The U.S. Department of State recently announced its online Travel Registration service for U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows individuals to record information about their upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist them, in case of an emergency.
This is a valuable and potentially life-saving free service that is useful whether traveling for business or personal reasons, said Sara Pirtle, UNMC coordinator of International Studies and Programs.
Below is further information about the service, taken from the official Web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov:
What is travel registration?
Travel Registration is a service for American citizens provided by the U.S. Department of State. The Web site allows you to record information about yourself, your travel abroad, and any travel companions (eg. family, friends, business associates), which the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Registration allows embassies and consulates to remain in contact with Americans residing in the foreign country. Americans traveling or residing abroad also can register in person at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Millions of Americans travel abroad every year and encounter no difficulties. However, U.S. embassies and consulates assist nearly 200,000 Americans each year who are victims of crime, accident, or illness, or whose family and friends need to contact them in an emergency. When an emergency happens, or if natural disaster, terrorism, or civil unrest strikes during your foreign travel, the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate can be your source of assistance and information. By registering your trip, you help the embassy or consulate locate you when you might need them the most. Registration is voluntary and costs nothing, but it should be a big part of your travel planning and security.
How can the embassy or consulate assist me while I am abroad?
U.S. consular officers assist Americans who encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties. Consular officers cannot act as your legal counsel or representative, but can provide the names of local attorneys and doctors. They also can provide information about dangerous conditions affecting your overseas travel or residence, notarize documents, and issue passports.
Why am I asked to provide Emergency Contact information?
By providing Emergency Contact information, the embassy or consulate will have a point of contact in case of emergency or crisis abroad.
Why am I asked to provide Additional Traveler information?
By providing Additional Traveler information, the embassy or consulate will know who is traveling with you in case of emergency or crisis abroad.
How long will my information be kept?
The information you provide through this Web site will be available for six months after your scheduled departure date.
Will you provide my information to outside sources?
Not without your express written or electronic authorization to do so unless release is authorized under the Privacy Act.
What registrations are available for frequent or long-term travelers?
You can create a login account for long-term or frequent trips. With a login account, you will be able to edit personal data that you previously entered, edit or remove trips, and add new trips without entering all of your personal data again.
For more information or to register, go to https://travelregistration.state.gov.