The U.S. Department of State recently launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling in STEP also makes it easier to contact U.S. citizens during an emergency.
With this update, all registered travelers must re-enroll in the new STEP system. Unfortunately, account information and prior registrations do not carry over to the new STEP system.
Benefits of STEP
- Destination-specific travel advisories and alerts
- Based on your destination abroad: STEP delivers updates on everything from security alerts to natural disaster warnings, transportation disruptions, and health risks.
- You can adjust your alert subscriptions and unsubscribe at any time.
- Stay connected with the local U.S. embassy/consulate
- As a service of the U.S. embassies and consulates, STEP provides travelers with the latest updates on their current destinations
- Actions to take in an emergency
- In the event of an emergency at your destination abroad, STEP makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you with recommended actions.
To enroll or re-enroll in STEP:
- Go to https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step
- Click the “Start” button and follow the prompts to create a MyTravelGov account
- Complete all Personal Information
- Select “Enroll Your Time Abroad and Subscribe to Travel Messages”; and
- Register your current travel, to include all planned destinations.
Non-U.S. citizens are highly encouraged to register with their home country’s equivalent, if available.