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.
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.
Alert regarding terrorism in Europe and the United States
Nov. 28, 2025, midnight wide area information
During holiday and event seasons such as Christmas and New Year, people gather and travel more, making you more likely to become a target of terrorism.
Against the backdrop of the situation in the Middle East, terrorist incidents targeting Israeli interests and Jewish people have occurred, so caution is required even during Jewish anniversaries and holidays, as well as the periods before and after them.
In recent years, terrorist attacks have been occurring in Europe and the United States, targeting places where security and surveillance are weak and where many ordinary citizens gather. In particular, areas around tourist facilities, event venues, restaurants, hotels, shopping malls, public transportation, and religious facilities have become targets of terrorism.
○ Always make an effort to obtain the latest information and take sufficient precautions to ensure your safety.
Alert regarding chikungunya fever
Nov. 21, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
● Chikungunya fever, which causes symptoms such as fever, joint pain, and rash, is prevalent in Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.
● Chikungunya fever is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito infected with the chikungunya virus, so in the above areas please be sure to take the preventive measures described below in 1(4), such as wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent spray.
● If you suspect you may be infected, please visit a medical institution as soon as possible.
Zika virus infection alert (updated)
Nov. 21, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
● The number of cases of Zika virus infection, which causes symptoms such as fever and rash and can result in congenital disorders such as microcephaly in fetuses, has decreased globally since 2017, but infections continue to occur, albeit in small numbers, in Latin America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.
● Zika virus infection is transmitted through the bite of a mosquito infected with the virus, so if you are in the above areas, please be sure to take the preventive measures listed below in 1(4), such as wearing long sleeves and using insect repellent spray.
● If you suspect you may be infected, please visit a medical institution as soon as possible.
Lifting of infectious disease risk information for Mpox
Sept. 12, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
●The infectious disease risk information level 1 (take extreme caution) regarding Mpox issued for the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, the Republic of the Congo, and the Central African Republic will be lifted.
●Sporadical infections are still being seen around the world, so please stay up to date on the infection situation in your destination and take measures to prevent infection.
Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates
Information from the past two weeks.
Caution: Safety measures and closed days during the New Year holidays
Dec. 3, 2025, 2:20 p.m.
1. Christmas and the New Year's holidays are a time when many tourists visit Guam, so beware of thefts targeting tourists, such as robbery, snatching, purse snatching, and car theft. Car thefts in parking lots at tourist spots, and purse snatching at beaches and food courts, are particularly common. Take steps to prevent theft by keeping valuables such as wallets and bags close to you at all times and not leaving anything in your vehicle when you leave it. Also, avoid dark areas and deserted alleys, where you may be the victim of robbery or snatching, so avoid such places.
2. There have been many cases of passports being lost. If you lose your passport, it will take a considerable amount of time to report it to the local police, have your photo taken, and have a "return document (fees apply)" issued in order to return to Japan, which could result in you being unable to return home as planned. During your stay in Guam, please store your passport properly in a valuables box at your hotel, and if you carry your passport with you, please take steps to prevent it from being lost, such as storing it in a zippered pocket in your bag.
3. Medical expenses in Guam are extremely expensive. In the past, there have been cases where medical bills amounted to tens of millions of yen. Furthermore, travel insurance provided with credit cards may not be sufficient. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you purchase overseas travel insurance, including emergency evacuation coverage and cashless payment options, before leaving the country.
4. The museum will be closed on Thursday, December 25th and from Saturday, December 27th to Sunday, January 4th. For non-urgent inquiries during this period, please contact us by email at the address listed below.
infocgj@ag.mofa.go.jp
In the event of an emergency, such as an incident or accident involving the life of a Japanese national, please contact the following telephone number (the initial response will be provided by a contractor contracted by the Embassy).
671-646-1290
5. Please see below for details on safety measures in Guam.
Safety Guide (on our website):
https://www.hagatna.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100633119.pdf
Shooting incident near the White House
Nov. 27, 2025, 6:35 a.m.
■ Address at the Embassy of Japan in the United States of America: 2520 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington DC, 20008, USA
Telephone: 202-238-6700 (Representative)
HP:https://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
[Important] Beware of fraudulent phone calls!
Nov. 27, 2025, 1:45 a.m.
For more information, please check the following website:
Types of fraud, overview and countermeasures
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/News_110824.html
○Safety Guide https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100882028.pdf
○Safety measures for the holiday season https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100941657.pdf
【reference】
○ Warning about special fraud (to avoid becoming a victim) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs wide area information)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2024C049.html
○ Beware of fake police scams! (National Police Agency Special Fraud Prevention Page)
https://www.npa.go.jp/bureau/safetylife/sos47/new-topics/241218/02.html
○NYPD Online Reporting Service (Online reporting to the NYPD)
https://nypdonline.org/link/1017
○FBI Electronic Tip Form (online report to the FBI)
https://tips.fbi.gov/home
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Consulate-General of Japan in New York
299 Park Avenue 18th Floor, New York, NY 10171
TEL:(+1)212-371-8222
HP: https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
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■Various applications and procedures, safety measures, overseas child education, and lifestyle information https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00471.html
■ Changes to your "Residence Notification," returning to your home country, or moving out https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/residencereport/login
■ Concerns about living abroad and family issues (loneliness and isolation consultation services, support groups for victims of domestic violence, etc.)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/ha/page22_001736.html
■ Changing or stopping email delivery (for those who have registered for Tabi-Regi)
(Change) https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/auth
(Stop) https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete
[Warning] Safety measures for the holiday season
Nov. 27, 2025, 1:10 a.m.
1. Safety measures (general crime, terrorism, fraud, etc.)
(1) In crowded places, there is a higher risk of common crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, as well as hate crimes, violence, and even unforeseen incidents such as terrorism. Therefore, please make an effort to obtain the latest information and pay close attention to your surroundings when going out.
(2) Recently, there has been a resurgence in cases of fraud via telephone and text messages. If you receive a suspicious call, please hang up the phone and take appropriate action, such as consulting with a family member, friend, or the police.
(3) Violations of laws such as drunk driving and illegal employment may not only result in arrest and fines, but may also result in the revocation of your visa and residence status, deportation, and subsequent prohibition on re-entry. Please comply with U.S. laws and regulations while you are in the United States.
For more information, please check our website below.
●Safety measures during the holiday season https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100941657.pdf
2. Passports Every year, there are cases where people are unable to depart the United States during the long holiday season or sudden business trips due to their passports having expired or not having enough remaining validity as required by the destination country. Please double-check the expiration date of your passport, and if you need to renew it, please contact our Consulate General as soon as possible.
Please note that passports are currently being produced in Japan, and processing times may be longer than usual around the New Year period.
●About applying for a passport
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00472.html
3. Consulate-General's Year-End and New Year Holiday Closures The Consulate-General's last open day of the year is Friday, December 26th. The Consulate-General will be closed from Saturday, December 27th to Sunday, January 4th, so please complete any necessary consular procedures early.
●Closed Days (Consulate-General of Japan in New York)
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/holiday-schedule.html
【reference】
● Safety Measures for the Holiday Season (Consulate-General of Japan in New York)
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100941657.pdf
Types of fraud, overview, and countermeasures (Consulate-General of Japan in New York)
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/News_110824.html
●Safety Guide (Consulate-General of Japan in New York)
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100882028.pdf
If you are the victim of a crime such as theft (Consulate-General of Japan in New York)
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/hanzai.html
Reminder: Compliance with U.S. Laws and Regulations (Consulate-General of Japan in New York)
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/News_092625.html
●List of Japanese-speaking lawyers (Consulate-General of Japan in New York)
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100911057.pdf
List of websites for state security agencies https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100882027.pdf
New York City Police Department (NYPD)
https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/index.page
https://x.com/NYPDNews (X (old Twitter))
●Crime Prevention and Safety Tips (New York City Police Department)
https://www.nyc.gov/site/nypd/services/law-enforcement/crime-prevention-and-safety-tips.page
Holiday Safety Tips (New York City Police Department)
https://www.nyc.gov/assets/nypd/downloads/pdf/crime_prevention/4625-11-20-20-holiday-flyer.pdf
●New York City Crime Map (A map showing areas with high crime rates and trends)
https://maps.nyc.gov/crime/
●CITIZEN (a location-based safety information app. Free version available)
https://citizen.com/
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Consulate-General of Japan in New York
299 Park Avenue 18th Floor, New York, NY 10171
TEL:(+1)212-371-8222
HP: https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
****************************************************************
■Various applications and procedures, safety measures, overseas child education, and lifestyle information https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00471.html
■ Changes to your "Residence Notification," returning to your home country, or moving out https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/residencereport/login
■ Concerns about living abroad and family issues (loneliness and isolation consultation services, support groups for victims of domestic violence, etc.)
https://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/ca/ha/page22_001736.html
■ Changing or stopping email delivery (for those who have registered for Tabi-Regi)
(Change) https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/auth
(Stop) https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete