Country Clearance for NTSB -- Rosenker, Mark; Doyle,

UNCLAS TOKYO 003766 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA ELTN EAIR ASEC NTSB JA SUBJECT: Country Clearance for NTSB -- Rosenker, Mark; Doyle, Thomas; Czech, Barbara ¶1. (U) Embassy Tokyo welcomes and grants country clearance to the NTSB delegation traveling to Tokyo August 19-27, 2007, for meetings with Japanese automobile manufacturers. The delegation is as follows: Mark V. Rosenker, Chairman Thomas W. Doyle, Counselor to the Chairman, Barbara A. Czech, Deputy Director of the Office of Highway Safety ¶2. (U) Embassy point of contact for this visit is Economic Officer Joshua Handler. He can be reached at any time through the embassy switchboard or by any of the following: Switchboard: (81)-3-3224-5000 Office phone: (81)-3-3224-5023 Home phone: (81)-3-3224-6828 Cell phone: (81)-090-5328-1416 Fax: (81)-3-3224-5019 Unclassified e-mail: HandlerJM@state.gov SIPDIS -------------- Visa -------------- ¶3. (U) Holders of U.S. diplomatic or official passports must have a Japanese visa to enter Japan if they are on official business. Travelers on a U.S. tourist (blue cover) passport may enter Japan as a tourist without a Japanese visa for up to 90 days. -------------- Electronic Equipment -------------- ¶4. (U) The Embassy's laptop policy states absolutely no personal, non-government owned laptop computer may enter the Embassy. Absolutely no laptop, even government owned, may be connected to the Embassy network in any way. TDY employees are reminded that no government owned laptops may enter the Embassy without prior RSO approval. Absolutely no laptop, even government owned, inside CAA areas unless special pre-approval, based on business need, has been given. If you would like to bring a U.S. government owned and provided laptop computer into the Embassy, please contact the RSO office prior to your visit for a briefing and approval. -------------- Threat Assessment -------------- ¶5. (U) Please note that travelers to Japan should have a copy of their orders and official ID card with them at the time of entry. Also be advised that under no circumstances may weapons be brought into Japan. Carrying a pocket knife (including a Swiss army-style knife, craft or hunting knife, box cutter, etc.) in public is forbidden. Under Japanese law, carrying any such item in public, with a size exceeding 8 cm in length, 1.5 cm in width, and 2 mm in thickness can subject the person to arrest or detention. ¶6. (U) U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. As the U.S. Government has reported in public announcements over the last several months, U.S. citizens and interests abroad may be at increased risk of terrorist actions from extremist groups, which may target civilians and include suicide operations. Americans should increase their security awareness and avoid locations where Americans are generally known to congregate. The Department will continue to develop information about potential threats to Americans overseas and to share credible threat information through its consular information program documents available on the internet at the Bureau of Consular Affairs homepage: http://www.travel.state.gov. ¶7. (U) Threat Assessment: The events of September 11, 2001 serve as a reminder of the continuing threat from terrorists and extremist groups to Americans and American interests worldwide. This situation remains fluid and American citizens should be aware of the potential risks and take these into consideration when making travel plans. The Department maintains information about potential threats to Americans overseas, which is available to travelers on the Internet at the Bureau of Consular Affairs' homepage: http://www.travel.state.gov/. The Embassy takes all threats seriously. Embassy Tokyo can be contacted 24 hours a day at 03-3224-5000 (locally) or 81-3-3224-5000 (internationally). ¶8. (U) The general threat from crime in Tokyo and throughout Japan is low; well below the U.S. national average. Violent crime is rare, but does exist. The Japanese National Police report continued problems with thefts and pick pocketing of foreigners in crowded shopping areas of Tokyo. Common sense security measures are advised for all American citizens traveling in Japan. ¶9. (U) Visitors are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to increase their security awareness. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Visitors are also urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of such objects to local authorities. Vehicles should not be left unattended and should be kept locked at all times. -------------- Currency -------------- ¶10. (U) Japanese Yen. Credit cards are widely accepted at most shops, restaurants and hotels. However, some credit card companies may charge an international transaction fee. Using Stateside credit cards for cash advances is limited and there are only a small number of ATMs that accept Stateside cards. Twenty-four hour currency exchange facilities are available in the customs area and arrival lobby of the airport. MESERVE