American Citizen Services
Travel Alert – Japan (Oct. 7)
This Travel Alert updates the Travel Alert for Japan dated July 19, 2011, to note modifications to U.S. government recommendations for U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in the area around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. This Travel Alert expires on Jan. 13, 2012.
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant
Agencies of the U.S. government continue to review the conditions at and around the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant and the measures taken by the Government of Japan. Additional data are now available from Japanese authorities, allowing for a fuller assessment by U.S. government scientists.
Areas We Recommend U.S. Citizens Avoid
Based on current data from Japan, we recommend that U.S. citizens avoid all areas within 20 km of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. In addition, U.S. citizens should avoid the area northwest of the plant that the Government of Japan has designated as the “Deliberate Evacuation Area.” This oblong area in a northwestern direction from the power plant covers Iitate-mura, the Yamagiya district of Kawamata-machi, Katsurao-mura, Namie-machi and parts of Minamisoma.
U.S. citizens should also avoid all “Specific Spots Recommended for Evacuation” by the Government of Japan. U.S. citizens who are still within any of these areas should evacuate. Government of Japan maps and information on evacuation areas may be found at online here.
Other Areas Within 80km of Fukushima Daiichi Plant
Temporary Visitors: Government of Japan data measurements show varying levels of radiation in land areas outside of the area described above, but within 80 km of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. The U.S. government believes the health and safety risks to temporary visitors to these areas are low and exposure does not pose significant risks to U.S. citizens making visits of less than one year. We recommend U.S. citizens contemplating travel to these areas consult with Japanese authorities regarding local conditions at the proposed destination.
Long-term Residents: The risks may be higher for U.S. citizens who reside for more than one year within 80 km of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant. Out of an abundance of caution, we recommend that U.S. citizens who choose to reside for more than one year within 80 km of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant consult with local authorities to receive current guidance on expected levels of radiation and recommendations for reducing exposure to radiation. In addition, pregnant women, children, and the elderly should avoid residing within 30 km of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant.