COVID-19 risks
Oct. 19, 2022, midnight
In light of the general improvement in the global infection situation and the fact that the G7 countries have already canceled the designation of levels by country and region, all the new coronavirus infectious disease risk information was announced on October 19. The world is uniformly set to level 1 (please be careful).
Aug. 24, 2022, midnight
On August 24, the infectious disease risk information for 41 countries was changed from level 3 (recommendation to avoid travel) to level 2 (please refrain from non-essential travel), and the infectious disease risk information for 55 countries/regions was changed to level 2. The level has been lowered from (Please refrain from unnecessary and non-urgent travel) to Level 1 (Please be careful).
July 25, 2022, midnight
On July 23, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak of monkeypox a "public health emergency of international concern." According to the WHO, more than 16,000 cases of monkeypox infection in 75 countries and regions have been reported so far, and the infection is spreading worldwide.
July 1, 2022, midnight
Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the risk of death and aggravation has decreased, and deregulation at the water's edge and in Japan has also been seen, especially in countries where vaccination is progressing worldwide. I'm on the way. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.
May 26, 2022, midnight
Although the infection status of the new corona varies depending on the situation in each country and region, the number of new infections and deaths is declining worldwide, and the risk of death and aggravation is mainly in countries where vaccination is progressing. Is declining, and regulations are being relaxed at the water's edge and in Japan. Based on these trends, the infectious disease risk information level is now available after comprehensively considering the actual conditions of each country / region, such as the status of infection, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures in each country / region. Was reviewed.
April 1, 2022, midnight
The level of infectious disease risk information should be reviewed after comprehensively considering the actual situation of each country / region, such as the number of newly infected people in each country / region, vaccination status, infectious disease control / medical system, and status of various measures. It was made. As a result, infectious disease risk information has been reduced from Level 3 "Recommendation for suspension of travel" to Level 2 "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" in 106 countries.
Nov. 29, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please be informed and try to prevent the infection.
Aug. 13, 2021, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.
May 18, 2021, midnight
Coronavirus infections are still spreading worldwide, with more than 160 million confirmed infections and more than 3 million deaths worldwide. Although the number of infected people is decreasing in North America and Europe, the situation continues to require caution, such as the remarkable spread of infection in South Asia.
Based on this situation, the infectious disease risk information level in Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Seychelles, Saint Lucia, Thailand, East Timor, and Mongolia has been newly set to Level 2 by comprehensively considering various situations including the deterioration of the infection situation. "Please stop unnecessary and unurgent travel" has been raised to Level 3 "Travel Cancellation Recommendation".
Oct. 30, 2020, midnight
As the infection may spread further, please obtain the latest information and try to prevent the infection.
March 25, 2020, midnight
感染がさらに拡大する可能性があるので，最新情報を入手し，感染予防に努めてください。
Local and national news
Information for the past 30 days.
Warning about special fraud cases (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator (Part 2))
Dec. 16, 2024, midnight wide area information
We would like to provide you with a warning about special fraud cases (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator (Part 2)).
Alert for terrorism in Europe and the US
Dec. 9, 2024, midnight wide area information
During holiday and event seasons such as Christmas and New Year, there are increased gatherings and movements of people, which raises concerns that the possibility of terrorist attacks increases.
* In recent years, in Europe and the United States, there have been frequent terrorist attacks targeting places where security and surveillance are weak and where many ordinary citizens gather (soft targets). In particular, areas near tourist facilities, event venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public transportation, religious facilities, etc. are prone to terrorist attacks and require constant caution.
○ Always make an effort to obtain the latest information and take sufficient precautions to ensure your safety.
Warning about special fraud (to avoid becoming a victim)
Nov. 29, 2024, midnight wide area information
We will issue wide-area information on special frauds.
Caution regarding protests and other activities related to the situation in the Middle East
Oct. 5, 2024, midnight wide area information
1
Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates
Information from the past two weeks.
Caution during the New Year holidays
Dec. 20, 2024, 9:06 p.m.
[Main text]
As stated in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' wide-area information "Caution against terrorism in Europe and the United States" dated December 9th, the threat of terrorism increases from Christmas to the New Year, when more people are out and about. While the Bulgarian authorities have stated that they do not currently recognize any specific terrorist threats within Bulgaria, in response to the situation in Israel and Gaza, they have strengthened the level of vigilance at airports, train stations, Israeli and Jewish-related facilities (synagogues, etc.).
*As stated in the consular email dated November 28th, following a series of assaults at large commercial facilities, particularly in Sofia, vigilance and security at such facilities has been stepped up. Large commercial facilities are bright and busy places with many people coming and going, but the hustle and bustle can lead to thefts and disputes between customers and employees, and if the parties involved are carrying weapons, these can escalate into assaults and battery cases. When visiting such facilities, please always be aware of your surroundings, and if you notice any suspicious situation, please make your personal safety your first priority, such as leaving the area immediately.
○In addition, many fireworks are expected to be set off across the country at the moment of New Year's Eve. There is a risk that people may become the victim of crimes such as theft due to being distracted by the fireworks, and it is also possible that people may be late in noticing danger due to the noise. Please be mindful not to go out unnecessarily after sunset, especially at the moment of New Year's Eve, avoid going out alone if you must, and do not go near (or linger for long in) crowded places.
(Reference) Ministry of Foreign Affairs regional information issued on December 9th, "Caution against terrorism in Europe and the US"
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2024C052.html
Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Telephone: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html
"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html
This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
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*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
Demonstration information (Demonstration held in Sofia: 12/20)
Dec. 20, 2024, 4:36 p.m.
[Main text]
A demonstration by the taxi industry is being held in Sofia from 8:30 a.m. today.
The first half of the demonstration was carried out using vehicles, with one motorcade heading towards the city centre along Tsar Gradsko Boulevard, and the other heading towards the city centre from the intersection of Tsar Ioana Boulevard and Louis Pasteur Boulevard. At 10 am, both motorcades are expected to proceed to Knyaz Alexander I Square.
Afterwards, a foot march is scheduled to start at 11:15 a.m. from Knyaz Alexander I Square, proceeding along Arabin Street to Graf Ignatiev Street. After protesting around Graf Ignatiev Street, demonstrators will return to Knyaz Alexander I Square, where the march is expected to end around 5 p.m.
This demonstration has caused traffic congestion in Sofia. If you are planning to travel within the city, please follow the regulations imposed by the authorities and consider adjusting your plans or taking a detour if necessary. Also, please try to avoid the areas where demonstrations are being held as much as possible.
Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Tel: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html
"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html
This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
Schengen Agreement application to Bulgaria's land borders (from January 1st)
Dec. 14, 2024, 12:01 a.m.
[Main text]
From January 1, 2025, the Schengen Agreement will come into effect at Bulgaria's land borders.
In addition to the application of the Schengen Agreement to sea and air borders, which has already taken effect from March 31, 2024, immigration controls between Bulgaria and Schengen member states will be abolished from January 1, 2025 at all land, sea and air borders.
In principle, no immigration checks are carried out when traveling between Schengen member states, but temporary border controls may be introduced for reasons such as ensuring domestic security. In particular, the treatment of non-Schengen nationals such as Japanese nationals may be fluid, so please always carry your Japanese passport when traveling between Schengen member states.
If you are traveling to a Schengen member state for a short stay, your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of your planned departure from the Schengen member state. In addition, the period during which you can stay in a Schengen member state without a visa is limited to a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period.
If you are traveling to a Schengen member state for the purpose of a long-term stay, please check in advance the details of the immigration inspection and residence permit systems of the country of your stay and transit country by inquiring with the immigration authorities of each country or the country's embassy in Japan.
For more information on the Schengen Agreement, please see the European Commission website below.
https://home-affairs.ec.europa.eu/policies/schengen-borders-and-visa/schengen-area_en
Consular Security Section of the Embassy of Japan in Bulgaria Telephone: (Country code 359) 2-971-2708 (main) (24h)
e-mail: consul.jpn-emb@sf.mofa.go.jp
HP: http://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Twitter (Japanese): https://twitter.com/EmbassyBulgaria
Twitter (Bulgarian): https://twitter.com/EmbassyOfJapan
Facebook (Japanese): https://www.facebook.com/japanemb.bulgaria.anzen
Facebook (Bulgarian): https://www.facebook.com/Embassy-of-Japan-in-Bulgaria-Посолство-на-Япония-в-България-254192337927884/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpembinbulgaria?igsh=MzRIODBiNWFIZA==/
2024 closing days → https://www.bg.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/kyukanbi.html
"Golgo 13's Overseas Safety Manual" now available!
http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/anzen_info/golgo13xgaimusho.html
This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification and the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.
*If you have completed the simple registration for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please tell your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
