5 Reasons You Should Always Register With The Embassy
When I was planning my very first international trip as a solo female traveler, I came across The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and a strong recommendation from another solo traveler to utilize it. Of course we always hope that nothing happens to us abroad, or even at home for that matter, but in the event that it does, registering with nearest US embassy is one way to be prepared or to get the information you need in an emergency. Here are a few reasons you should always register with the nearest US embassy.
1. It’s free.
Why not use it? The only thing required to enroll in STEP is just a few minutes of your time. Safety is never guaranteed, but it doesn’t hurt to increase your chances of safety by taking precautions before planning to travel somewhere new.
2. Check the safety and travel advisories of a destination you plan to visit.
Through the STEP program and the US Department of State, you can check to see whether a location is safe to visit before you plan a trip. The safety of a location is ranked such that they will let you know whether you can proceed to travel normally, travel with caution, or do not travel at all.
As we know, it’s important to travel with a certain level of caution, especially solo and especially as black women. Sites like this can be very useful in determining whether or not planning a trip to a certain place is worth any sort of risk.
3. It is advantageous if you are a victim of crime.
If you are in danger, get robbed, are assaulted, or are the victim of any crime in a foreign country, contacting the embassy would be your best bet for safety, resources, and even justice for the crime committed against you.
4. You can utilize available resources if necessary.
Consular sections at US embassies and consulates provide essential services that ensure the protection of the interests of the United States and its citizens. This could mean access to financial information and resources should you need it in an emergency situation. It could mean assistance if something were to happen to your passport or ID such as misplacement or theft. There are many ways the US seeks to protect its citizens abroad and many of them occur through embassies and consulates. You can even find a full list of embassies and consulates here.
5. You’ll be alerted of crises that may affect you.
When you register with the embassy, you’ll be asked for your phone number and email address. This way, the country can contact you if a crisis has occurred or is about to occur such as civil unrest, family emergencies, natural disasters, global or national epidemics/pandemics, and any other issue that may affect US citizens’ safety abroad and/or all current occupants of a country.