Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

Enroll Online Now

U.S. Citizens can quickly and easily enroll online with the Department of State using the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This secure website allows U.S. Citizens to record foreign trip and residence information so that the Department of State can communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) allows you to register and update your contact information on the Internet at any time, making it easier for you to keep your information current. The site also provides you with up-to-date travel information customized to your unique travel agenda and itinerary.

The data you provide is secured behind Department of State firewalls, accessed only by cleared personnel in embassies, consulates, and the Department of State, and releasable only under the provisions of the Privacy Act.

Click to Sign Up Now!

Why should I sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program?

Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties.  However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency.  When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information.  By informing us about your trip or residence abroad, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most.  Signing up is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security.

Do I have to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program if I am traveling to Bahrain?

No. However, we strongly recommend it so that we can get in touch with you in the case of an emergency. Enrolling with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program makes our job easier and your life safer in the case of anything unforeseen.

Why have you renamed the "Registration with Embassies" program the "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)?"

Our goal is to encourage all U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad to let us know their contact information so that, in an emergency, we can contact them.  By changing the name of the process and designating it the "Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)," we hope to encourage more U.S citizens to utilize the service.

I have used this service before.  Will I have problems using it now that the name has changed?

No.  If you have previously registered online with the U.S. Department of State, you will notice that the change of the name to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program will not affect your ability to continue to utilize the service, nor will it affect your previous data.