See also factsheet.
- The risk of accidents may also be increased (beware of alcohol excesses!).
Recommended vaccinations:
- Check the vaccination status for yourself and your children! See country page Italy at www.healthytravel.ch.
- Important: Due to several measles outbreaks worldwide including Europe: all visitors should be immune against measles!
- Get vaccinated against influenza, COVID-19 and RSV according to national guidelines
- Vaccination against meningococcal disease can be considered.
If you are sick:
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing;
- Stay home or in your hotel room if possible;
- Wear a face mask or respirator in crowded settings where physical distancing is not possible.
- Get tested for STIs if you have had unprotected sex or sex with multiple partners, even if you do not have symptoms.