1. Overview of STEP
2. Personal Profile Setup
3. Trip-Specific Details
4. Subscription for Alerts and Updates
5. Enrollment for Non-Citizens
6. Conclusion
If you are a United States citizen planning a trip abroad, you may wonder whether there are ways to obtain information and assistance in case of an emergency while in your destination country. For many years, the US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs has provided travelers with an opportunity to register their trips, allowing embassy and consulate employees to locate them during incidents such as natural disasters or civil unrest. This initiative is known as the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and has three key components.
1. Personal Profile and Access Permissions
The first step in registering your trip with the State Department is creating a personal profile. This profile includes essential details such as your name, address, telephone number, email address, and points of contact, along with a unique password. Moreover, you’ll need to determine who else should have access to your contact information in the event of an international emergency, such as family members, friends, or legal representatives.
It is crucial to provide at least one telephone number or email that the State Department can use to contact you in the United States while you participate in STEP.
Tip: If you do not authorize the sharing of your contact information before your trip, US State Department personnel will be unable to inform anyone of your whereabouts, as the Privacy Act restricts this information. Therefore, it is advisable to grant access to at least one trusted individual in case a disaster occurs. Additionally, should you need assistance from your embassy or consulate while traveling, be prepared to show proof of US citizenship.
2. Trip-Specific Information
You may also wish to provide details about your upcoming trip during the STEP registration. This information allows State Department employees to assist you more effectively if a disaster or unsettling situation arises. They can also send you Travel Alerts and Travel Warnings specific to your destination(s).
You are permitted to register multiple trips, and it is possible to group travelers under one name by including them in the “accompanying travelers” field. This approach is particularly useful for families, while groups of unrelated adults should register individually to ensure the accurate collection of emergency contact information.
By informing the US Department of State about your upcoming trip, you’ll receive timely, destination-specific communications that will keep you informed about current developments in the countries you intend to visit. If security concerns arise, the State Department will proactively reach out, allowing you to stay informed without relying solely on news reports.
Tip: You will be unable to provide your trip information if 1) there is no US embassy or consulate in your destination country or 2) you do not have local contact details, such as a hotel address or a friend’s phone number.
3. Travel Warnings, Alerts, and Information Updates
If desired, you can opt to receive email updates that include Travel Alerts, Travel Warnings, and country-specific information distributed by the State Department. This can be done either during the trip registration or through a separate process.
4. Can Non-Citizens Enroll in STEP?
Legal permanent residents (green card holders) are not eligible to enroll in STEP; however, they may participate in similar programs available through their embassies and consulates of their home countries. Nevertheless, legal permanent residents of the US can register as part of a group of US travelers, provided the group’s primary contact is a US citizen.
5. The Bottom Line
Registering your trip enhances the ability of the US Department of State to inform you of possible travel-related issues and to assist you if problems emerge in your destination country. The registration process is straightforward and efficient, especially after you’ve created your personal profile. For further details, consider visiting the official STEP website.
