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 issued 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.
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.
Local and national news
Information for the past 30 days.
Table of contents
- April 30, 2025, midnight [Wide Area Information] Warning about international romance scams
- April 30, 2025, midnight Warning about the smuggling of illegal drugs (marijuana, etc.)
- April 25, 2025, midnight Caution regarding measles overseas during the Golden Week holidays
- April 24, 2025, midnight Alert regarding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
- March 28, 2025, midnight Alert regarding measles overseas
- Feb. 25, 2025, midnight [Wide-area information] Notice of consultation desk regarding special fraud cases
[Wide Area Information] Warning about international romance scams
April 30, 2025, midnight wide area information
We would like to warn you about international romance scams.
Warning about the smuggling of illegal drugs (marijuana, etc.)
April 30, 2025, midnight wide area information
We would like to warn you about the smuggling of illegal drugs (marijuana, etc.).
Caution regarding measles overseas during the Golden Week holidays
April 25, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
● Measles outbreaks have been reported overseas.
● If you are planning to travel abroad during the long holiday period, please check the relevant information again.
Alert regarding Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)
April 24, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
● Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), a severe respiratory infection, has been occurring sporadically in the Middle East.
● When visiting the Middle East, please take sufficient precautions to avoid infection.
Alert regarding measles overseas
March 28, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
● Measles outbreaks have been reported overseas, and there is a risk of contracting measles at your travel destination.
● If you are traveling abroad, check your vaccination history, and if you do not have a record of having received routine vaccinations, consider getting vaccinated in advance.
[Wide-area information] Notice of consultation desk regarding special fraud cases
Feb. 25, 2025, midnight wide area information
We will issue a "Notice regarding consultation desk for special fraud cases."
Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates
Information from the past two weeks.
[Warning] Young people gathering on Chicago beaches and increased police crackdown
May 9, 2025, 7:45 a.m.
[Main text]
1. The Chicago Police Department has stepped up vigilance in response to the possibility of large gatherings of young people taking place this weekend on Chicago's beaches along Lake Michigan, following young people using social media to call for rallies. The Police Department has also notified parents in the city, through the Chicago Board of Education, to not let their children go out at night.
2 In conjunction with this notice, the Chicago Police Department also reiterated the night-time curfew for minors: "10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for those 12 years of age or older," and "8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. for those under 12 years of age (9 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays)." They also warned that "all people using the beach will be subject to physical searches."
3 In March, two shootings occurred, with two people injured, among young people who had gathered at a rally known as "Teen Takeovers." Since around the same time, rallies by young people have been occurring sporadically in Chicago, mainly at night on weekends, and police have stepped up vigilance.
4. For Japanese residents and tourists, please refrain from going out at night as much as possible, and please be aware that you may be subjected to police searches and arrests of minors at the beach, so please try to stay away from the beach, especially this weekend, to avoid unnecessary trouble. Also, if you see a gathering of young people in Chicago, please leave the area immediately and make your own safety your number one priority.
*Please share this information with your friends and fellow travelers.
* This email is automatically sent to the email address registered in your residence notification and to the email address registered with "Tabi-Regi." If you have registered with "Tabi-Regi" and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the following URL.
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 Move Out at the following URL.
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/residencereport/login
[Contact Information]
Consulate-General of Japan in Chicago
Tel: (312) 280-0400 (24 hours)
Fax: (312) 280-9568
Email: ryoji1@cg.mofa.go.jp
Recent safety measures information (May 6, 2025)
May 7, 2025, 7:50 a.m.
[Main text]
●Please be aware of scams that involve text messages or emails claiming to charge various fees.
There have been many scams using text messages and emails to claim tolls or USPS or courier service charges across the United States, including in our jurisdiction (Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming).
The method involves receiving a text message or e-mail with a link, which says that you are "overdue on highway tolls" or "USPS or delivery service redelivery fees," and when you click on the link to confirm the details, you are connected to a fictitious website where you are tricked into entering personal information (such as your driver's license number) or credit card number. If you enter your information in the required fields, you will suffer damage such as your personal information being stolen or your credit card being used fraudulently.
If you receive a suspicious text message or a charge that you don't recognize, don't rush to click on any links or reply to the message. Instead, contact the collection agency or company in question directly to confirm the details.
If you are repeatedly receiving text messages that you believe to be fraudulent, please see the Federal Trade Commission's website below for information on what to do.
◎ Federal Trade Commission (FTC) website: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-recognize-and-report-spam-text-messages
●Caution against natural disasters from spring to early summer As the weather improves, opportunities to go outside increase. However, there is a higher risk of natural disasters from spring to early summer. Please be aware of the following points and take sufficient precautions to avoid becoming a victim of these disasters.
1. Floods and landslides (1) In mountainous regions, the sudden inflow of melting snow into rivers and other watercourses can cause a sudden rise in water levels, which can lead to floods and landslides in mountainous areas.
(2) When traveling on roads that pass through mountainous areas or going camping, always check the local weather and traffic information.
2. Thunderstorms and tornadoes (1) As temperatures rise during the day, signs of sudden strong winds and temperature drops will appear from the afternoon through the evening, increasing the risk of thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tornado-related hail.
(2) If there are signs of a thunderstorm or other storms, avoid outdoor activities. If a tornado warning is issued, immediately evacuate to a safe place (such as a shelter, basement, or the center of a sturdy building).
3. Wildfires (1) Dry seasons and high temperatures increase the risk of wildfires, especially in dry areas.
(2) Last year, large-scale wildfires occurred across the United States, resulting in casualties. If evacuation orders are issued by local authorities, please evacuate immediately and ensure your own safety.
In order to avoid being affected by natural disasters as much as possible, it is important to regularly check weather information on television, the Internet, social media, etc. in order to sense danger in advance, and if you have even the slightest bit of anxiety, it is important to take action to avoid that danger.
Please download the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) app from the URL below and set your location to receive real-time alerts for your area. We hope you will consider using this app to ensure your safety.
◎FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) website: https://www.fema.gov/about/news-multimedia/mobile-products
In addition, the "Safety Guide" created by our Embassy contains information on stockpiles for general disasters as well as the characteristics and precautions for each type of disaster. Please refer to the "Safety Guide" at the URL below and take precautions to be safe in advance.
◎Consulate-General of Japan in Denver "Safety Guide"
https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100529223.pdf
●Before traveling (domestic or international), please check the expiration date and whereabouts of your passport.
As we have warned on our website, in our newsletter dated January 10th, and in our consular email dated April 23rd, the method of issuing passports has changed since March of this year, and it will take approximately one month from application to issuance. Passport renewal applications can be made up to one year before the expiration date, so please check the expiration date and where your passport is before traveling, and apply well in advance.
In addition, from May 7th, you will need a U.S. REAL ID when boarding an aircraft even for travel within the U.S. Please check your ID (driver's license, etc.), and if it is not a REAL ID, be sure to carry your passport.
For more information about passport applications and REAL ID, please see the Embassy's website below.
◎Consulate General of Japan in Denver website (passport application)
https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/passports_20240926.html
(Note about US REAL ID)
https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/notice20250423.html
●The second Colorado Safety Measures Liaison Conference of 2024 was held.
On March 7, 2025, the 2nd Colorado Safety Measures Liaison Conference of 2024 was held, where we exchanged information on safety with the local Japanese community and Japanese companies. At this conference, we introduced recent crime cases along with information on public safety in Colorado, and then had a safety seminar by the Denver branch of the FBI.
Please refer to the website for past meetings, which have been posted along with the minutes and materials used.
◎ Consulate-General of Japan in Denver "Results of the Safety Measures Liaison Conference"
https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/jp_safety_meeting.html
This conference is held twice a year in Colorado and once in Utah. If you are a Japanese company or organization interested in participating in the conference, please contact the Consulate-General of Japan.
Contact details: TEL: 303-534-1151 / E-mail: cgjd-cinsular@de.mofa.go.jp
*This email will be sent to the email addresses of those who have filed a residence notification and those who are registered with Tabi Reji.
*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
