Mass gatherings (large-scale events)
Mass gatherings are large events that can bring together many people from around the world. Examples include political rallies, festivals, concerts, and major sporting, religious, or cultural events.
If you’re planning to travel abroad to participate in a mass gathering, know the risks. When many people gather in one place, diseases can spread more easily, and there’s a higher chance of getting injured. Before you go, prepare and learn how to stay safe.
On this page
Health and safety risks of mass gatherings
Know the risks to your safety
- Mass gatherings, even peaceful demonstrations and general strikes can turn violent. at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
- Stampedes may occur during mass gatherings and could result in deaths and injuries.
- Local authorities may impose curfews and other restrictions on short notice.
- Gatherings that draw large crowds can become prime targets for terrorism.
- Beware of scammers who take advantage of large crowds and trick people, including tourists, into giving them money or personal information.
- Criminals may also use large crowds as a chance to commit crimes like pickpocketing and stealing purses.
Know the risks to your health
- Outdoor events can lead to excessive sun exposure and heat exhaustion or excessive cold exposure and frostbite.
- Mass gatherings can strain local resources, such as health services, and may lead to issues like contaminated food or water.
- Infectious diseases, like measles, COVID-19, the flu, and meningitis, can spread more easily in crowded places.
- Participating in sexual activity or injection drug use at large events may increase the risk of getting sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections.
Before you go
Talk to a healthcare provider or visit a travel health clinic preferably about 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still worthwhile to make an appointment.
Discuss:
- which pre-travel vaccines or medications may be right for you, based on your destination(s) and travel plans
- whether your routine vaccinations are up to date
- some may require a booster as an adult
- the routine schedule for childhood vaccines may need to be adjusted if a child is travelling
- the medications you’re currently taking or planning to bring with you
Consult the Travel advice and advisories page for the destination where the mass gathering is taking place.
Read any Travel health notices that have been applied to your destination.
Register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay informed of any changes at your destination that could affect your health or safety.
Be sure to pack a travel health kit and purchase adequate travel health insurance.
While you're away
It’s the responsibility of each traveller to make informed decisions, particularly those that could impact their safety and well-being.
Protect yourself from safety risks
Follow local laws
Enhanced security measures and an increased police presence can be expected at mass gatherings. Remember, all travellers are required to follow the local laws of the destination they're in.
Remain aware
In large crowds, the risk of accidental injury increases, so it’s important to remain vigilant about your personal safety at all times. Stay aware of your surroundings, including knowing where the exit routes are and the location of nearby medical facilities.
Stay alert
Drug and alcohol use, strong political tensions, or intense religious feelings can sometimes lead to violence. Avoiding these situations as much as possible can help keep you safe.
Be cautious if you use drugs or alcohol
These substances can lower your inhibitions or alter your ability to make informed decisions. If using drugs, follow safer injection practices. It's important that new and sterile equipment is used every time and never shared.
Exercise caution when driving
Expect traffic congestion and road closures. Avoid driving on unfamiliar and/or rural roads, especially at night. Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
If you need emergency help
If the mass gathering you’re part of turns violent, do your best to stay calm, move away from the source of violence and run to the nearest exit, if it’s safe to do so. If you’re unable to evacuate, hide in a secure area where access can be blocked, or entryways can be locked.
Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Protect yourself from infectious diseases
- The most common illnesses in travellers are caused by eating food or drinking beverages that are contaminated with bacteria, parasites or viruses. If you’re unsure about the safety of the food and drink at the event, bring some safe options with you.
- Wear a well-fitting mask, especially:
- if you’re sick and need to be around others
- when you’re at large indoor events or in crowded settings
- if you’re at risk of more serious disease or outcomes from a respiratory infectious disease
- Clean your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
- Prevent and reduce insect bites by using an approved bug spray (insect repellent) on exposed skin, and wearing light-coloured, loose clothing made of tightly woven materials like nylon or polyester.
- Practise safer sex to reduce your risk of sexually transmissible infections and mpox.
Learn more
Clean your hands to help reduce the spread of infectious diseases
Eat and drink safely abroad
Insect bite and pest prevention
Mpox vaccines
Personal insect repellents
Respiratory infectious diseases: How to reduce the spread with personal protective measures
Sexual health and travel
Tips for healthy travel
Follow environmental safety tips
Prepare for the weather
- If the event is outdoors or you will be waiting outside for a long time, make sure to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.
- In hot environments, try to avoid being outside during the hottest parts of the day.
- Stay in the shade and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- In cold environments, take precautions to avoid cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite.
- Wear layers and cover exposed skin.
Follow water safety precautions
- If the event is near or on water, be sure to follow water safety guidelines to stay safe.
Learn more
Climate change and travel health
Sun and heat safety tips for travellers
Returning to Canada
If you feel sick while travelling back to Canada, depending on your mode of transportation, tell:
- the cruise staff
- a flight attendant and/or
- a border service officer
If you become sick after you return to Canada, call a healthcare provider and let them know what symptoms you have and which countries you visited.
Learn more
If you become sick or injured while travelling outside Canada or after your return
Related links
- Advice for different types of travellers
- Adventure travel health and safety
- Large-scale emergencies outside Canada
- Travel Health Checklist: Preparing to travel outside of Canada
- Travel health information
- Date modified: