5 Benefits of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

The U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free, customizable service that helps keep American travelers safer and better connected while traveling abroad.

Once you create your account at step.state.gov (you can sign in with your existing Login.gov credentials), you can enter a trip and receive updates and messages for that trip, then delete it when you get home, and add a new trip when you're ready to go again. You only sign up one time; it's that simple.

Key Takeaways: Why Enroll in STEP?

STEP is a free U.S. government service that provides:

• Real-time alerts about safety, security, weather, and health conditions.
• Direct access to U.S. embassy and consulate resources with country- and region-specific information.
• Faster passport replacement if lost or stolen abroad.
• Rapid emergency assistance and evacuation coordination.
• Reliable communication with loved ones in case of international or domestic emergencies.

1. Receive Real-Time Alerts & Travel Advisories

By enrolling in STEP, you'll get country- and region-specific updates delivered directly to your inbox-everything from sudden weather hazards and health advisories to security warnings and civil unrest alerts.

Planning back-to-back trips? No problem. STEP lets you enroll multiple itineraries, so you'll continue receiving updates as you move from country to country. No more scouring multiple websites or wondering whether it's safe to visit: STEP does the monitoring for you, and you can make the best travel decisions based on the facts.

2. Tap Into U.S. Embassy & Consulate Resources

STEP gives you direct access to U.S embassy and consulate fact sheets-practical tips on everything from transportation strikes to neighborhood safety.

STEP connects you to valuable, up-to-date information from U.S. embassies, including:

• Visa requirements
• Local transportation updates
• Health and vaccination guidelines
• Cultural and safety advice

3. Expedite Passport Recovery and Emergency Passport Services

Smart travelers make passport security their number one priority while traveling, but unexpected things still happen despite your best efforts.

With STEP, your passport and identification information will be securely stored in case your passport is lost, stolen, or destroyed while traveling, making it easier for the American Embassies to better assist you in any kind of passport emergency.

4. Speed Up Emergency Assistance or Evacuations

With a Smart Traveler Enrollment Program account, you'll be in a database of U.S. citizens visiting a particular country in the event of a natural disaster or security threat. The travel itinerary and contact details you've stored in STEP allow U.S. missions to locate you quickly and mobilize help, an invaluable connection in a time of crisis.

STEP has been a lifesaver for travelers in global emergencies like:

• Natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes)
• Civil unrest
• Security threats

5. Keep Loved Ones Informed & Receive Urgent Information from Home

STEP allows U.S. consulates to contact your designated emergency contacts if:

• You're involved in an incident abroad
• Family emergencies arise back home.

In the event of an emergency, local consular teams can notify your designated emergency contact of the situation, allowing your loved ones to rest easier knowing they'll be kept informed if something goes wrong.

Occasionally, the crisis is on the other end of travel: home. Your Smart Traveler Enrollment account provides a means for consulates across the globe to contact you if there is an emergency stateside.

STEP ensures your family stays informed and provides a reliable communication lifeline during critical moments.

Though travel offers a welcome escape, the smart traveler always has a fail-safe secondary line of communication for true emergencies. STEP is one of the smartest and easiest ways to do so.

How to Enroll in STEP

Getting started is simple:

1. Visit the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website.
2. Sign in to your Login.gov account or create an account.
3. Complete your profile with personal and contact details.
4. Add your trip information-destinations and dates-you're all set!

Once enrolled, you can add and delete trips as needed, and you only need to sign up once.

Why Smart Travelers Use STEP

Savvy travelers know that being prepared is essential. STEP provides direct, trustworthy communication from the U.S. government and offers peace of mind knowing you're supported wherever you go.