The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to avoid travelling to Japan at this time.
The Asian nation, a close American ally, was struck by devastating earthquakes, a deadly tsunami and is now threatened by possible radiation leaks from several nuclear reactors damaged in the natural disaster. Japan’s prime minister says his country is facing its worst crisis since the end of World War II.
In a travel alert issued on Sunday, the State Department is urging all non-essential U.S. government personnel to defer travel to Japan. It also says Americans should avoid tourism and other unnecessary visits to Japan for now.
The French Foreign Ministry too issued a travel advisory on Sunday urging French citizens to call off all non-essential travel to Japan.
“Because of the consequences of the earthquake of March 11, travel to Japan is inadvisable, except for imperative reasons. It is recommended to postpone all trips,” the Ministry said.
Published - March 13, 2011 06:28 pm IST
