COVID-19 Information
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Consulate General Naha (August 1, 2020)
On July 31st at 1800, the Okinawan Prefectural Government declared a state of emergency for the prefecture from August 1st through August 15th and raised the prefectural COVID-19 warning level from II to III.
Read More» Only 96 Days Left Until the 2020 General Election
Registering to vote and submitting a ballot is fast, easy, and can be done from anywhere in the world.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (July 22, 2020)
The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor closely the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan. In light of increasing cases, Tokyo Governor Koike continues to urge residents to avoid restaurants and other service establishments that lack proper infection-control and social distancing measures.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (July 17, 2020)
The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan closely. In response to higher infection rates in Tokyo over the past week, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government raised its COVID-19 alert status to red on July 16.
Read More» Farewell Message to U.S. Citizen Diamond Princess Passengers and Crew from Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Young and the American Embassy Consular Team
The U.S. Embassy and the Department of State have no higher priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad. My team and I are pleased to let you know that the final U.S. citizen passenger, of the nearly 80 who were hospitalized in Japan, has returned to the United States. We are extremely …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (July 9, 2020)
Location: JapanDate: July 9, 2020 State of COVID-19 Measures in Japan The U.S. Embassy continues to monitor closely the COVID-19 outbreak in Japan. The Government of Japan has continued to relax restrictions put in place a few months ago. According to press reports, the government plans to increase the maximum number of attendees permitted at …
Read More» Weather Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo, July 8, 2020
Location: Central and Southern Japan Event: Heavy rain continues in prefectures throughout central and southern Japan. Expect sustained rainfall, flooding, and possible landslides, often occurring without warning. U.S. citizens should carefully monitor their local conditions, as well as the Japan Meteorological Agency’s (JMA) updated landslide risks and weather warnings. The JMA has issued …
Read More» Passport Renewal in Japan Gets Easier with Online Payment
June 22, 2020 The U.S. Mission in Japan is pleased to announce a convenient way to renew passports for adult U.S. citizens in Japan. Effective June 22, passport renewals by mail will include an online fee payment option. Since Japan Post stopped issuing international money orders in late 2019, most passport applicants renewing in Japan …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (June 19, 2020)
The Government of Japan has continued to relax restrictions related to COVID-19. As of May 25, the state of emergency was lifted for all prefectures in the country. On June 19, the government relaxed its recommendation against non-essential cross-prefectural travel.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (May 26, 2020)
On May 25, Prime Minister Abe lifted the state of emergency for Hokkaido, Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa. The state of emergency has now been lifted for all of Japan. However, authorities in many prefectures and municipal wards continue to request restricted hours and/or closures of public venues.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (May 22, 2020)
On May 21, Prime Minister Abe lifted the state of emergency for Kyoto, Osaka, and Hyogo, which now join the list of Japan’s 42 prefectures where the national state of emergency has been lifted.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (May 15, 2020)
Prime Minister Abe has lifted the state of emergency declaration for 39 prefectures. A state of emergency remains in place for eight prefectures: Hokkaido, Chiba, Saitama, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo. The Government of Japan will next review the status of these prefectures on May 21.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (May 5, 2020)
Japan continues to experience community transmission of COVID-19 cases. On May 4, 2020, Prime Minister Abe announced the extension of the state of emergency through May 31, 2020
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 29, 2020)
Japan continues to experience a steady increase in COVID-19 cases. To reduce the spread of the virus, the Government of Japan has asked residents to avoid crossing prefectural borders for non-essential travel, including during the Golden Week holiday from April 29 to May 6. The U.S. Embassy strongly urges U.S. citizens to comply with all …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 22, 2020)
Japan continues to experience a steady increase in COVID-19 cases. As of April 21st, more than 11,500 cases have been detected nationwide. The increased number of COVID-19 cases is putting pressure on healthcare capacity, and several prefectures have responded with steps to expand the number of available hospital beds for COVID-19 patients. These steps include …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 17, 2020)
On April 16, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expanded the Government of Japan’s state of emergency declaration to cover the entire country.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 13, 2020)
Location: JapanDate: April 13, 2020 State of Emergency in Japan On April 7, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for seven prefectures – Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka – for a period of one month until May 6. More prefectures may be added to the list covered …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 10, 2020)
On April 7, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for seven prefectures – Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka – for a period of one month until May 6. The prime minister outlined measures such as teleworking, social distancing, and e-learning to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 8, 2020)
On April 7, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared a state of emergency regarding COVID-19 for seven prefectures – Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka – for a period of one month until May 6.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 7, 2020)
On April 2, 2020, the U.S Department of State suspended processing of routine passport and citizenship services for U.S. citizens overseas. As of April 8, 2020, and in accordance with this worldwide directive, the Embassy and consulates in Japan have canceled all routine passport and citizenship appointments. Until further notice, we are only able to …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 6, 2020)
Certain areas of Japan continue to experience significant increases in COVID-19 cases. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced April 6 that he intends to declare on April 7 a state of emergency regarding the coronavirus pandemic for seven areas of Japan – Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Hyogo and Fukuoka – for a period of around …
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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 3, 2020)
Japan is experiencing a significant increase in COVID-19 cases. Over the past 72 hours, more than 650 individuals across the country have tested positive, an increase of approximately 200 cases per day.
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (April 1, 2020)
Effective on April 3, 2020, Japan will bar admission to travelers who have recently visited any country that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has designated “Level 3” for infectious disease concerns.
Read More» U.S. Embassy Letter Regarding COVID-19 to U.S. Citizen English Teachers and Advisors in Japan
TO: U.S. Citizen English Teachers and Advisors in JapanDATE: April 1, 2020 The U.S. Embassy has no higher priority than the protection and safety of U.S. citizens in Japan. While all U.S. government-sponsored exchange and teaching programs are suspended, we are aware that throughout the country, thousands of U.S. citizens are working as English teachers …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo
Date: March 26, 2020 Location: Japan Japan’s Enhanced Screening and Quarantine Measures for Travelers from the United States: The Government of Japan has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Effective March 26, all travelers arriving from the United States, including Japanese citizens, will be required to self-quarantine for a …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo (March 23, 2020) Location: Japan Event: Japan’s Enhanced Screening and Quarantine Measures for Travelers from the United States: The government of Japan has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Effective March 26, all travelers arriving from the United States, including Japanese citizens, will be …
Read More» CDC Travel Notice for Japan – Warning Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel
CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Japan. Widespread ongoing transmission of a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (COVID-19) has been reported in Japan. Widespread ongoing transmission means that people have been infected with the virus, but how or where they became infected is not known, and virus transmission is …
Read More» Global Level 4 Health Advisory – Do Not Travel
The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period. …
Read More» Suspension of Routine Visa Services
In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo and all Consulates in Japan have suspended routine Nonimmigrant visa and Immigrant visa appointments. Diplomatic/official visa applications and other visa applications that do not require an in-person interview are not affected and will continue to be processed at this …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo
March 13, 2020 Location: Japan Event: There is an ongoing outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) first identified in Wuhan, China. The global public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, with more than 110,000 reported cases worldwide. The Government of Japan has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should …
Read More» Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo
March 12, 2020 Global Level 3 Health Advisory – Reconsider Travel The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to reconsider travel abroad due to the global impact of COVID-19. Many areas throughout the world are now experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks and taking action that may limit traveler mobility, including quarantines and border restrictions. Even countries, jurisdictions, …
Read More» Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo
Exercise Increased Caution due to an outbreak of COVID-19 (also known as the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2). A novel (new) coronavirus disease, recently designated as COVID-19, is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness. The first cases of COVID-19 were reported in China in December 2019. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization determined the …
Read More» Updates on COVID-19 in Japan
April 2 In a video message to U.S. citizens in Japan, Charge d’Affaires Joe Young discusses the Japanese government’s recent travel restrictions as well as where Americans can get accurate and updated information about COVID-19. March 27 Listen to CDC Director Dr. Robert Redfield’s interview with the FOX News Rundown podcast. March 26 The …
Read More» Health and Travel Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo, Japan
Date: February 3, 2020 Location: Tokyo, Japan Event: Coronavirus Outbreak – Travel Restrictions, Safety Measures The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China and subsequently declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization (WHO). For current …
Read More» Health Alert – Coronavirus Outbreak in China
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China.
Read More» Security Alert – U.S. Embassy Tokyo
January 7, 2020 There is heightened tension in the Middle East that may result in security risks to U.S. citizens abroad. The Embassy will continue to review the security situation and will provide additional information as needed. Actions to Take: Keep a low profile. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert in locations frequented by …
Read More» Message for U.S. Citizens – Voting in 2020 U.S. Elections
Your vote counts! Did you know that many U.S. elections for House and Senate have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters? All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt …
Read More» Message to U.S. Citizens: Japan Post Bank to Stop Issuing International Postal Money Orders, Change Impacts U.S. Passport Renewals by Mail
November 29, 2019 As of the close of business on December 30, 2019, Japan Post Bank (Yu-cho Bank – ＪＰゆうちょ銀行) will no longer issue International Postal Money Orders. After this date, it will not be possible to purchase money orders for mail-in passport renewals in Japan outside of U.S. military installations as noted below. The …
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Townhall Meeting for U.S. Citizen Services
April 3, 2019 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo Do you know what to do when disaster strikes? What if you lose your passport? What should you do when you have a child in Japan? What if you or your loved one is arrested, or you have a death …
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What are Midterm Elections, and Why are They Important?
U.S. presidential elections are big news worldwide every four years. But what happens in the midterm elections — so called because they come nearly two years into a president’s term — can have just as big an impact on the direction of the country. On November 6, U.S. voters will choose all the members of …
Read More» Alert: Typhoon Prapiroon Update – July 2, 2018
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo cautions U.S. citizens that Typhoon Prapiroon (Typhoon No. 7) is expected to bring extremely high winds, dangerous storm tides, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding to areas of Kyushu beginning late Monday, July 2, and continuing through Tuesday, July 3. In conjunction with this storm, the Japan Meteorological Agency may issue …
Read More» Alert: Typhoon Prapiroon June 29, 2018
The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo cautions U.S. citizens that Typhoon Prapiroon (Typhoon No. 7) is expected to bring extremely high winds, dangerous storm tides, heavy rainfall, and possible flooding to areas of Okinawa Prefecture and Amami Islands in southern Kagoshima Prefecture beginning early Saturday, June 30, and continuing through late Sunday, July 1. The storm …
Read More» Alert: Hurricane and Typhoon Season – June 27, 2018
The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane and Typhoon Seasons in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane and Typhoon Season will last through November 2018, though most tropical cyclones typically develop between May and October. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends that those …
Read More» Alert: Osaka Earthquake – June 18, 2018
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Osaka at approximately 8:00 am JST. There have been three confirmed deaths, and reports of more than 50 other casualties. Train lines in the area are currently suspended. No tsunami warning has been issued. The weather agency has issued a warning against landslides, adding that people should be cautious about …
Read More» Message to U.S. Citizens: Voting in 2018 U.S. Elections
January 31, 2018 Your vote counts! Did you know that many U.S. elections for house and senate seats have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters? All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by …
Read More» Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Emergency Preparedness
August 31, 2017 Mid-way through the 2017 Typhoon season and ahead of September National Preparedness Month in Japan, the U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens living and traveling in Japan of the importance of staying connected and having access to the latest local emergency information. The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo encourages U.S. citizens …
Read More» Consular Services in Yamaguchi on September 7 and 8
The Consulate in Fukuoka will be making a consular services visit to Iwakuni City and Yamaguchi City. A Consul and staff member will be available to accept applications for U.S. passports and birth registrations, perform notary services, and assist with other consular matters. Please note that all services are by appointment only. Please contact the …
Read More» Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Tropical Cyclone Noru (No. 5)
August 4, 2017 The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo cautions U.S. citizens that Typhoon Noru (Typhoon Number 5) is expected to make landfall near Amami Oshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture during the morning of August 5, 2017, and then move on to affect Kyushu and possibly other parts of Japan. In conjunction with this storm, the …
Read More» Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Protest on Anniversary of 1945 Tokyo Bombing
U.S. Embassy Tokyo Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Protest on Anniversary of 1945 Tokyo Bombing March 10, 2017 The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens that demonstrations are expected to take place around the Embassy and surrounding areas between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM on March 10. Protestors will be demonstrating to call attention to the 1945 bombing of …
Read More» Consular Services in Nagasaki on March 1
U.S. Consulate in Fukuoka will be making a consular services visit to Nagasaki City on Wednesday, March 1 to perform notary services, accept applications for U.S. passports and Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, and other services.
Read More» Message for U.S. Citizens – Absentee Voting in 2017
Just voted in November? Still traveling or living overseas? You should register and request your absentee ballot to vote again in 2017 to ensure your election office knows where to send your ballot for any upcoming special elections for federal office. Some states are also holding gubernatorial or other statewide elections this year. The Federal …
Read More» Security Message for U.S. Citizens: Tips for a Safe Night Out in Tokyo
As peak travel season approaches, the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo is offering the following security tips to help visitors stay safe while enjoying Tokyo’s world-famous nightlife.
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