We’re always looking for ways to make travel easier and safer, especially when it comes to international adventures. Traveling abroad often requires more logistics, moving pieces, and potential risks. By using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), you can have peace of mind and prioritize your safety during international travels. Here’s what it is, why it’s important to use, and how you can get started with it.
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What is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free program developed by the Department of State that promotes safety and emergency aid for U.S. citizens while traveling abroad. Connecting their international travels allows U.S. citizens to receive pertinent travel advisories and stay connected with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in case of an emergency.
What are the benefits of using STEP?
One of the main benefits of STEP is being connected with the local U.S. Embassy at your destination. Why is this important? If something bad were to happen in the country you’re visiting or with your family back home, you’d want dependable connections with an organization that can help you.
1. Receive travel alerts for your destination
When you connect your trip with STEP, you’ll receive travel safety information from that embassy or consulate on what’s happening in your destination. Updates can include the latest news, travel advisories, and any safety concerns that might arise. These alerts will start showing up in your inbox as soon as you enroll so you can stay on top of what’s going on. Then, you can make informed decisions about your travel plans.
Pro Tip: If you want to know more travel safety information about popular places to visit before booking your trip, check out our travel safety guides page.
2. Aid during an emergency
What’s helpful about being connected to the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate? Being in the enrollment program helps them contact you in case of an emergency. They can connect you with evacuation services if an emergency arises, like a natural disaster or “civil unrest.” It’s unlikely a situation like this will happen, but having this connection will help keep you safe and informed if it does.
Pro Tip: Another precaution you can take “just in case” is getting travel insurance for your upcoming trip. The earlier you get your policy, the higher the chances you’ll find a plan with Trip Cancellation. We’ll help you find the best quote for your needs.
3. Help contacting your loved ones back home
While you’re traveling, enrollment will make it easier for the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate to contact you in case of emergency, such as a natural disaster, “civil unrest,” or a family emergency that happens back home. While we hope that none of this will happen on your trip, being enrolled in STEP will offer you and your family free–and priceless–peace of mind.
When should you enroll in STEP?
You can create an account at any point–even if you don’t have an international trip on the books. However, it’s intended for U.S. citizens to use while traveling or living abroad. Enrollment in STEP is especially beneficial if you’re traveling to an area…
- prone to natural disasters.
- has a recent history of civil unrest.
- to attend an event that garners international attention (ie. the Olympics).
- with limited internet access.
How do you enroll in STEP?
Enrolling in STEP is quick, easy, and free to do.
Step 1: Collect your basic information.
To get started, you’ll need your basic information like your birthday, email address (one you actually use), phone number, passport or passport card number, and contact information for your stateside emergency contacts.
Step 2: Create an account.
Once you have that information on hand, you can create an account on the STEP website.
Step 3: Share your upcoming international trip.
Once your account is set up, you’re ready to enroll in your upcoming trip. You’ll include your destination, travel dates, how you’ll be able to be contacted while you’re there, and the reason for your trip. Once you share those travel details, you should start to receive alerts about where you’re traveling via email as they come up.
Every time you book a new international trip, just go back to your account and enroll it too. It’s a simple rinse and repeat for every overseas adventure you take.
If you don’t have a trip booked at the moment, but you’re thinking about international travel, you can still sign up for travel advisories for that destination. That way, you can start getting a sense of the area before you book your travel.
Should you register with the U.S. Embassy when you travel? It doesn’t hurt and will only help during an emergency. Much like STEP, travel insurance offers another important layer of protection for when you’re traveling abroad. You can start by looking into which insurance options are best for your needs or jump right in and get a free quote from the best providers.
Kate's authoritative voice in travel writing is backed by years of extensive travel experience, allowing her to infuse her writing with the tips and tricks she has gathered over time. This wealth of experience enhances her ability to write authoritatively on travel-related topics.
