Tag Archives: embassies

Better Safe than Sorry – International Travelers Should Register with the Department of State 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.

In case your passport is lost or stolen in a foreign country, the need to act quickly is urgent. You need to report your lost passport soon as possible to the US Consulate or Embassy nearest you. They will then assist you in getting a replacement passport. Also, you need to know what you have to do next. There are crucial steps you need to take, considering that your lost passport contains your personal information. And identity thieves thrive on stealing other people’s personal information. Here’s what to do in case of a lost or stolen passport and how to do it quickly.

What it Feels Like When Your Passport is Stolen

Report the Missing or Stolen Passport to the Police

As soon as you realize your passport is missing, you should contact the nearest police authorities and make a police report. Obtain a copy of the police report whenever possible, or at least a receipt with the report number. It should be noted that a police report is not mandatory but may be required when the embassy/consulate believes a problem may exist such as possible fraud. An applicant eligible to receive a passport should not be placed in circumstances to miss a plane or unreasonably delay travel to obtain a police report.

Contact the US Embassy or Consulate

If out of the country and as soon as you find out that your passport is missing call the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Calling them is fast and convenient. However, you may be unable to contact them outside of the office hours, during weekends, and federal holidays and may have to wait until the next working day. Go online; you can contact some locations via the web.

Phone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates are available here Country Specific Information and also here Key Officers Handbook. You will need to speak to the American Citizens Services Unit of the Consular Section. If you are scheduled to leave the foreign country shortly, please provide the Consular Section with details regarding your departure schedule. Every effort will be made to assist you quickly. You will also be directed to where you can obtain the required passport photos.

Submit a New Passport Application

You will be asked to fill out a DS-11 form, which is the standard passport application form. You are not required to know the passport number or issuance date to apply for a new passport. You can find the form on-line.

If the passport is still valid, you must also complete the DS-64 form to report the lost or stolen passport. You will be asked to report how, where, and when you lost your current passport, what you did to recover it, and what the end result was. This form must be submitted with the DS-11 application.

In emergencies, you may contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) for support by calling (877) 487-2778. They can be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m until 10 p.m. ET; an automated system is also available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you want to find out the status of an application, you can now check online.

If a Relative or Friend Tells You Their U.S. Passport is Lost/Stolen

If your friend or relative is out of the country you may wish to contact Overseas Citizens Services at (202) 647-5225 at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. providing as much information about possible about the person who needs passport services abroad. This will assist in trying to verify the person’s previous passport, clearing the person’s name through the Department Passport Name Check System, and relaying this information to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate to . Your relative/friend must apply for a new passport at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Lost Passport Form Submission

To report a lost passport you must fill in a Form DS-64 and mail in the form. You cannot submit it electronically.The Form DS-6 contains your statement regarding your lost passport. Because of this, you need to be thorough and accurate when filling in the items in this form. Make sure you don’t leave any important item unanswered before submitting this paperwork.

Once you are done filling in the DS-64, you will have to submit it. You have the option of sending it through the mail or submitting it in person. A personal appearance is required should you decide to submit this form along with your application for a new passport.
The DS-11 is the form you’ll use to apply for a new passport. This form requires you to submit it in person. Today, you no longer need to go to the nearest passport office to get this form. Instead, simply download it from the US Department of State’s website. From there, you can fill in the form on your computer or you can print it out first before filling it in by hand.

Your US Passport is Invalid Once it is Reported Lost

Because of this, you will no longer be able to use your passport even if you recover it. This is done by the Department of State as a security measure to ward off identity thieves and fraud. And since an invalidated passport is no longer usable, you will need to get a new passport.

Process for Applying for a Passport- Info Graphic

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

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.

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

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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