When someone tells me about traveling abroad, one of the things I ask them is if they have applied for the STEP Program. As a citizen of the United States, the US is responsible for your safety while you are in another country. The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) program allows the US embassy to keep track of when you arrive and depart from the country. It only takes a few minutes to fill out (have your passports ready). And the best part? It’s FREE!
Tip: There is a US embassy in almost every country, with the exception of a few. (The few you should probably hold off on traveling to.)
Before each trip, I jot down the phone number, physical address and email address of the US embassy in that country.
Why sign up?
In this time and age, you don’t know what to expect regardless of where you are! The main reason to sign up is for your safety and security. For events like getting your passport stolen or lost, or expired, you can contact the embassy and they will be able to assist you. In the case of any emergencies such as natural disasters, civil chaos or unrest, you will get notifications on what to do and updates on what is going on. In certain situations, the US embassy might also assist with getting you safely out of the country (let’s hope no one needs that assistance while on vacation). But you never know! So, better safe than sorry.
I sign up with this program every time I travel and I make sure each person traveling with me also signs up. The process is quick and easy; you’ll need your passport and the information of an emergency contact. I even do this while I travel to Kerala, even though I speak the language and have relatives living there. It makes me feel a little better knowing that I have the US embassy to rely on in case something goes wrong.
Tip: You can also follow TravelGov on Twitter and Facebook for updates.
Side Note: I checked the Travel Advisory for Spain and Morocco, both which happens to be a level 2, which is Exercise Increased Caution. Keep this kind of information in your mind, however don’t let it stop you from enjoying your trip, wherever you are traveling!
India is also at a level 2. Check out my post on Things to Know Before Traveling to India here!
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