Japan travel advice

Following a large earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan on Friday 11 March 2011, the Foreign Office advises against all but essential travel to northeastern Japan, as well as any low-lying coastal areas. Due to the evolving situation at the Fukushima nuclear facility and potential disruptions to the supply of goods, transport, communications, power and other infrastructure, British nationals currently in norteastern Japan should consider leaving the area.

If you have been adversely affected, contact the FCO in London on +44 20 7008 0000 (from Japan) or (020) 7008 0000 (in the UK).

Most visits to Japan are trouble-free but travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Possession of small amounts of drugs will lead to detention and prosecution. Possession of large amounts earns long sentences of rigorous imprisonment and very heavy fines.

The typhoon season in Japan normally runs from June to October.

The country is also in a major earthquake zone with frequent quakes of varying sizes.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel