2023 Pan American Games in Chile
Level 1 - Practise health precautions (more details)
Original publication date: September 8, 2023
Updated: September 8, 2023
Current Situation
The 2023 Pan American Games are being hosted by Chile from October 20 until November 5, 2023. The Parapan American Games are being held from November 17 until November 26, 2023. The games will be held in 39 venues across the Santiago Metropolitan Region.
Large crowds in small areas can increase your risk of getting sick or injured. Travellers to Chile may be at risk of exposure to infectious diseases such as COVID-19, influenza, measles, travellers’ diarrhea, dengue, and others.
About the Pan American Games
The Pan and Parapan American Games, held every 4 years, are the largest multisport event in the Americas, with more than 6,800 athletes from 41 countries competing in 2023. This year, the games are expected to draw at least 1 million spectators to attend the live event, including over 100 thousand tourists.
Recommendations
Before your trip:
- Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably at least 6 weeks before you travel.
- Make sure your routine vaccinations and adult boosters are up-to-date.
- Follow the advice and recommendations outlined in the COVID-19 and International Travel travel health notice.
- Visit the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for the most up-to-date information on health risks in Chile.
- Pack a travel health kit and purchase travel health insurance.
During your trip:
Be aware of your surroundings
- The risk of accidental injury increases in large crowds.
- Locate the exit routes and medical facilities.
- Avoid densely congested areas with limited emergency exits.
Reduce your risk of becoming ill or spreading illness while travelling
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) if soap and water are not available. It's a good idea to always keep some with you when you travel.
- When coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with your arm to reduce the spread of germs.
- Try to avoid contact with people who appear to be sick.
- Protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections by using condoms during vaginal, anal and oral sex.
- Practise safe food and water precautions
- Follow sun and heat safety tips. Protect your skin from sun exposure and stay hydrated.
- Protect yourself from insect and tick bites at all times. In Chile, they can spread diseases such as:
Understand local laws
- You are responsible for knowing and abiding by local laws wherever you travel.
- Make sure you understand the risks of alcohol and drug use when travelling.
- Visit the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for the most up-to-date information on laws and culture in Chile.
Drive with caution
- The leading cause of death among international travellers is traffic accidents.
- Expect traffic congestion and road closures.
- Avoid driving on unfamiliar and/or rural roads, especially at night.
Monitor your health
If you feel sick during your trip, stay in your hotel and avoid large gatherings.
See a health care professional if you feel very unwell, especially if you have a fever. For more information on medical care while abroad see the sickness or injury page.
If you are or become unwell on your return flight to Canada, tell the flight attendant before you land or the border services officer as you enter the country. They will notify a quarantine officer who can assess your symptoms.
Registration of Canadians Abroad
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to stay connected with the Government of Canada in case of an emergency abroad or an emergency at home.