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
- May 21, 2025, midnight Rabies Alert (Updated)
- 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)
Rabies Alert (Updated)
May 21, 2025, midnight Wide area information (infectious diseases)
Updated information on rabies.
Although there are no unusual circumstances such as an increase in the number of cases, rabies is still occurring around the world, mainly in Asia and Africa, so please continue to be vigilant.
[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.
Travel advisories from local embassies and consulates
Information from the past two weeks.
Table of contents
- June 26, 2025, 9:50 p.m. Forest fire in Simari district, Palea Fokia village, Attica prefecture
- June 25, 2025, 5:20 p.m. Forest fires on Chios island (Update 2)
- June 24, 2025, 4:45 p.m. Update on forest fires on Chios island
- June 23, 2025, 10:25 p.m. Information on rallies and demonstrations related to the situation in the Middle East (June 23rd and 24th)
- June 23, 2025, 6:05 p.m. Forest fires on the island of Chios
- June 16, 2025, 9:55 p.m. Caution regarding the situation in the Middle East
Forest fire in Simari district, Palea Fokia village, Attica prefecture
June 26, 2025, 9:50 p.m.
A wildfire has been occurring since around noon today, June 26th, in a forested area approximately 60 km southeast of Athens city center and approximately 40 km south of Athens Airport.
According to reports, firefighting efforts are still ongoing, but the fire has not yet been contained due to the widespread nature of the fire and the winds. Part of the Athens-Sounion Road, which connects Athens and Cape Sounion, has been closed to traffic.
The Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Management will send emergency evacuation messages to mobile phones via "112" as necessary. In order to protect human lives and prevent new fires, the ministry has announced the following information and continues to urge people to be vigilant against fires.
- Stay away from forest fire areas.
- Do not enter forest areas where there are no-entry signs.
- Do not engage in any actions that may cause a fire (such as making fires using dry grass or dead branches, cooking over fire outdoors, throwing away cigarettes, etc.).
- If you discover a fire, immediately call 112 or 199.
Wildfires can spread instantly due to dryness or strong winds. Please be aware that even if you are far from the source of the fire, smoke and ash may have far-reaching effects depending on the wind direction and strong winds.
If you are affected by the wildfires or are unable to contact your family or Japanese friends, please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy.
<Reference>
○ Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Prevention (Greek, some English)
Daily fire danger map (the closer to red the color on the map, the higher the risk)
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/arxeio-imerision-xartwn
・Preparing for forest fires
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/odigies-prostasias/dasikes-pyrkagies
Emergency phone number
112 (European emergency number), 199 (Hellenic Fire Service)
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
Forest fires on Chios island (Update 2)
June 25, 2025, 5:20 p.m.
A forest fire broke out near the city of Chios in the central part of the island of Chios on the 22nd. Strong winds caused the fire to spread southeastward, forcing evacuation orders to be issued to many local residents.
According to reports, the fire is still burning in the mountainous area in the central eastern part of the island, and there are scattered re-ignitions in other areas, and extinguishing efforts are continuing. Continued vigilance is required.
Houses, farmland, livestock land, cars, etc. have been burned, and power and water outages have occurred in some areas.
The Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Management is sending emergency evacuation messages to mobile phones in each region via "112" as necessary, and evacuation orders have been issued to residents of many areas adjacent to the wildfire zone to date.
In order to protect human lives and prevent new fires, the Ministry has announced the following and continues to urge people to be vigilant against fires:
- Stay away from forest fire areas.
- Do not enter forest areas where there are no-entry signs.
- Do not engage in any actions that may cause a fire (such as making fires using dry grass or dead branches, cooking over fire outdoors, throwing away cigarettes, etc.).
- If you discover a fire, immediately call 112 or 199.
Wildfires can spread instantly due to dryness or strong winds. Please be aware that even if you are far from the source of the fire, smoke and ashfall can have a long-distance impact depending on the wind direction and strong winds.
If you are affected by the wildfires or are unable to contact your family or Japanese friends, please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy.
<Reference>
○ Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Prevention (Greek, some English)
Daily fire danger map (the closer to red the color on the map, the higher the risk)
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/arxeio-imerision-xartwn
・Preparing for forest fires
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/odigies-prostasias/dasikes-pyrkagies
Emergency phone number
112 (European emergency number), 199 (Hellenic Fire Service)
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
Update on forest fires on Chios island
June 24, 2025, 4:45 p.m.
According to reports, the wildfire that broke out near the city of Chios in the center of Chios on the 22nd is spreading southeastward due to strong winds, and evacuation orders are still in place for many local residents. Although it was temporarily brought under control in the central part of the island, it is possible that it will flare up again, and it is still raging in the east.
Houses, farmland, livestock land, cars, etc. have been burned, and power and water outages have occurred.
The Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Management is sending emergency evacuation messages to mobile phones in each region via "112" as necessary, and evacuation orders have been issued to residents of many areas adjacent to the wildfire zone to date.
In order to protect human lives and prevent new fires, the Ministry has announced the following and continues to urge people to be vigilant against fires:
- Stay away from forest fire areas.
- Do not enter forest areas where there are no-entry signs.
- Do not engage in any actions that may cause a fire (such as making fires using dry grass or dead branches, cooking over fire outdoors, throwing away cigarettes, etc.).
- If you discover a fire, immediately call 112 or 199.
Wildfires can spread instantly due to dryness or strong winds. Please be aware that even if you are far from the source of the fire, smoke and ash may have far-reaching effects depending on the wind direction and strong winds.
If you are affected by the wildfires or are unable to contact your family or Japanese friends, please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy.
<Reference>
○ Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Prevention (Greek, some English)
Daily fire danger map (the closer to red the color on the map, the higher the risk)
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/arxeio-imerision-xartwn
・Preparing for forest fires
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/odigies-prostasias/dasikes-pyrkagies
Emergency phone number
112 (European emergency number), 199 (Hellenic Fire Service)
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
Information on rallies and demonstrations related to the situation in the Middle East (June 23rd and 24th)
June 23, 2025, 10:25 p.m.
According to reports, rallies and demonstrations are planned for June 23rd and 24th in major cities across Greece at the call of various groups in protest against the US attack on Iran. There is a possibility that radical groups may participate, and there are concerns that there may be clashes between demonstrators and police, so please be careful not to get caught up in any unforeseen incidents.
●Central Athens
A rally will be held at Syntagma Square from 6pm on Monday the 23rd, followed by a demonstration march ending in front of the US Embassy.
(US Embassy address: 91 Vasilissis Sofias Street, near Megaro Moussikis Station on Metro Line 3, next to the Athens Concert Hall "Megaro Moussikis")
<Traffic regulations>
・Syntagma Metro station (Line 2) will be closed from 6:00 p.m. ・Traffic restrictions will be put in place on Vasilissis Sofias Street, which runs from Syntagma Square to the front of the U.S. Embassy. At this time, there are no reports of suspension of buses, trolleybuses, or other public transport in Athens, but depending on the situation, police may close major roads and restrict traffic.
Thessaloniki
The rally is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, the 24th, from 6:30 pm at the Venizelos statue in the city center (near the Roman Agora).
●Patra City
The rally is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, the 24th, from 7:30 pm in Georgiou Square in the city centre.
●Other major cities
The rally is scheduled to take place all day on the 24th.
There are concerns that protest rallies will continue to be held in the future in response to rising tensions in the Middle East, which may become more radical and escalate into clashes, as well as attacks on Israeli-related facilities (Israeli embassies, synagogues, etc.). Please check the latest news in the media, avoid approaching protest rallies or related facilities, and take steps to ensure your own safety, so as not to become caught up in unforeseen circumstances.
*This information is based on current announcements and reports and may be subject to change, so please check the latest information before heading out.
(Reference site)
○Athens city transport agency OASA
(TEL) 11185 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
Forest fires on the island of Chios
June 23, 2025, 6:05 p.m.
A wildfire has been breaking out since around noon yesterday, Sunday, June 22nd, in a mountainous area approximately 10 km northwest of the center of Chios City on the island of Chios in the North Aegean Sea, and approximately 7 km from Chios Island Airport.
According to reports, firefighting efforts are still ongoing, but the fire has not yet been contained due to the widespread nature of the fire and the winds. There have been no reports of casualties or cancellations of flights or ferries due to the fire.
The Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Management is sending emergency evacuation messages to mobile phones in each region via "112" as necessary, and evacuation orders have been issued to residents of many areas adjacent to the wildfire zone to date.
In order to protect human lives and prevent new fires, the Ministry has announced the following and continues to call for vigilance against fires.
- Stay away from forest fire areas.
- Do not enter forest areas where there are no-entry signs.
- Do not engage in any actions that may cause a fire (such as making fires using dry grass or dead branches, cooking over fire outdoors, throwing away cigarettes, etc.).
- If you discover a fire, immediately call 112 or 199.
Wildfires can spread instantly due to dryness or strong winds. Please be aware that even if you are far from the source of the fire, smoke and ash may have far-reaching effects depending on the wind direction and strong winds.
If you are affected by the wildfires or are unable to contact your family or Japanese friends, please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy.
<Reference>
○ Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Disaster Prevention (Greek, some English)
Daily fire danger map (the closer to red the color on the map, the higher the risk)
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/arxeio-imerision-xartwn
・Preparing for forest fires
https://civilprotection.gov.gr/odigies-prostasias/dasikes-pyrkagies
Emergency phone number
112 (European emergency number), 199 (Hellenic Fire Service)
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 the situation in the Middle East
June 16, 2025, 9:55 p.m.
1. In the Middle East, an exchange of attacks between Israel and Iran has continued since June 13, and the situation remains tense.
Details: Regional Information "Caution regarding the situation in the Middle East" (June 13, 2025)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2025C026.html
2. In relation to the Israeli-Palestinian situation, according to media reports, rallies and demonstrations were held in major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki on June 15 in response to a call by the group "March to Gaza." Thousands of people participated in Athens, and clashes with police occurred in some areas.
3. There are concerns that protest rallies will continue to be held sporadically, which may become more radical and develop into clashes, and that there is a possibility of attacks on Israeli-related facilities, etc. Please check the latest information in the media, etc., and take measures to ensure your own safety by staying away from protest rallies and related facilities, and be careful not to get caught up in unforeseen incidents.
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
