Program Information Department U.S Step State Government Citizens

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a program of the "U.S. Department of State" (the part of the U.S. government responsible for international affairs and travel, including passports). The program allows travelers to "register" (sign up for; provide information as a participant in) with information about their travel "itinerary" (plans for where one will be and what one will do, and when). Then the Department of State automatically sends "travel advisories" (information about what is happening in a country or area, especially related to safety and security).

The Department of State also uses STEP information when "natural disasters" (major earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, etc.) occur. Government officials can "consult" (refer to) the STEP database to identify which U.S. citizens are in a particular area and, if necessary, provide support to them and/or help them "evacuate" (leave an area in an emergency). For example, after the recent earthquake in Haiti, the STEP program helped the Department of State evacuate more than 16,000 U.S. citizens. The information in the STEP database also helps the Department of State put U.S. citizens "overseas" (in other countries) "in touch with" (in communication with) their "loved ones" (family members) when disasters make communication difficult or impossible.

The STEP program is not only for travelers, but also for U.S. citizens who are living abroad "indefinitely" (without a defined end). It gives them a simple way to automatically receive information from the nearest embassy, as well as information about voting and taxes while they are living overseas.