COVID-19 risks
Oct. 19, 2022, midnight
In light of the fact that the global infection situation is generally improving, and that G7 countries have already stopped designating levels by country and region, all the new coronavirus infectious disease risk information will be 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.
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.
March 25, 2020, midnight
感染がさらに拡大する可能性があるので，最新情報を入手し，感染予防に努めてください。
Local and national news
Information for the past 30 days.
Table of contents
- Dec. 16, 2025, midnight [Wide Area Information] Warning about illegal part-time work overseas by criminal organizations, including the Anonymous Mobile Crime Group (Tokuryu) (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator)
- Dec. 16, 2025, midnight Warning about special fraud (to avoid becoming a victim)
- Nov. 28, 2025, midnight Alert regarding terrorism in Europe and the United States
- Nov. 21, 2025, midnight Alert regarding chikungunya fever
- Nov. 21, 2025, midnight Zika virus infection alert (updated)
[Wide Area Information] Warning about illegal part-time work overseas by criminal organizations, including the Anonymous Mobile Crime Group (Tokuryu) (How to avoid becoming a perpetrator)
Dec. 16, 2025, midnight wide area information
There have been a number of cases where people have applied for illegal part-time work overseas and ended up being forced to act as "callers" for criminal organizations and take part in special fraud overseas, or where people have unintentionally become complicit in crimes by couriering illegal drugs (such as marijuana), and ended up being detained or protected by local police.
●If you feel that you have applied for an illegal part-time job overseas, do not worry or keep it to yourself, but seek help from a family member or someone close to you, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the police, etc.
●If you feel that as a result of applying for an illegal part-time job overseas, you have become (or been forced to become) complicit in a crime such as specialized fraud or illegal drug smuggling, please do not hesitate to contact or consult with the local Japanese embassy or consulate general.
Warning about special fraud (to avoid becoming a victim)
Dec. 16, 2025, midnight wide area information
● Special fraud, in which money is defrauded by contacting people without meeting them in person, is also occurring overseas. There have been confirmed cases in which people have impersonated Japanese government officials, such as Japanese embassy staff, Japanese consulate staff, Japanese police officers, and customs officials.
●Japanese public institutions such as the Japanese Embassy, Japanese Consulate General, police officers, and customs officials will never request remittances without following proper procedures. Please take precautions such as not easily responding to suspicious phone calls, emails, social media messages, etc. that you do not recognize.
●If you feel even slightly uneasy while outside of Japan, please consult your nearest Japanese Embassy or Consulate-General.
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.
Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates
Information from the past two weeks.
Table of contents
- Dec. 15, 2025, 11:30 p.m. Strikes and protests (December 16th and 17th)
- Dec. 12, 2025, 11:35 p.m. Beware of financial troubles
- Dec. 10, 2025, 10:10 p.m. Caution regarding farmer protests (continued)
- Dec. 9, 2025, 12:05 a.m. Caution regarding farmers' protests
- Dec. 6, 2025, 1:35 a.m. Protest demonstrations on the anniversary of the shooting of a young boy (December 6th)
Strikes and protests (December 16th and 17th)
Dec. 15, 2025, 11:30 p.m.
1. General strike on Tuesday, December 16th Public employee unions and other organizations are planning to hold a 24-hour general strike and protest rally on Tuesday, December 16th. This is expected to affect public services and transportation in major cities such as Athens.
A rally is scheduled for Tuesday the 16th at 11am in Syntagma Square.
・There have been no announcements of public transport suspensions at this time, but such announcements may be made in the future.
2. Temporary suspension of Athens city bus services on Wednesday, December 17th The Athens City Bus Workers' Union plans to suspend Athens city bus services for six hours from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17th.
3. Continuation of farmers' protests
Since early December, farmers have been protesting against the government across Greece. Traffic is still being affected, with tractors and other vehicles temporarily blocking highways, border crossings with North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey, as well as airports and ports. Please continue to exercise caution.
*This information is currently being announced and reported. It may change in the future, so please check the latest information before going out.
(reference)
Greek police website: "List of Blocked Locations and Detour Routes" (in Greek)
https://www.astynomia.gr/kykloforiakes-rythmiseis-logo-agrotikon-kinitopoiiseon/
・Greek police phone number "100": Provides the latest traffic information ・Athens City Transport Agency (OASA)
https://www.oasa.gr/
Embassy of Japan in Greece (Consular Section)
Embassy of Japan in Greece
46, Ethnikis Antistasseos St., 152 31 Halandri
Phone: 210-670-9910, 9911
Email: consular@at.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Beware of financial troubles
Dec. 12, 2025, 11:35 p.m.
<Specific details>
At Athens airport and tourist spots in the city, men claiming to be Greek or French will approach Japanese tourists and ask them to speak to a Japanese person on the phone, and then ask for financial assistance to purchase a mobile phone SIM card or for currency exchange fees.
The parties exchange cell phone contact information, make verbal promises to refund the money, and appear to take the victim to a bank or other institution to get the money back, but in the end the money is never returned.
The man skillfully speaks to the solo traveler in both Japanese and English, taking advantage of their kindness.
The Embassy is issuing safety precautions in light of the current situation of Japanese nationals becoming victims of crime. If you are a victim of crime, please consult and report it to the police and also notify the Embassy.
【reference】
・Embassy of Japan in Greece (Safety Information)
https://www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/security_menu.html
*Please be aware that there are many cases of passport and personal belongings being stolen (pickpocketing, purse snatching, etc.).
・Overseas Safety Cheat Sheet (PDF version)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/pamph/pdf/toranomaki.pdf
~Opening days during the New Year holidays~
The Embassy of Japan in Greece will be open until Wednesday, December 24th this year, and will reopen on Monday, January 5th in the new year. Please note that various procedures will not be possible during this closure.
Embassy of Japan in Greece (Consular Section)
Embassy of Japan in Greece
46, Ethnikis Antistasseos St., 152 31 Halandri
Phone: 210-670-9910, 9911
Email: consular@at.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Caution regarding farmer protests (continued)
Dec. 10, 2025, 10:10 p.m.
According to reports, as of today (Wednesday, the 10th), the following protests are taking place:
・The Athens-Thessaloniki section (multiple locations, including near Nicea in Thessalia Prefecture), the Epirus-Macedonia and Thrace section (multiple locations, including near Xanthi in East Macedonia and Thrace Prefecture), and the Athens-Patras highway (multiple locations) are blocked, requiring detours from the normal route. Some protesters have also indicated that they may block detour routes if the situation worsens.
Protesters are gathering near the port of Volos in Thessalia prefecture, threatening to blockade the port. Police are also gathering in response.
Border crossings into North Macedonia, Bulgaria and Turkey have been temporarily blocked to freight trucks. Protesters have said they will not block passenger vehicles, but some crossings may be prolonged and passenger vehicles may be forced to take detours.
- At Heraklion International Airport (Irakleio - Nikos Kazantzakis AIRPORT) on Crete, the runway and other areas had been blocked by protesters since the 8th, but the blockade was lifted on the 9th.
- At Chania International Airport (Chania - Ioannis Daskalakis AIRPORT) on Crete, protesters are still present on the airport grounds, but there are currently no disruptions to flight operations.
*Road closures are subject to change. Please check the latest information before going out.
(reference)
Greek police website: "List of Blocked Locations and Detour Routes" (in Greek)
https://www.astynomia.gr/kykloforiakes-rythmiseis-logo-agrotikon-kinitopoiiseon/
・Greek police phone number "100": Provides the latest traffic information
Embassy of Japan in Greece (Consular Section)
Embassy of Japan in Greece
46, Ethnikis Antistasseos St., 152 31 Halandri
Phone: 210-670-9910, 9911
Email: consular@at.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Caution regarding farmers' protests
Dec. 9, 2025, 12:05 a.m.
According to reports, as of today, Monday the 8th, the following protests are taking place:
- The highway between Athens and Thessaloniki is closed near the city of Nikea in Thessalia prefecture, and a detour from the normal route is required.
Border crossings into North Macedonia and Bulgaria have been temporarily blocked to freight trucks. Protesters have said they will not block the passage of regular vehicles, but at some points regular vehicles may be required to take detours.
The runway at Heraklion International Airport (Irakleio - Nikos Kazantzakis AIRPORT) on Crete has been closed, affecting flight operations. The main gate at Chania International Airport (Chania - Ioannis Daskalakis AIRPORT) on the island has been closed, and clashes with police have occurred. The gate closure is scheduled to last until 7:00 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday the 9th, but passengers will be able to pass through the gate on foot.
- Protest rallies are scheduled to take place today, Monday the 8th, from 6:30 pm in front of the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Food in Athens (Vathis Sq. near the Archaeological Museum) and in front of the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace in the center of Thessaloniki.
*Road closures are constantly changing. Please check the latest information before heading out.
Embassy of Japan in Greece (Consular Section)
Embassy of Japan in Greece
46, Ethnikis Antistasseos St., 152 31 Halandri
Phone: 210-670-9910, 9911
Email: consular@at.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Protest demonstrations on the anniversary of the shooting of a young boy (December 6th)
Dec. 6, 2025, 1:35 a.m.
Since 2009, protest demonstrations have been held every year on December 6th in cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki to commemorate the shooting death of a young boy by a police officer in the Exarchia Square area in central Athens in 2008. In the past, some demonstrators have turned violent, leading to clashes such as stone throwing and the use of Molotov cocktails, and police retaliating by using tear gas.
According to current information available online, people are being asked to gather at Exarchia Square (near the Archaeological Museum) at 4:30 pm on Saturday, the 6th. As in previous years, there is a possibility that the demonstration will start in front of the University of Athens (in front of Panepistimiou subway station) and head towards Syntagma Square and the Parliament Building.
*This information is currently being announced and reported. It may be subject to change in the future, so please check the latest information before going out.
Embassy of Japan in Greece (Consular Section)
Embassy of Japan in Greece
46, Ethnikis Antistasseos St., 152 31 Halandri
Phone: 210-670-9910, 9911
Email: consular@at.mofa.go.jp
Website: https://www.gr.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
