# Travel >> Travel Preparation >> Travel Planning

How to Register Travel With the State Department & U.S. Embassy

The U.S. State Department likes to know where its citizens are traveling throughout the world so that department officials can assist Americans in emergency situations and alert them to situations that could put citizens in harm's way. Registering a travel account with the U.S. State Department is voluntary and free, but it is recommended for citizens who are both traveling to and living in a country other than the United States. Citizens also can obtain information on setting up a free account by checking with officials at the U.S. Embassy in the country where they are visiting or living.

Computer
Internet connection
Passport

Instructions

- 1
  Click on the blue link labeled "If not, click here to create an account" from the main travel registration page on the U.S. State Department's website. Click on the blue link on the next page labeled "Create Individual Account."
- 2
  Type a user name and a password in the indicated form fields. Select a security question from the drop-down box, and type the answer to your question in the form field indicated. Click the "Next" button.
- 3
  Type your personal information indicated in the form fields, followed by your passport information, your contact information, and your privacy preferences. Click the "Next" button at the bottom of each section.
- 4
  Click the "Confirm" button. You are registered.