United States of America / USA (Hawaii) travel advisories

[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."

Polio awareness (If you are traveling to a polio-endemic country or region, please consider getting additional vaccinations)

Feb. 21, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)

● If you are traveling to a country or region where polio is prevalent, please consider receiving additional vaccinations depending on the local infection situation.
● On May 5, 2014, WHO determined that the polio outbreak was a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), and has announced that the polio outbreak continues to be a PHEIC.

[Wide-area information] Warning about special fraud cases (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator (Part 3))

Feb. 20, 2025, midnight wide area information

We would like to warn you about special fraud cases (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator (Part 3)).

Caution regarding overseas travel and stay during Ramadan

Feb. 17, 2025, midnight wide area information

●The period from around Friday, February 28th to around Tuesday, April 1st is the Islamic month of Ramadan and the festival marking the end of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr).
●During past Ramadan and Eid periods, there have been terrorist attacks carried out by international terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and their supporters.
Please make an effort to obtain the latest information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Overseas Safety Website, Tabi-Reji, news reports, etc., and take sufficient care to ensure your safety.

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)).

[Warning] Crime occurrence in Asan Beach Park, etc. (sexual crimes, car break-ins)

March 11, 2025, 3:56 p.m.

Consulate-General of Japan in Hagatna
TEL: +1(671)646-1290
Email:infocgj@ag.mofa.go.jp

*This email will be sent to the email address registered on your residence notification and Tabi-Regi.
*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
*If you have submitted a residence notification and are returning to your home state (moving to another state) or wish to change the information on your residence notification, please complete the procedure at the URL below.
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 three months or more) or register for Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.

[Warning] Crime prevention measures during the spring tourist season

March 7, 2025, 7:22 a.m.

During the spring tourist season, crimes and incidents targeting tourists tend to increase in tourist destinations. In particular, there has been a steady stream of pickpocketing, baggage theft, and car break-ins. There have also been incidents of violence against passers-by and on public transport, so caution is advised.
Please keep in mind the three safety principles of "not conspicuous," "not letting your actions be predicted," and "always remaining vigilant," and take measures to prevent crime while paying attention to the following points.

1. Crime Prevention Measures (1) Car Break-in and Robbery A. Never leave your bag or luggage in a visible place inside the car, even for a short time.
When refueling, always lock your car and keep an eye on your surroundings. Whenever possible, refuel during daylight hours.
C) When parking, park in a conspicuous area, or at night in an area that is well lit. Be careful when getting in and out of your car, and lock it immediately.
(2) Pickpockets and bag snatchers: Always keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas, including airports and train stations.
Do not carry large amounts of cash, watches, or jewellery with you or show them to others.
C. Avoid conspicuous clothing.
Carry only the bare minimum of valuables such as wallets and passports, and keep them in different places.
Do not leave a pouch or bag containing valuables on your seat in a hotel lobby, restaurant, etc. Do not leave your smartphone or valuables on the table.
Bags must be fastened or buttoned, hung in front of the body or held at the side, and valuables such as wallets must not be placed in the back pockets of pants.
Even if a stranger approaches you, be careful and keep your luggage and valuables close to you.
(3) Hotel A: When going out, store your valuables in the safety deposit box.
When you enter your room, lock it with a chain as well as a key.
Even if someone knocks on your door, don't open it easily. Always check who it is. If you notice anything suspicious, contact the front desk to confirm.
(4) While walking A. When passing or overtaking people, be sure to maintain a certain distance (a rough guideline is the length of one arm) from other pedestrians.
Avoid moving around with earphones on or using a mobile phone while walking, as these actions can make you less vigilant about your surroundings.
(5) Tourist Destinations In tourist destinations such as Hollywood, LA Live, Cript.com Arena, SoFi Stadium, and Santa Monica Beach, there are pushy salesmen targeting tourists. If someone asks you to take a photo with them or suddenly tries to give you a CD or something, ignore them and just leave.
(6) Nighttime A. Avoid going out at night as much as possible. If you have to go out, travel with multiple people by taxi or ride-sharing services. Also, avoid places with few people.
Be cautious if a stranger approaches you and do not accept food or drinks.
(7) Matchmaking apps In recent years, there has been an increase in cases of trouble between people who met using matchmaking apps, etc., and sexual assault by date rape drugs in bars, etc. When meeting someone you met through an app, it is recommended that you collect information in advance from their profile and SNS, etc., and choose a public place where there are many people to meet. In addition, in bars, etc., it is important to be careful not to take your eyes off your drink, and when you get up from your seat, ask a friend or someone else who is with you to watch your drink.

2. When using public transportation or driving a car (1) When using public transportation, avoid using it at night or early in the morning as much as possible. If you must use public transportation, ride with multiple people whenever possible, do not fall asleep even for a short time, and always pay attention to your surroundings.
(2) When using public transportation, be aware of your surroundings not only while inside the vehicle but also on the platform and at bus stops.
(3) When using a ride-sharing service, always check the license plate and driver information against the reservation details before getting in. Do not use unlicensed taxis. Also, when getting off, check to make sure you have not left anything behind in the vehicle.
(4) In Arizona, speed limits change frequently even when driving on the same road. In addition, the open nature of the road means that people tend to drive faster. However, there are many police crackdowns, so pay attention to speed signs and drive safely.
(5) Be careful of skimming when paying at payment machines installed in parking lots. (There have been cases where QR codes have been replaced at places where QR code payments are possible with ones that lead to fake payment sites, resulting in fraud.)

3. If you become a victim (1) If you become a victim, file a report at the nearest police station and obtain a police report. (Note: The police report is required for insurance claims and passport reissue.)
(2) If you are caught up in an incident or trouble and it is an emergency, do not hesitate to call 911 (police, fire, or ambulance). (Note: If you say "Japanese please", you may be able to get a Japanese speaker to assist you.)
(3) If you have any problems, please consult the embassy or consulate general that has jurisdiction over the area where you are staying.
List of U.S. domestic and foreign diplomatic jurisdiction areas (https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/m01_03.htm)

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

Beware of fraudulent emails (toll road toll charges)

March 7, 2025, 5:47 a.m.

[Main text]
1. As has been reported in the media, there has been a recent proliferation of fraudulent emails demanding payment of unpaid tolls for toll roads, and relevant agencies and police are calling for caution.

2. The message pretends to be from a toll road operator or toll collection agency, such as Georgia's "Peach Pass," and demands money. Along with a link to a page where you can enter your bank or credit card information, the text may also state the specific amount to be charged.

3. The actual SMS messages that were sent included words that could be used to stir up anxiety, such as "legal action," "additional late fees," "revocation of license," and "final reminder," urging prompt action. However, neither Peach Pass nor the State Road Tollway Authority (SRTA) will ever ask for customers' personal information or charge them tolls via email or SMS.

4. If you receive a suspicious email or SMS, delete it without clicking any links or providing any personal information. If you have already entered personal information such as your credit card information, report it to your financial institution immediately.

Reference information: ○ Warning from the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2025/01/got-text-about-unpaid-tolls-its-probably-scam
○ SRTA (State Road Tollway Authority) warning: https://srta.ga.gov/accountsafetyalert/
○ Peach Pass warning: https://peachpass.com/customer-alerts/

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

Tighter regulations in Miami Beach area during spring break

March 6, 2025, 4:17 a.m.

1. The City of Miami Beach has announced that it will continue to implement strict measures around Miami Beach as it did last year to ease congestion and maintain public order during the spring break period. In particular, from Thursday to Sunday in March,
・ Police will regulate traffic in the area and conduct checkpoints at the beach entrance. ・ Some parking lots will be closed and parking fees will be increased. ・ Glass containers, coolers, inflatable toys such as life jackets, tents, and tables will not be allowed on the beach. ・ Stronger regulations will be put in place, including a ban on smoking and playing loud music on the beach. (The regulations are subject to change, so for the latest information, please refer to the City of Miami Beach website below: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/mbrealitycheck/)

2. During this period, there is a tendency for violent incidents such as fights to increase in this area every year, and a nighttime curfew has been issued in some cases. Nearby stores and restaurants also have shortened opening hours, so if you live in the area or are visiting the area for tourism, please be sure to check the current restrictions and act with caution to avoid becoming involved in any unforeseen incidents.

3. If you get into any trouble or need any assistance, please contact the Consulate-General by telephone. We also have safety-related materials available on our website, so please make use of these as well.

[Consulate-General of Japan in Miami]
Consulate General of Japan in Miami
80 SW 8th Street, Suite 3200, Miami, FL 33130
Phone: 305-530-9090
Representative website: http://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp

This email address is for sending only.
This email is automatically sent to the email addresses registered in your residence notification, email newsletter, and Tabi-Regi.
If you have signed up for Tabi-Regi and would like to stop receiving emails, please follow the procedure to stop receiving emails from the URL below.
URL: https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/simple/delete

[Warning] Telephone fraud (specialized fraud) by people pretending to be consulate staff or police officers [Update]

March 1, 2025, 11:02 a.m.

[Main text]
1. We continue to receive multiple reports of fraud in which perpetrators pose as consulate generals or police officers, threaten to freeze bank accounts or arrest people, and defraud financial institutions of their financial needs.

2. Public agencies will never request money, including bail money, or ask for bank details over the phone or video call.

3. The callers are professional criminals, so they will call you after finding out your personal information, and will use clever words to make you feel uneasy and take away your ability to think before demanding money. To avoid becoming a victim of this type of scam, Japanese residents overseas should take careful action if they receive a suspicious phone call demanding money, such as by hanging up the phone and immediately consulting with family, acquaintances, or other people around you, or the police.

4. In the unlikely event that you become a victim, you can help prevent secondary damage by immediately reporting and contacting the following:
(1) Banks and credit companies
If you have provided your bank account number or credit card information, please contact the relevant bank and credit card company and take measures such as suspending use.
(2) Reporting fraud to the FBI
https://www.ic3.gov/
(3) Obtaining a police report
To prove the facts of your case, please report it to your local police and obtain a police report.
(4) Other places to report fraud
・FTC Federal Trade Commission (https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/#/?pid=A)
・IRS Bureau of Internal Revenue (https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/taxpayer-guide-to-identity-theft)
(5) Consultations regarding social security numbers
If your Social Security number has been known to a fraud group and used fraudulently, you may be a victim of fraud.
・Social Security Administration (https://www.ssa.gov/)



Consulate General of Japan in New York website scam information
https://www.ny.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/022025.html

Consulate General of Japan in Denver website scam information
https://www.denver.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/jp_alert_20250122.html



■ We ask for your cooperation in sharing this information not only with you, but also with your family and organization, and in passing it on to your acquaintances.

■In order to shorten waiting times when you visit the Consulate and to avoid congestion in the Consulate waiting room, we operate on a reservation system for passport and other certification services at the Consulate counter. Please see our website for details. (https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/appointment.html)

■When traveling abroad, be sure to inform your family, friends, workplace, etc. of your travel dates and contact information at your destination in case of an emergency. If you are staying for more than three months, be sure to submit a residence notification.
(https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/RRnet/index.html)
In addition, if you are traveling or on a business trip of less than three months, please register with Tabi-Regi so that you can receive safety information as it arises while you are overseas.
(For details, see https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/tabireg/index.html#)

Consulate-General of Japan in San Francisco
Consulate-General of Japan at San Francisco
Consular and Security Team
TEL:415-780-6000
HP: https://www.sf.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html