Welcome to Washington state! We hope you enjoy your visit here for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and that you get a chance to experience the great people, culture, and beautiful scenery that our state has to offer.
We want your stay to be fun and memorable, so we have compiled information and resources to help keep you healthy and safe.
Immunizations
Vaccines have made many serious diseases rare today, and they remain one of the best ways to protect yourself and others while traveling.
If you’re planning a visit to Washington for the FIFA World Cup, we recommend making sure your routine vaccinations are up to date before you arrive. Summer travel is generally low risk for illnesses like influenza, but large gatherings can still increase the spread of respiratory viruses. It’s a good idea to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine and any recommended boosters before your trip.
We’ve also seen recent measles outbreaks in Washington, mostly among people who are not vaccinated. Measles spreads easily through the air and can cause serious illness in both children and adults.
If you’re unsure about your or your child’s vaccination status, check with your healthcare provider ahead of travel. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and highly effective, about 97% at preventing measles.
Keep in mind that vaccines take time to work. Your body needs about 2 to 3 weeks after vaccination to build strong protection, so plan ahead, and get vaccinated at least two weeks before you travel.
For more details, visit our Immunizations and Vaccines page.
911 and Emergency Services
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 on your phone. Washington state also allows you to text 911 if you cannot call.
There is no cost to call 911. Learn more about 911.
If you or someone you know is facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, dial 988 (206-461-3222) for support.
For general information about community resources, dial 211 (1-877-211-9274).
Do not use apps such as international texting, WhatsApp, Signal, or Telegram to contact 911 – they will not work.
Medical Facilities
Washington state communities have a robust system of emergency care hospitals and urgent care centers. It is better to visit an urgent care center for non-critical injuries or illnesses. But if you face a serious health concern, do not hesitate to visit an emergency room in the community you visit or stay in.
Here is a list of urgent care and emergency room facilities in King County and fan zones around the state.
If you need to buy medicines or refill a prescription, you can use this map to find a pharmacy near you.
Food Safety
Washington is known for great food — from local favorites to international cuisine, food trucks, and festival foods. To help keep yourself and your family safe, choose food businesses that are permitted and inspected by the local health department.
When visiting a restaurant, look for the permit posted near the entrance, window, or counter. Some local health departments, Public Health Seattle King County included, use placards showing the result of the most recent inspection. Other local health departments post their inspection reports online.
If you think food made you sick, report it through the Foodborne Illness Notification System (FINS). If your symptoms are severe, last more than a few days, or you cannot keep fluids down, contact a healthcare provider or visit urgent care.
Hot Weather
Washington state can experience high heat in the late spring and summer, especially in the eastern part of the state. Because of our usually mild climate, many venues and hospitality spaces do not have air conditioning.
If we experience high heat in June, here are a few tips to keep you safe:
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water or non-alcoholic fluids and stay in the shade. If you must be outside, wear a hat, loose clothing, take breaks, and be aware of your body’s warnings. If you experience dizziness, nausea, headaches, or muscle cramps, you could be at risk for heat stroke. Get somewhere cool quickly.
- Keep your lodging cool. Keep your shades and windows closed during the daytime. Open them in the evening when it’s cooler outside. Use fans to circulate air indoors.
- Never leave children or pets in vehicles. Even with windows cracked, the temperature inside a car can rise quickly and become deadly.
For more advice on how to stay safe, visit our Hot Weather Precautions page or the National Weather Service website.
Wildfire Smoke
The drier months in Washington state also bring wildfire risks. Smoke from fires as far away as Central Canada can often produce smoke plumes that can affect air quality in our region.
Wildfire smoke contains small particles that people can breathe in, irritating the nose, throat, and lungs. This can lead to respiratory symptoms for anyone, but especially for older adults, children, and people with chronic lung and heart conditions.
When smoke levels reach dangerous levels, it is best to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, in a room or space that has access to cleaner or filtered air. If you must be outdoors, limit strenuous activities and the time that you are exposed to the polluted air. Wear a NIOSH or N95 mask that can filter out most fine particles in smoke. You can find these at many hardware stores and drug stores.
To stay updated on current and forecasted air quality, visit the Washington Smoke Blog.
Opioids
Washington’s street drug supply is unpredictable, and fentanyl could be in any drug you buy on the street or online. Drugs can have unknown and inconsistent strengths making them more dangerous, especially if you are not used to the local drug supply.
Each day about two people die of an opioid-related overdose in Washington.
If you choose to use these substances, please take precautions to protect yourself, such as starting with a small dose, not using alone, and making sure that the people you are with have access to naloxone (Narcan), a medicine that can reverse an opioid overdose.
You can help save a life. In Washington, anyone can legally carry and give naloxone in an emergency. If you think someone is having an overdose, it is safe to give them naloxone even if you don’t know what they took.
Naloxone is safe for people of all ages, including babies, toddlers, and pregnant people. Access additional information on how to recognize an overdose and naloxone instructions. Find free naloxone near you.
Signs of an opioid overdose include:
- Not breathing, breathing very slowly, or making strange sounds like choking, gurgling, or snoring.
- The person is unconscious and can’t be woken up.
Washington's Good Samaritan Law provides some protection when calling 9-1-1 to save a life — even if drugs are at the scene.
For more information, visit preventoverdosewa.org.
Cannabis
Adults 21 and older can legally purchase and use non-medical cannabis products in Washington state. They are regulated and quality-controlled by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board when purchased from licensed retailers.
Potency can vary by product, so it’s important to know what you’re using. Start with a low dose and go slow. Remember, edibles can take up to three hours to kick in and may last up to 24 hours.
We recommend that you don’t use cannabis with other substances, including alcohol. Cannabis won’t help you “sober up” after drinking. In fact, mixing cannabis and alcohol significantly decreases your ability to drive safely.
For more information visit the Cannabis Safely website.
Sexual Health
Free condoms are available in many locations in Washington state. For locations in King County and near fan zones, visit the Free Condoms in Washington Map.
Visit our Sexual and Reproductive Health Clinic Locations page to find sexual and reproductive health services (such as birth control, emergency contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections) near you in Washinton state.