United States of America / USA (mainland) 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, terrorist attacks have been occurring frequently in Europe and the United States, 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, so caution is required at all times.
○ 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.

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 area around 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)
HP: 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
******************************************************************

Caution regarding wildfires occurring near Los Angeles (Update on the 10th)

Jan. 11, 2025, 6:44 a.m.

1. In response to the theft and looting occurring in the affected areas in connection with the wildfires that broke out near Los Angeles, a night-time curfew has been issued for the Palisades and Eaton areas that are subject to evacuation orders due to the fires. The County Sheriff's Department announced that while details such as the duration are currently unknown, the curfew will be from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM, and that anyone arrested for violating the curfew may be subject to fines and other penalties.

2. Water quality warnings have been issued in certain fire areas.
For more information, please see the "Water Alert" on the Los Angeles County website below.
In addition, please be aware that other warnings and other alerts may have been issued in addition to those listed above, so please pay attention to the information provided by your current waterworks bureau and the local government in which you live.

3. The currently established evacuation shelters are as follows:
(The latest information is posted on the CAL FIRE website under evacuation shelter information.)
・Calvary Community Church
5495 Via Rocas
Westlake Village, CA 91362

・El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Boulevard
Woodland Hills, CA 91367

・Pasadena Convention Center
300 E. Green Street
Pasadena, CA 91101

Stoner Recreation Center
1835 Stoner Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90025

・Westwood Recreation Center
1350 South Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

・Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Pacoima 91331

・Pan Pacific Recreation Center
7600 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036

・Pomona Fairplex (Gate 3)
601 W McKinley Ave
Pomona, CA 91768

If an evacuation order is issued in your area, please obtain the latest information on evacuation sites, traffic restrictions, etc., and evacuate immediately.

4. Dry weather is expected to continue, making conditions favorable for the outbreak and spread of wildfires. Japanese nationals and travelers living or staying in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas should 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, if you are going out, 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 case of emergency, check and prepare disaster essentials, 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).

5. Southern California continues to experience dry weather, making it prone to fires, so please be careful when handling fire. In the unlikely event that a wildfire breaks out in the surrounding area, please refer to point 4 above and act with personal safety as your top priority.

6. Air pollution is occurring due to smoke from wildfires. Even if you are far away from the wildfire site, smoke can spread far away depending on the wind direction, etc., and air pollution may have adverse effects on your health. Elderly people, young children, and people with respiratory diseases in particular should refrain from outdoor activities if they notice smoke or smell something. If you have no choice but to be outdoors, please take precautions such as wearing a mask.
Health information about wildfire smoke from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/safety/wildfire-smoke.htm
South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) (Check air quality on their Air Quality page)
https://www.aqmd.gov/

7. If you are unable to contact any Japanese nationals living in or around the areas where the wildfires are occurring, 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) (such as their name, gender, age and place of residence).

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

9. The main text is an update as of January 10th. For previous notices regarding the forest fires issued by the Embassy, please see the Embassy website below.

10. Related wildfire information: Los Angeles County website
https://lacounty.gov/emergency/

●CAL FIRE (Fire information & evacuation center)
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire

● National Weather Service (NWS)
https://www.weather.gov/lox/

●211LA (Temporary Housing Assistance)
https://211la.org/

●Disaster assistance.gov (Disaster Assistance Program)
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

●Cal OES News
https://news.caloes.ca.gov/

●Our website (Safety Notices)
https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/m03_01_01.htm

******************************************************************
◇ 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
******************************************************************

Restoration of main telephone line

Jan. 10, 2025, 11:32 p.m.

This email is automatically sent to the email address provided in your residence notification or the email address registered with Tabi-Regi.

[Contact Information]
Consulate-General of Japan in New York
299 Park Avenue 18th Floor, New York, NY 10171
TEL:(212)-371-8222
HP: http://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jp/html/

*If you have registered with TabiRegi and do not wish to receive emails, please follow the procedure to change or stop receiving emails at the URL below.
(Change) https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/auth
(Stop) https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
*If you have submitted a "Notification of Residence" and have returned to your home country or moved to another country (state), please submit a Notification of Return to Japan or Movement at the following URL.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/residencereport/login
*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 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 in and around Los Angeles (Update on the 9th)

Jan. 10, 2025, 9:44 a.m.

1. The wildfires in the Pacific Palisades, Hurst, and Eaton areas are expanding. Evacuation orders have been issued for the surrounding areas, and public access is prohibited. Please be careful not to approach the surrounding areas unnecessarily, as there may be traffic jams due to evacuating vehicles.

2. Temporary housing assistance is available through 211LA etc. For details, please see the website below.

3. There are disaster assistance programs provided by the federal government, primarily through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). For more information, please visit Disaster assistance.gov.

4. The currently established evacuation shelters are as follows:
(The latest information will be posted on the CAL OES News website under evacuation shelter information.)
・Pasadena Civic Auditorium
300 E. Green St, Pasadena CA 91101

・Westwood Recreation Center
1350 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

・El Camino Real Charter High School
5440 Valley Circle Blvd., Woodland Hills, CA 90025

・Ritchie Valens Recreation Center
10736 Laurel Canyon Blvd, Pacoima, CA 91331

・Pomona Fairplex
1101 W McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA 91768

・Pan Pacific Recreational Center
7600 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

・Glendale Civic Center
613 E Broadway, Glendale, CA 91206

・Hamilton High School
57430 Mitchell Rd, Anza, CA 92539

If an evacuation order is issued in your area, please obtain the latest information on evacuation sites, traffic restrictions, etc., and evacuate immediately.

5. Dry weather is expected to continue, making conditions favorable for the outbreak and spread of wildfires. Japanese nationals and travelers living or staying in Los Angeles and the surrounding areas should 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 case of emergency, check and prepare disaster essentials, 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).

6. The dry weather in Southern California has made it easier for fires to break out, so please be careful when handling fire. In the unlikely event that a wildfire breaks out in the surrounding area, please refer to point 5 above and make your personal safety your number one priority.

7. Air pollution is occurring due to smoke from wildfires. Even if you are far away from the wildfire site, smoke can spread far away depending on the wind direction, etc., and air pollution may have adverse effects on your health. In particular, elderly people, young children, and people with respiratory diseases should refrain from outdoor activities if they notice smoke or smell something. If you have no choice but to be outdoors, please take precautions such as wearing a mask.
Health information about wildfire smoke from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health:
http://publichealth.lacounty.gov/eh/safety/wildfire-smoke.htm


8. If you are unable to contact any Japanese nationals living in or around the areas where the wildfires are occurring, 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 (ryoji@ls.mofa.go.jp) (such as their name, gender, age and place of residence).

9. If your passport is lost or destroyed due to a fire, please notify the Embassy.

10. Related information on wildfires: CAL FIRE
https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire

● National Weather Service (NWS)
https://www.weather.gov/lox/

●211LA
https://211la.org/

●Disaster assistance.gov (Disaster Assistance Program)
https://www.disasterassistance.gov/

●Cal OES News
https://news.caloes.ca.gov/

● Evacuation site information (Cal OES News)
https://news.caloes.ca.gov/shelters-available-for-communities-impacted-by-wildfires-in-southern-california/

******************************************************************
◇ 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
******************************************************************