United States of America / United States of America (Northern Mariana Islands) travel advisories

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 large-scale events

Jan. 18, 2025, 7:21 a.m.

[Main text]
1. The Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade is scheduled to take place around downtown from noon to 3:00 p.m. on Monday, the 20th. During the time before and after the parade, intermittent road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place on surrounding roads, and it is expected that the roads will be crowded with many people. Please see below for information on times, routes, etc.
●MLK Day 2025 - March with ICM
https://www.mobilize.us/icmgeorgia/event/745251/

2. The College Football National Championship Game will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Dallas from 7:30 p.m. on Monday, the 20th, and approximately 75,000 spectators are expected to attend. Please note that the area around the stadium is expected to be very crowded before and after the game.

3. Also, on that day, the inauguration of the next president is scheduled to take place in Washington DC, and calls for related rallies are being made online in various locations. If you see a crowd, do not approach them out of curiosity, but be careful not to get caught up in any unforeseen circumstances.

4. In response to the terrorist attack in New Orleans on January 1st, the Atlanta Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have deployed large numbers of police officers around the downtown area throughout the weekend to increase vigilance and are urging people to report any suspicious people, objects, vehicles, etc.
●Atlanta Police Department Non-Emergency Web Portal (911 in case of emergency)
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/f87ea07a6ebd4ae7b7e1fb859d3f7f09

Consulate-General of Japan in Atlanta
Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta
Phipps Tower Suite 850
3438 Peachtree Road
Atlanta, GA 30326
TEL: (404) 240‐4300
EMAIL: ryoji@aa.mofa.go.jp

[Warning] Possible copycat attack of New Orleans vehicular terrorism incident

Jan. 18, 2025, 6:21 a.m.

[Main text]
1. On January 1st of this year, a terrorist attack occurred in New Orleans in which a car plowed into a crowd of people gathered for a New Year's celebration. In response to this terrorist incident, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have issued a warning that there is a possibility of other incidents inspired by this terrorist incident occurring.
https://www.ic3.gov/PSA/2025/PSA250113

2. Terrorism often targets large religious or political events or places where a large number of people gather. Japanese nationals residing in Japan should take great care to ensure their safety by staying up to date with the latest information from the media, etc., so as not to become involved in unforeseen incidents.

3. If you spot any suspicious objects or people at the event venue, etc., leave the area immediately and report it to security authorities. If you hear any explosions or gunfire, do not approach them under any circumstances and make your own safety your number one priority.

[Contact Information]
Consular Section, Consulate-General of Japan in Boston
Consulate-General of Japan in Boston
TEL: 617-973-9772, FAX: 617-542-1329
http://www.boston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html

*If you have registered for TabiRegi 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

*If you have returned to your home country or moved to another country and have not yet filed a return (moving) notification, we apologize for the inconvenience, but please follow the procedure below.
＜Returning to Japan＞
If you have submitted a paper residence notification, please submit a return notification to our Embassy by email or other means.
If you are using ORRnet, please complete the procedure from the following URL.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/index.html
＜Relocation＞
Please submit your residence notification to the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission either by paper or via ORRnet.

* 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 3 months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than 3 months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

[Caution] Safety measures at events and places where large numbers of people gather (January 17, 2025)

Jan. 18, 2025, 4:26 a.m.

[Main text]
On January 11th and 12th of this year, a series of murders using a knife occurred in downtown Denver (16th Street Mall) in Colorado, killing two people. Also, on January 1st of the same year, a terrorist attack occurred in New Orleans, Louisiana, when a car drove into a crowd of people gathered for a New Year's celebration.
These types of incidents often occur at large events or places where large numbers of people gather, and there is a possibility that they will continue to occur in the future, so be sure to always be aware of your surroundings when attending such events or places.
In addition, if you spot any suspicious objects or people at the event venue, etc., please leave the area immediately and report it to security authorities, etc. If you should encounter any explosions or gunfire, do not approach them under any circumstances and make your own safety your number one priority.
For specific counter-terrorism measures and how to deal with shooting incidents, please see "Safety Measures for Overseas Travel" on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Overseas Safety Website. We hope you will take this opportunity to read it and use it as an aid in your safety measures.
◎ Ministry of Foreign Affairs overseas safety measures website "Safety measures for overseas travel"
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/pamph/pdf/counter-terrorism.pdf

(reference)
Recent safety measures information (December 20, 2024)
https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/info20241220.html

*This email will be sent to the email addresses of those who have submitted a residence notification, those who have registered with Tabi-Reji, and those who have requested to receive our email newsletter.
*If you have completed the simple registration for TabiRegi and would like to change or stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving them 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 encourage your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to file a Residence Notification (for stays of 3 months or more) or register with Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than 3 months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

[Contact Information]
Consulate-General of Japan in Denver Consular and Security Team
Consulate-General of Japan in Denver
1225 17th Street, Suite 3000
Denver, CO 80202
TEL: 303-534-1151
FAX: 303-534-3393
E-mail: cgjd-consular@de.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp

Warning: Traffic restrictions and protests during the presidential inauguration

Jan. 18, 2025, 12:11 a.m.

1. The presidential inauguration is scheduled to take place in Washington DC on Monday, January 20th. According to local police, traffic restrictions will be imposed in a wide area around the inauguration venue (the US Capitol Building) from the day before (the 19th), and multiple groups are expected to hold protests.

(Reference) Washington DC Government Website
https://inauguration.dc.gov/release/mayor-bowser-and-federal-partners-announce-security-plans-road-closures-and-impacts-60th

2. Japanese nationals residing in Japan should make an effort to obtain the latest information from the media, etc., so as not to become involved in unforeseen circumstances. In addition, please be aware of places where demonstrations or rallies may take place, including the vicinity of the venue, and take sufficient precautions to ensure your safety, such as not approaching them carelessly.

■Embassy of Japan in the United States
Address: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20008, USA
Phone: 202-238-6700 (main)
Website: https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html

◎Back issues of consular mail can be found here
https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/ryoji_mail.html

Strengthened identity verification when boarding domestic flights in the U.S. (REAL ID begins May 7th)

Jan. 17, 2025, 4:11 a.m.

REAL ID is a federal security standard created in 2005 as a result of increased federal security measures following the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Beginning May 7, 2025, all travelers 18 years of age or older will be required to have a REAL ID-compliant driver's license or identification card, or other identification accepted by TSA, for domestic air travel and entry into certain federal facilities.

The following forms of identification are acceptable even if they are not REAL ID compliant:
・Japanese passport/US passport ・DHS Trusted Traveler Card (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, FAST, etc.)
- U.S. Department of Defense ID (including IDs issued to dependents)
・Permanent resident card, etc.

More information can be found on the TSA official website (TSA.gov/real-id).

TSA website
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/identification
Massachusetts Identification Requirements
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-identification-id-requirements

[Contact Information]
Consular Section, Consulate-General of Japan in Boston
Consulate-General of Japan in Boston
TEL: 617-973-9772, FAX: 617-542-1329
http://www.boston.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html

*If you have registered for TabiRegi 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

*If you have returned to your home country or moved to another country and have not yet filed a return (moving) notification, we apologize for the inconvenience, but please follow the procedure below.
＜Returning to Japan＞
If you have submitted a paper residence notification, please submit a return notification to our Embassy by email or other means.
If you are using ORRnet, please complete the procedure from the following URL.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/index.html
＜Relocation＞
Please submit your residence notification to the nearest Japanese diplomatic mission either by paper or via ORRnet.

* 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 3 months or more) or register for a Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than 3 months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

Caution regarding wildfires occurring near Los Angeles (Update on the 13th)

Jan. 14, 2025, 7:19 a.m.

1. On the 11th, the Los Angeles Police Department issued a scam warning in light of the recent cases of scams targeting victims of the recent wildfires and those providing support to affected areas.
LAPD X post: https://x.com/LAPDHQ/status/1878507293081571534
The main points are as follows: If you feel even the slightest bit suspicious, do not respond to the other party and contact the police.
(1) Recruitment fraud
Be aware that some disaster recovery related job ads on social media may appear to be from government or other trusted organizations, but they are designed to steal personal information such as social security numbers and bank account details.
(2) Fraudulent scams posing as city, county, or federal officials Be wary of people claiming to be city, county, or federal officials without proper identification. If you are contacted by such a person, please verify that the contact information they provide is legitimate.
(3) Telephone and text message scams Beware of phone calls and text messages soliciting donations for disaster recovery, etc. Scammers may pretend to be from FEMA or insurance agencies and request social security numbers, bank information, etc. If you receive a suspicious missed call or text message, do not respond easily, but check the authentic website, etc.
(4) Unannounced Visit Fraud If an unknown person visits your home or business, claiming to provide repair services, insurance claims, or free assistance, do not accept their request on the spot. Instead, contact the institution or entity they claim to be representing to verify their authenticity.
(5) Gift card and payment scams Beware of scams claiming to be from government agencies and asking for payment of fees, etc. via gift cards, bank transfers, or cryptocurrency. No legitimate agency will ever ask for payment in this way.
(6) Fraudulent donation requests When making donations for disaster recovery, be sure to check whether the group or organization requesting your donation is legitimate.

2. Strong winds are expected to continue in Ventura County, Los Angeles County, and other areas, creating conditions that make it easy for wildfires to break out and spread. Japanese nationals and travelers residing or staying in these areas and the surrounding areas should continue to take note of the following points.
(1) Make an effort to obtain the latest information from the media and local governments, and prepare for the disaster to spread.
(2) Since wildfires may cause road closures, be sure to check traffic information and the situation around your destination before departing.
(3) Do not approach areas where forest fires are occurring out of curiosity.
(4) In preparation for evacuation, check and prepare disaster necessities, including valuables such as your passport, and keep them ready to take with you at any time.
(For reference, a checklist of disaster essentials is included at the end of the "Safety Guide.") https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/consular_safety.html
(5) Prepare for power outages, as they may occur in areas where wildfires are occurring and in the surrounding areas (by storing flashlights, water, and emergency food).

3. We have set up a special page on our website regarding the recent wildfires. Please visit this page for information on the wildfires, evacuation shelters, and various forms of support and donations.
Consulate-General's special website: https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/ryojimail_00001.html

4. For information on currently open evacuation shelters, please see the Embassy's special website (see 3 above).

5. If you are unable to contact any Japanese nationals living in or around the areas affected by the wildfires, or if there are any Japanese nationals whose safety is unknown, please provide as much detailed information as possible about them to the Consulate-General of Japan (ryoji@ls.mofa.go.jp) (including their name, gender, date of birth, place of stay, etc.).

6. If your passport is lost or destroyed in a fire, please notify the Embassy.

7. The main text is an update as of January 13th. For previous notices regarding the wildfires issued by the Embassy, please see the Embassy's special website (see 3 above).

******************************************************************
◇ Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles ◇
Address: 350 South Grand Ave., Suite 1700, Los Angeles CA 90071
Phone: 213-617-6700
Consular Security Team e-mail: ryoji@ls.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
*Please use the Online Residence Notification (ORR Net) to submit your Residence Notification, change notification, and return to Japan/moving out notification.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/index.html
******************************************************************