Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Navigate to the U.S. Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program page (travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/). Previously, travelers were required to register directly with the embassy located in the country they were traveling, now they can do it online. The state department established STEP "to encourage all U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to let us know their contact information."
Create a STEP account. Double-click on the "Create Account" button located on the top navigation bar. Choose between registering an individual or an organizational account. The step-by-step account registration requires a user name, password, personal information, passport number and contact information. Organizational accounts are designed for U.S. companies, schools and non-profits with members overseas.
Add a trip or overseas residence to your STEP account. At the end of your account registration you can add an upcoming trip or overseas residence to your account. If you do not have any immediate trips this step can be skipped. To add a trip you will need to input your itinerary, travelers, contact e-mails and additional travel information. For a foreign residence you are asked for the physical address and information about the residents living at the address.
Update your travel information. You can log into your STEP account, and add new trips, residences or update your personal and contact information at any time. After logging into your account, double-click the appropriate button for the information you wish to update. Save the changes.
Locate the most convenient U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country you will be visiting. Registration is with an embassy's consulate services -- sometimes the consulate is located at the embassy and, in some instances, at another location. The U.S. State Department keeps an updated online list of all overseas government offices. Embassies are almost always located in a country's capital. The U.S. also operates consulates in cities with a heavy American tourist or business presence.
Make a photocopy of your passport. When registering in person a copy of your passport needs to be submitted with your paper registration. The embassy or consulate should have photocopying services available.
Fill out and submit the "American Citizen Registration Form." The form requires personal information, addresses in the foreign country and contact information. You are also required to indicate who can receive information about your "welfare or whereabouts." You will submit the form to a consulate official. There is no fee for registering.