The U.S. Department of State has officially launched the updated Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 2025, inviting applicants for traveling or residing abroad to register and receive timely alerts and updates. The newly enhanced STEP offers personalized location-based alerts, an improved login system via login.gov, and the ability to manage multiple travel itineraries seamlessly.
What is STEP?
STEP is a free service that enables U.S. citizens abroad to receive real-time travel, safety, health, and emergency updates from their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. The revised US Step program also facilitates contact between the U.S. government and citizens in the event of an emergency, such as a natural disaster, civil unrest, or a family emergency.
New Features in STEP 2025
The updated version of STEP, launched in late 2024, introduces several enhancements, including:
- Login.gov Integration – Users can now sign in with their login.gov credentials for a more secure and streamlined experience.
- Customizable Alerts – Travelers can subscribe to alerts for specific locations and set personalized preferences for travel dates and regions.
- Multiple Travel Enrollments – The new system allows users to register multiple trips at once and modify or unsubscribe at any time.
- Mandatory Re-enrollment – Existing users of the previous system must re-enroll, as past enrollments do not carry over.
Why Join STEP?
Enrolling in STEP ensures that U.S. citizens receive essential information while traveling or living overseas, including:
- Safety and security alerts related to health risks, natural disasters, political events, or security concerns.
- Routine travel updates to help travelers stay informed about changing conditions in their destination.
- Emergency assistance in case of crises where the U.S. government needs to reach out to travelers or their families.
How to Enroll in STEP 2025?
U.S. citizens can enroll or re-enroll in STEP by visiting step.state.gov and following these steps:
- Create or log in to a login.gov account.
- Enter trip details or long-term residence information.
- Customize alert preferences for selected locations.
- Receive real-time alerts from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Encouragement for U.S. Travelers
The U.S. Department of State and the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) strongly encourage all U.S. citizens traveling or residing internationally to enroll in STEP immediately. The program is particularly useful for expatriates, business travelers, students studying abroad, and tourists.