Register with the US Embassy or Consulate’s Office in the city you plan to visit. How do you do this? Easy, sign up with the US Bureau of Consular Affairs, US State Department, “STEP” program (Secure Traveler Enrollment Program). You will need to provide your passport info, flight info, addresses where you will be staying and a phone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency. You need to enter this information for each trip, or leg of your trip if you’re visiting multiple cities or countries.
I know there are a few people out there that are living in Orwell’s 1984 and don’t want Big Brother tracking their movements. And for those people, keeping your personal plans to yourself may be a good idea. But for me, letting the US Embassy know that I’m in the northern region of Thailand, doesn’t bother me a bit.
Here’s why. The US Embassy or Consulate’s Office can really help you in times of emergencies, natural disasters, and family issues. Let’s say you lost your passport, happens probably more frequently than we know, and you need to get a replacement before that silver bird trip back to the US of A. If you have registered in STEP, almost everything the Embassy needs to reissue your passport is already available, and they knew you were in country. Shortens the old waiting line.
How about a natural disaster, like a hurricane, tsunami, political coup? Well, if things hit the fan, my guess is you’re not going to be concerned with Big Brother tracking you and you’re going to want their help. If you’re registered in STEP, they will take the initiative to help locate you and get you out of harm’s way. They can even assist in finding you if you have a family emergency and those still at home have been unsuccessful in locating you.
During the pandemic of 2020, we were stranded in Morocco trying to book a flight home on every possible airline. No dice, all airlines took our money then promptly canceled the flight resulting in a 4 month battle to try and get our money returned. Enter the US embassy! They contacted us about emergency flights they had arranged to get US citizens back home. Not cheap, $700.00USD each, but at least we got home. Moral: register with STEP!
On the lighter side, the Embassy can also assist in establishing business contacts, export contacts, marriages, births and a bunch of other stuff. And it’s all free to US citizens!
Think about it. This really is a good way to get a little extra insurance for your trip. But, if you think the snoop agencies of our government will have you on their radar, or plant a tracking device in your ear while you sleep, pass on STEP. Everyone else, this is a great idea, and it’s free!
Here’s the link: https://step.state.gov/