Immediate Assistance/Information

The most current information and announcements on the situation in Japan is available directly from the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs.

On Friday, March 11 (Thursday, March 10, in most of the U.S.), an earthquake with preliminary magnitude 8.9 occurred near the east coast of Honshu, Japan. The earthquake generated tsunamis in multiple coastal areas. Aftershocks of varying intensity continue, and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) continues to issue tsunami warnings and advisories as conditions dictate.
Japan's Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) recommended the immediate evacuation of people living within 20 kilometers of the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Okumacho. Japanese authorities confirmed that the situation remains serious. U.S. citizens in the Fukushima Prefecture should follow NISA instructions to evacuate and comply with Japanese government personnel on the ground.
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) issued a Travel Alert recommending that Americans consider avoiding tourism and non-essential travel to Japan. Temporary shortages of food and water may occur, utilities and transportation are disrupted, particularly in affected areas. Rolling power outages began on March 14, and a schedule is available from local media. U.S. Armed Forces Radio (810 AM)and InterFM (76.1 FM) broadcast emergency information in English.

U.S. Citizens Currently in Japan
The DOS recommends that Americans always carry their U.S. passport and other travel documents and identification at all times, or secure these in a safe, waterproof location. You should also contact friends and family in the United States with updates about your whereabouts. U.S. citizens in Japan are also encouraged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the American Citizen Services (ACS) section of the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo at +81 (3)3224.5000. By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy/Consulates to contact them in case of emergency.

Concerned Citizens/Family Members
U.S. citizens or family members concerned for the safety of U.S. citizens in Japan may e-mail the DOS atJapanEmergencyUSC@state.gov. You may also call 1.888.407.4747 in the U.S. and Canada, or 1.202.501.4444 for callers outside the U.S. and Canada. So that they may properly address your inquiry, please be sure to provide your full name and contact information, and as much information as possible about the person you are inquiring about. This includes their address, hotel name, and any other known contact information within Japan. The DOS also encourages you to use SMS texting and other social media used by your loved ones.
If you are calling about someone outside of Japan, who may be in the tsunami alert area, please contact the DOS at PacificTsunamiUSC@state.gov. You may also call the phone numbers listed above for information.
For general information, please consult the Country Specific Information (CSI) document on Japan.

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