Tag Archives: consulates

Better Safe than Sorry – International Travelers Should Register with the Department of State Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)smart traveler enrollment program step

While many travelers may be aware that most countries abroad have a US embassy to contact in case of emergency, they may not be aware of a program run by the US State Department for travelers who travel outside of the United States.  The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, is a simple online registration that can prove invaluable in case of an emergency while traveling or living abroad.  By informing the US Department of State about your trip or residence abroad, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most.

Formerly known as the “Registration with Embassies Program,” STEP allows travelers to create an account, sign in and make the proper consulate officers aware of their plans, locations, and contact information. This way, it is easier for US officials to assist US citizens should an emergency or difficulty arise on foreign soil.  The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens.

STEP is not only able to provide travelers with the latest safety and security announcements automatically but can also inform the traveler’s family and friends. The travel and contact information a traveler enters into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program will make it easier for officers in U.S. embassies and consulates around the world to contact them and their loved ones during an emergency —including situations where the traveler’s family or friends in the U.S. are having problems trying to contact the traveler. The STEP program also allows Americans residing abroad to get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Registering with STEP is easy, just enter your U.S. details including the name and contact information of family or friends not traveling with you. You only need to sign up once, and then you can add and delete trips from your account based on your current travel plans. Signing up is voluntary and costs nothing!

Chances are you’ll never encounter a bad situation on a trip abroad, still, it makes sense to sign up and should be a big part of your travel planning and security – just to be on the safe side. To learn more about this highly-recommended program and to find out how to register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), visit: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Step - Smart Traveler Enrollment Program - Become a Smarter Traveler

Travel Advisories are always being updated by the U.S. State Department. It’s important to know which destinations are on the DO NOT TRAVEL list for your safety and security. The U.S. State Department updates destinations regularly with a Travel Advisory Level.

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVEL DETAILS

Travel Advisories U.S. State Department

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Level 1 – Exercise Normal Precautions: This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution: Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 3 – Reconsider Travel: Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

Level 4 – Do Not Travel: This is the highest advisory level due to the greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory. Conditions in any country may change at any time.

It’s critical when planning any trip abroad to check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination. The World-at-a-Glance map is color-coded to further help travelers. If you’re traveling to a certain location, you can find the locations of the Embassies and Consulates as well.

Travel Advisories Color-Coded Map

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re a first-time traveler, it’s especially important to be informed on the safety of your destination.

In February 2018, the current list shows the following countries on the Do Not Travel list:

Afghanistan

Central African Republic

Iran

Iraq

Libya

Mali

North Korea

Somalia

South Sudan

Syria

Yemen

TRAVEL ADVISORY LEVELS

The Travel Advisories also provide clear reasons for the level assigned, using established risk indicators, and offer specific advice to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there:

  • C – Crime: Widespread violent or organized crime is present in areas of the country. Local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
  • T – Terrorism: Terrorist attacks have occurred and/or specific threats against civilians, groups, or other targets may exist.
  • U – Civil Unrest: Political, economic, religious, and/or ethnic instability exists and may cause violence, major disruptions, and/or safety risks.
  • H – Health: Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. The issuance of a Centers for Disease Control Travel Notice may be a factor.
  • N – Natural Disaster: A natural disaster, or its aftermath, poses danger.
  • E – Time-limited Event: A short-term event, such as an election, sporting event, or another incident that may pose a safety risk.
  • O – Other: There are potential risks not covered by previous risk indicators. Read the country’s Travel Advisory for details.

The Travel Advisories for each country replace previous Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts.

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