The Department of State recently launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. STEP is a free service for U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In the event of an emergency, STEP makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you with recommended actions.
The updated STEP platform allows users to use a login.gov account to customize subscriptions and receive country-specific alerts during the timeframe of their choice. Users can now enroll multiple trips or locations at once and can modify subscriptions or unsubscribe at any time.
Key Benefits of STEP
- Allows you to customize your alerts, including for which countries, and for what period of time.
- Enrollment makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.
- You can adjust your alert subscriptions and unsubscribe at any time.
OIE can help with this you only when all the necessary travel information was submitted by the deadline (refer to Materials due to OIE in this handbook). Otherwise, it is the instructor’s or the student’s responsibility to complete this important procedure online (https://step.state.gov/step/) prior to your departure.
