How to Register a Trip Abroad with a U.S. Embassy

During emergencies in a foreign country, you cannot get help from authorities in the United States if they don't know where you are. Follow these steps to register your trip abroad with a U.S. embassy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• Travel itinerary
• Emergency contact names
• Emergency contact numbers

1. Contact the U.S. embassy in the country in which you are planning to travel. All U.S. embassies in foreign countries are listed on the U.S. Department of State website.

2. Register your trip online before you leave. The U.S. Department of State website offers an online registration form for travelers.

3. Register at the U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you arrive in a foreign country if you did not register your trip before you left.

4. Leave a copy of your itinerary with the U.S. embassy. Also provide your passport, emergency contact and destination information.

5. Give details about your destination, including addresses and phone numbers where you can be reached so embassy officials can easily find you when necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Read the Consular Information Sheets provided by the U.S. Department of State before planning your trip. This way you can steer clear of countries experiencing political instability or civil unrest.
• Check travel warnings. These warnings are updated frequently and cover various dangers to U.S. citizens abroad such as terrorist threats and "Kidnap for Ransom" gangs. Be sure to check these warnings often.
• Check public announcements. These announcements include areas that are currently stable but may soon become unstable. They also include weather information such as hurricane or monsoon warnings.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, passport identification page and airline tickets at home. It will be difficult to replace these items when lost or stolen if you have no record they exist.
• Stay away from countries in which travel warnings have been issued.

Resources

• Find information about traveling abroad at the State Department travel website.
• Register your trip abroad on the State Department website.