Ask-the-Consul Installment 24-09
On September 16, 2024, the State Department launched a new version of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Here are some things you need to know and some answers to questions about the program.
What is STEP?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service for U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad to receive safety and security alerts and other local updates by email from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Didn’t this program already exist? What’s different now?
The State Department recently revamped STEP to make it more user-friendly. They’ve added new features so you can customize the information you would like to receive and for what period of time. If you are already enrolled in the previous version, be sure to re-enroll to stay updated!
Why should I enroll in STEP?
STEP allows us to update U.S. citizens in Guyana with important safety and security information. It also makes it easier to contact you during an emergency. We send out alerts with updates on everything from local security conditions, transit disruptions, incoming weather warnings, and even notices about Town Hall meetings for U.S. citizens in Guyana.
How do I enroll?
Enrolling is free and easy! Just go to https://step.state.gov/ to create an account and set up your preferences for notifications.
Can I enroll if I’m a Legal Permanent Resident of the United States (Green Card Holder)?
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is intended for U.S. citizens. For U.S. legal permanent residents who will be traveling with U.S. citizen family members, we suggest you create the enrollment in the name of the U.S. citizen family member and then list the other travelers in the “Accompanying Travelers” section.
My minor child is a U.S. citizen, but I am not. Can I enroll him/her into the program if we live in Guyana?
Certainly! We recommend that all U.S. citizens traveling to or living in Guyana be registered in the program, regardless of age. You may use your contact information to receive updates, but the account should be in your U.S. citizen child’s name.
If I don’t enroll, but I need assistance while I am traveling to Guyana, will the Embassy still help me?
Yes, of course. But we will not be able to proactively contact you if we have important information about safety or security conditions in Guyana. If there is a crisis or an emergency, it is much easier for us to assist travelers who have previously registered their trip information with us. Without registering in STEP, there may be a delay in our ability to assist you.
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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and other Consular topics. Detailed information about visas can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/, and https://travel.state.gov/. Information about American Citizen Services can be found at https://gy.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. Consular processes change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center using the contact information at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gy/niv/information/contact_us if you have general visa questions.