Advice if Travelling to Cricket World Cup, India

The ICC Mens Cricket World Cup 2023 will take place between 5 October and 19 November 2023 in India.

Matches are being played in 10 venues in host cities located across the country. Ten teams, including England will be participating in the tournament. Fixtures can be seen on the match schedule.

The potential health risks will vary between individuals attending the World Cup depending on individual health risk factors, the amount of time spent in India, varying infection-related risks across the country, planned leisure pursuits and if onward travel to another destination is scheduled.

Advice for Travellers

Before Travel

Travellers planning to travel to India for the World Cup should:

• be aware that international travel guidance and event guidance may change at short notice
• review the latest FCDO foreign travel advice for India including entry requirements, quarantine restrictions and any challenges related to the climate (such as unusually high temperatures)
• review and follow the latest travel health advice for India: see the TRAVAX India country page for further information
• be aware of precautions they should take to reduce their risk of exposure to coronavirus (COVID-19) before, during and after travel as detailed on the fitfortravel website COVID-19: Health Considerations for Travel page
• plan ahead due to the increased demand on transport and accommodation
• ensure they have valid travel insurance in place

The pre-travel consultation provides a good opportunity to check a traveller is up to date with UK schedule vaccines. In the past, large gatherings of people including at sporting events, have been responsible for the transmission of highly infectious diseases such as measles and influenza.

• All travellers should ensure in advance that they have had two doses of the MMR vaccine.
• Travellers in high risk groups should be encouraged to have seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccines (if eligible) before travel.

During Travel

Crowding around stadiums and public transport increases the risk of both respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.

• Food and water precautions and respiratory hygiene should be discussed with all travellers.

Arthropod-borne diseases are a potential risk in India.

• Check the alerts section for information on outbreaks.
• All travellers should be advised to practice appropriate insect bite prevention measures.

Excessive alcohol and/or drug use can lead to an increase in risk-taking behaviours which may lead to incidents such as accidents and/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

The temperature in India can exceed 30’ C.

• Travellers should be advised to keep well hydrated and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, and/or wear a head covering.
• Practicing sun safety can 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 India country page.

After Travel

Travellers should be advised that if they become unwell in the weeks/months after travel, particularly with a fever, flu-like symptoms, rash and/or diarrhoea, they should seek prompt medical advice, and ensure they mention their travel history to the health professional.