The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: What to Know

Millions of Americans travel abroad every year. From closer destinations like Mexico or Canada, to further places like Europe or Asia, overseas travel has had a big post-COVID comeback.

Americans are traveling more and more. With travel insurance being easier than ever to buy, new programs to help travelers know what they need, and a more digitally-connected world than ever, there's little reason not to.

In fact, outbound travelers reached 107.7M in 2024, which is up 8% from 2019 (the year before the COVID-19 Pandemic).

One of these programs is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP for short. In 2008, STEP replaced the similar Internet Based Registration System (IBRS).

STEP is for emergencies and advisories

STEP was created as a way to quickly update and inform US citizens in case of emergencies abroad. Should something unexpected occur, such as a natural disaster or attack, travelers enrolled in STEP will receive updates via email.

These updates come from the US Embassy within the country you're visiting. So, if you're visiting France, for instance, and a situation occurs that would warrant notification, the US Embassy would send you an alert.

These alerts are intended to keep you informed and give you any instructions, recommendations, or next steps if applicable.

If there is a devastating event, such as one that requires evacuation, STEP also helps the US Embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact.

Types of events that prompt alerts

According to the US Department of State, travelers enrolled in STEP will receive relevant notifications regarding:

• Weather
• Natural disasters
• Health concerns
• Demonstrations
• Security concerns
• Travel advisory updates

They may also send you routine messages about available Embassy and consulate services.

The US government encourages enrollment

The US government highly encourages all US citizens who are traveling and/or living abroad to enroll in STEP.

How many travelers are actually registered is unknown, as there isn't currently any public information on STEP enrollment numbers or percentages.

The Department of State is also explicit in stating that STEP is not mandatory; it's entirely voluntary.

How to enroll in STEP

Travelers, expats, and US citizens who have immigrated abroad can enroll in STEP here.

According to the enrollment page itself, the registration process is free and takes around 20 minutes to complete.

• You can either create an account or "continue as a guest." If you create an account, you'll have more control over which notifications you receive and when.
• Provide basic information like your name, address, and contact info.
• Choose how you'd like to subscribe, either for general information or for info regarding a specific trip. For instance, if you're heading abroad for two weeks and want to be notified during your trip.
• Add your trip (if you've chosen to add a trip). You'll be asked for information like your citizenship, contact info, and passport number.
• You can add emergency contact information. It's optional, but the US Department of State highly recommends you add it.
• Choose where you'd like to receive alerts from, and for how long.

There is a "My Account" dashboard that allows you to change your details, update personal/travel information, or unsubscribe to alerts.

Additionally, all emails received have an unsubscribe link at the bottom of them. You can also use this link to unsubscribe.

Enrolling groups, families, and children

After creating an account, when you create a trip, you can choose between a Solo-Trip option or a Group-Trip option. If you select the Group-Trip option, you'll have the opportunity to add multiple travelers.

When you do this, all of the travelers will receive relevant alerts.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program FAQs

What is STEP?

Is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program mandatory?

How much does STEP cost?

What information does the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program require?

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