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.
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.
[Safety Information] Caution during the New Year holidays
Dec. 16, 2025, 11:25 p.m.
1. Attention to terrorism, etc. In recent years, there have been frequent terrorist attacks by lone perpetrators and attacks targeting places where many ordinary citizens gather (soft targets) in Europe, and there are concerns that terrorist attacks will continue to occur in the future. In addition, due to the influence of the situation in the Middle East, the threat of terrorism within Germany remains high.
Keep in mind that places where many people gather are likely to be targets of terrorism, so be vigilant of your surroundings, such as checking evacuation routes when visiting or staying, and take sufficient care to avoid being caught up in unforeseen incidents.
November 28th: Wide-area information (warning against terrorism in Europe and the US)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2025C049.html
2. Things to note when going out on New Year's Eve Numerous New Year's Eve events will be held on New Year's Eve. The New Year's Eve Concert hosted by German public broadcaster ZDF, which was held at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin until last year, will be held for the first time this year at HafenCity in Hamburg.
Additionally, people are injured every year by fireworks that are set off from New Year's Eve through the New Year.
If you are going out on New Year's Eve, please be careful not to get caught up in any disturbances.
3. Beware of general crimes General crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching tend to increase during the New Year period.
When visiting crowded places, reduce the amount of belongings you carry as much as possible and store valuables in places where they are less likely to be stolen, such as inside your jacket pocket or shoulder bag. If you are pushed or touched in an unnatural way in a crowd, immediately check your belongings.
Also, when using a bank ATM, try to use one that has as many users as possible.
4. Opening and closing dates for the Consular Office during the New Year holiday period: Open on Monday, December 22, 2025 and Tuesday, December 23, 2025. Closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026. Open as usual from Monday, January 5, 2025 onwards.
【contact address】
Consulate-General of Japan in Hamburg
Domstrasse 19, 20095 Hamburg
Phone: 040-333-0170
E-mail: hamburg-ryoji@hb.mofa.go.jp
URL: https://www.hamburg.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please inform your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to submit a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register with Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
New Year's holiday warnings and closing days
Dec. 16, 2025, 1:25 a.m.
1. Caution against terrorism, etc. In recent years, there have been frequent terrorist attacks by lone perpetrators and attacks targeting places where many ordinary citizens gather (soft targets), and there are concerns that terrorist attacks will continue to occur in the future.
Furthermore, the threat of terrorism within Germany remains high due to factors such as the situation in the Middle East. Last year, there were terrorist attacks using knives in Mannheim and Solingen, and on December 20th, there was an indiscriminate killing incident in Magdeburg when a vehicle crashed into a Christmas market.
Keep in mind that places where many people gather are likely to be targets of terrorism, so be vigilant of your surroundings, such as checking evacuation routes when visiting or staying, and take sufficient care to avoid being caught up in unforeseen incidents.
November 18th: Caution regarding Christmas markets
https://www.muenchen.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/20251119_anzen.html
November 28th: Wide-area information (warning against terrorism in Europe and the US)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2025C049.html
2. Caution regarding events over the New Year period Numerous events will be held over the New Year period.
On New Year's Eve, events are held in various places, including Marienplatz in Munich, attracting many visitors.
In addition, from New Year's Eve last year through the new year, there have been incidents of rocket fireworks being fired at buildings and police officers, as well as fireworks being thrown into crowds of ordinary people.
Security authorities plan to step up vigilance from the night of New Year's Eve through the New Year, including by establishing fireworks-free zones and firecracker-free zones around the zoo.
In particular, if you are going out around the time of the New Year, please be careful not to get caught up in any disturbances and get injured.
3. Beware of general crimes General crimes such as pickpocketing and purse snatching tend to increase during the New Year period.
In crowded places such as shopping malls, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Also, when using a bank ATM, try to use one that has as many users as possible.
4. Closing days during the New Year holidays
Wednesday, December 24, 2025 - Sunday, January 4, 2026
Monday, January 5, 2026: Open as usual
Closed on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 (Bavarian State Holiday)
January 7, 2026 (Wednesday) Open as usual
○Closed days in 2026 (Consulate-General of Japan in Munich)
https://www.muenchen.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/ueberuns_kaikan.html
Even on closed days, in the event of an emergency such as an incident, accident, or disaster, please contact the Consulate General's main telephone number (see below).
[Reference URL]
○ "Safety Guide"
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100294519.pdf
○ Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety Website (Germany)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcinfectionspothazardinfo_165.html#ad-image-0
○ Residence Notification (for those staying for more than 3 months) / Tabi-Regi (for those traveling for less than 3 months)
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/index.html
○Overseas safety app for smartphones
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/c_info/oshirase_kaian_app.html
Consulate-General of Japan in Munich
Friedenstrasse 6, 81671 Muenchen
HP: https://www.muenchen.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
Email: ryoji@mu.mofa.go.jp
Phone: 089-4176040
*If you have registered for TabiRegi 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
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please inform your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to submit a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register with Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
[Safety Information] Caution during the New Year holidays
Dec. 15, 2025, 10:35 p.m.
On December 20th of last year, a vehicle crashed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt. On December 12th of this year, it was reported that five people were arrested in Bavaria for plotting a terrorist attack on a Christmas market. In addition to Christmas markets, there are many other events held over the New Year period that attract large crowds, and these events could become targets for terrorism or crime, so caution is required at all times.
●A mass shooting occurred near Sydney, Australia, targeting people gathered at an event celebrating the Jewish festival of Hanukkah (from around December 14th to around December 22nd), killing 16 people, including one suspect.In addition, at least two people were reportedly killed in a shooting on the campus of Brown University in Rhode Island, USA, although the connection to terrorism and the background to the incident are unclear.
●In the event of an emergency, the Japanese diplomatic missions overseas will use the submitted "Residential Registration" to confirm the safety of people and provide support. If you have not yet submitted a "Residential Registration," please register, and if you know people around you who have not yet registered, please inform them about registering (those staying for three months or more should submit a "Residential Registration"; those traveling for less than three months should submit a "Tabi-Regi").
Please check our website for opening and closing dates for the consular office during the New Year period.
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please inform your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to submit a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register with Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
Consulate-General of Japan in Frankfurt
MesseTurm 34.OG, Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 49, 60327, Frankfurt am Main
Main phone number: +49-(0)69-2385-730 (When closed, the number will be connected to an emergency response company)
Consular Section Email: konsular@fu.mofa.go.jp
[Safety Information] Cautions during the New Year holidays
Dec. 13, 2025, 12:40 a.m.
1. Caution against terrorism, etc. In recent years, there have been frequent incidents of terrorist attacks by lone perpetrators and attacks targeting places where many ordinary citizens gather (soft targets), and there are concerns that terrorist attacks will continue to occur in the future. Furthermore, the threat of terrorism within Germany remains high due to the influence of the situation in the Middle East, and last year there were terrorist attacks using knives in the cities of Mannheim and Solingen, and on December 20th there was an indiscriminate killing incident in Magdeburg when a vehicle crashed into a Christmas market.
Keep in mind that places where many people gather are likely to be targets of terrorism, so be vigilant of your surroundings, such as checking evacuation routes when visiting or staying, and take sufficient care to avoid being caught up in unforeseen incidents.
November 10th: Caution regarding Christmas markets
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/konsular_shinchaku101125.html
November 28th: Wide-area information (warning against terrorism in Europe and the US)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcwideareaspecificinfo_2025C049.html
2. Caution regarding New Year's events Numerous events will be held over the New Year period. On New Year's Eve, concerts and countdown events will be held at various event venues, including the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, attracting many visitors. In addition, from New Year's Eve to the New Year, in many areas of Berlin, there were incidents of rocket fireworks being fired at buildings and police officers, and fireworks being thrown into crowds of ordinary people. Security authorities plan to increase vigilance from the night of New Year's Eve through the New Year by establishing multiple no-fireworks zones, including Alexanderplatz, and imposing time restrictions. In particular, when going out around the time of the New Year, please take sufficient precautions to avoid getting caught up in disturbances and getting injured.
3. Beware of general crimes: Pickpocketing, purse snatching, and other general crimes tend to increase during the New Year holidays. In crowded shopping malls and other places, keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings. When using bank ATMs, try to use ones with as many users as possible.
4. Opening and closing days of the Consular Office during the New Year holidays
Opening on Monday, December 22nd and Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025
Closed from Wednesday, December 24, 2025 to Sunday, January 4, 2026
From Monday, January 5, 2025 onwards: Open as usual. Even on closed days, please contact the Embassy main telephone number (see below) in the event of an emergency, such as being the victim of an incident, accident, or disaster.
○Closed days in 2026 (Embassy of Japan in Germany)
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/uberuns_BerlinCalendar2026.html
【reference】
● "Safety Guide"
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100294519.pdf
●Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety Website (Germany)
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/info/pcinfectionspothazardinfo_165.html#ad-image-0
● Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety Website (PC version) https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/
(Smartphone version) https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/sp/index.html
(Mobile version) http://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/m/mbtop.html
Residence Notification (for those staying for more than 3 months) / Tabi-Regi (for those traveling for less than 3 months)
https://www.ezairyu.mofa.go.jp/index.html
●Overseas safety app for smartphones
https://www.anzen.mofa.go.jp/c_info/oshirase_kaian_app.html
contact address:
Embassy of Japan in Germany
TEL: 030-210940 (When the facility is closed, you will be connected to an emergency response company)
FAX: 030-21094222
e-mail: taishikan-ryoujibu@bo.mofa.go.jp
URL: http://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/nihongo/index.html
**********************************************************
Embassy of Japan in Germany
TEL: 030-21094-0 (+49-30-21094-0 from overseas)
E-mail: taishikan-ryoujibu@bo.mofa.go.jp
URL: https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_ja/index.html
**********************************************************
[Consular-related applications and procedures]
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/konsular_index.html
[Introduction to Japan-related cultural events]
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/info_kulturBerlin.html
[Subscribe to our email newsletter (German)]
https://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_de/uberuns_mailmagazin.html
*If you have registered for TabiRegi 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
*In order to protect your family, friends, and colleagues in the event of a disaster or unrest, please inform your acquaintances, business travelers, and tourists to submit a Residence Notification (for stays of three months or more) or register with Tabi-Regi (for stays of less than three months) so that information on safety measures can reach as many people as possible.
