U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT’S SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP)

It is important to prepare for any unforeseeable crises or emergency when going abroad for any length of time.  If you are an American citizen and passport holder, you should be aware that you have the entirety of the United States government looking out for you should the need arise.  But that’s only if you let them know you’re gone in the first place.

Two to three weeks before you leave for your trip, register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) on the U.S. State Department website.  It’s easy to do: just fill in your name, where you’re going and for how long, and list ways to get in touch with you in case of emergency.  The State Department uses this information to send you important security or emergency messages, whenever warranted.  These could include health warnings (disease outbreaks), safety alerts (strikes, civil disturbances, protests), and any significant changes in bilateral relations.   It will tell you specifically where not to go (a certain plaza in the city where a demonstration is planned) and what you should avoid (oppositional rallies to be held in your town or city).

You should update your STEP profile every time you are going to visit other countries outside of your primary host country, including dates and destinations.  You can also download the free “Smart Traveler” app at the State Department website.