Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
We encourage all U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Vietnam to sign up with the U.S. Citizen Services unit. The information you supply will allow us to communicate with you and assist you in case of an emergency. Enrollment is not required but is strongly recommended. You may enroll register online using the State Department's secure online travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/.
Q: Why should I sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program?
A: 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.
Q: How do I sign up?
A: First, you will create an account by clicking on the "Create an Account" link and following the instructions provided. This allows you to select a username and password so that you can access your travel data at any time. The account will also contain your personal information so that it can be saved and used again whenever you travel abroad. The personal information section includes basic information about you, and also an emergency contact who is not traveling with you. Once you have created an account, you can view your profile and add trips or overseas residences to sign up with a specific U.S. embassy or consulate. Click on the "Add Trip" button or "Add Overseas Residence" buttons to add this information. Follow through the pages, and complete as much information as you have available. There are very few required fields, but thorough information enables us to help you more efficiently. You will receive a confirmation email to ensure that you are signed up correctly.
Q: How can the embassy or consulate assist me while I am abroad?
A: U.S. consular officers assist U.S. citizens who encounter serious medical, financial, or legal difficulties abroad. Although consular officers cannot act as your legal counsel or representative, they can provide the names of local attorneys and doctors, provide loans to destitute U.S. citizens, and provide information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel or residence. Consular officers also perform non-emergency services, helping U.S. citizens with absentee voting, selective service registration, receiving federal benefits, and filing U.S. tax forms. Consular officers can notarize documents, issue passports, and document American children born abroad. Most embassies and consulates have web sites with more information.
Q: If I sign up, does that mean it proves I am a U.S. citizen?
A: No, signing up through this website is NOT considered proof of U.S. citizenship. If you apply for any American citizen services from the embassy or consulate while abroad, you will be asked by the consular staff to provide proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or American birth certificate.
Q: I am a U.S. citizen residing abroad who is planning to travel to the United States. Should I inform the Department of State?
A: Please note that the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is intended for U.S. citizens to inform us of their contact information when traveling or living abroad. It is not intended nor can it be used for informing us of your trips to the United States.