Register with State Dept.

[gizmo]

I saw this on the "Ask a cruise question" board and thought it interesting so I copied the post.

Just heard about this on the news and wanted to share.

It is highly recommended that everyone traveling outside the US register (for free) with the State Department JUST IN CASE of any problems at home or abroad. I've copied & pasted the first 2 paragraphs of the site for your information...
Here is the link: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp (https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp)

What is Travel Registration?
Travel registration is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country. Registration allows you to record information about your upcoming trip abroad that the Department of State can use to assist you in case of an emergency. Americans residing abroad can also get routine information from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/images/lines.gif

Why should I register?
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.

[sail7seas]

Excellent suggestion. I alway wondered how the Embassy in a country with an emergency ongoing could issue figures as to how many U.S. citizens they expected were in the country at the time. They probably know only a certain percentage usually registers with them and 'can do the math'.

This is something to think about doing if you will be traveling abroad.

But, we probably will forget when we get into the busy details of getting ready to go. :o

[mountainmare]

When you are on a cruise, doesn't the ship manifest tell who is on the ship--and where they will be? Doesn't each person have to have an emergency contact at home? Don't you tell at least one person where you are going (and give that responsible person a copy of your passport and other important information?)
In theory this sounds ok, but the government is overwhelmed by passports requests, to the point of becoming bogged down. This makes me think that when faced with the massive amount of extra information from various sources, recorded in various ways would have to be handled by a completely new agency--and just plain wouldn't be very efficient. Call me cynical--but--

This is a reminder for each traveling person to be sure that someone in the states knows the itinerary and the ship contact information, and each time you get off the ship have the port officer contact information, and if in a city have the address of the US embassy or consulate written down. In otherwords, take reponsibility for yourself.

[sail7seas]

Yes, that is true while on the ship but many of us do pre and post cruise stays........as well as vacations abroad that do not include a cruise.

[dakrewser]

This is good info for those not cruising, or cruisers taking extended self-directed pre- or post-cruise stays. In other words, for those who don't already have themselves registered with someone as to where they are.

And, of course, you should let friends and family members know how to reach you in case of emergency.

In that regard, everyone should have an ICE entry in their cellphone address book. Should you be incapacitated, local authorities or good samaritans can quickly contact someone who is capable of making informed decisions on your behalf. The SNOPES (http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/icephone.asp) website (debunkers of urban myths) carries excellent information about ICE and other means you can take to be sure of proper care.

[Krazy Kruizers]

It is an excellent suggestion.

[Lefty Bob]

Where do you get the form to register?

LB

[localady]

Where do you get the form to register?

LB

https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp (https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp)

[serendipity1499]

When you are on a cruise, doesn't the ship manifest tell who is on the ship--and where they will be? Doesn't each person have to have an emergency contact at home? Don't you tell at least one person where you are going (and give that responsible person a copy of your passport and other important information?)
In theory this sounds ok, but the government is overwhelmed by passports requests, to the point of becoming bogged down. This makes me think that when faced with the massive amount of extra information from various sources, recorded in various ways would have to be handled by a completely new agency--and just plain wouldn't be very efficient. Call me cynical--but--

This is a reminder for each traveling person to be sure that someone in the states knows the itinerary and the ship contact information, and each time you get off the ship have the port officer contact information, and if in a city have the address of the US embassy or consulate written down. In otherwords, take reponsibility for yourself.

Why would they need a new agency?.:confused: This is not for the State Dept to use in the U.S. It is only stored in a computer for U.S. Embassy's & Cosulates abroad to use..It would be faster & easier for them to retrieve the info. from their own computer than to have to contact the ship,if you have a problem & need their assistance, which happens quite often....How would the ship always know where you are if you are on a private tour..

This is an excellent idea & thanks for posting it Gizmo:) ...

Also agree you should carry the address of the consulate & the Port Agents name address & phone number..

[dakrewser]

Why would they need a new agency?.:confused: This is not for the State Dept to use in the U.S. It is only stored in a computer for U.S. Embassy's & Cosulates abroad to use..It would be faster & easier for them to retrieve the info. from their own computer than to have to contact the ship,if you have a problem & need their assistance, which happens quite often....How would the ship always know where you are if you are on a private tour..

Um, the ship would have a much better idea of where you were than some desk jockey in Foggy Bottom. (which is were I hope the info is stored, not in some easily broken into PC in some third world country)....

;)

[CDRMark]

So you're in St. Petersburg (Ru not Fl) and something untoward occurs (unlikely; it is a very serene platz; oh, wait..) and your ship departs early.
But...you (despite the best advice of the CC boards) are in Moscow
Now, substitute place names and re-run the discussion.
Casablanca; Rabat
Bali; Papeatee
Port Au Prince; Port Au Prince......
While this practice is not necessary in most (99.9%) of the ports we frequent, in some cases it may be prudent.
For some time I was required to register with the Naval Attache in whichever country I was vacationing, and prohibited from visiting Austria.
It is an exciting world.
Do not obsess, but minimize risk within your own comfort zone.
Cheers
Mark

[dakrewser]

So you're in St. Petersburg (Ru not Fl) and something untoward occurs (unlikely; it is a very serene platz; oh, wait..) and your ship departs early.
But...you (despite the best advice of the CC boards) are in Moscow
Now, substitute place names and re-run the discussion.
Casablanca; Rabat
Bali; Papeatee
Port Au Prince; Port Au Prince......

That's why you should always carry the name, address and phone number of the ship's agent with you when you go ashore. As well as your passport and any meds you might need for one night. If the ship holds your passport, they will give it to he port agent if they have to leave without you.

The port agent will make arrangements for you to catch up with the ship in a later port.

Notice that there's no mention of needing to invlve a government agency! ;)

[RuthC]

For some time I was required to register with the Naval Attache in whichever country I was vacationing, and prohibited from visiting Austria.
Austria? :eek: Are you at liberty to 'splain?

[jhannah]

It's all because of the Von Trapp family! ;)

[Aussie Gal]

When we travelled to South America last year both times I registered with our State Department here in Australia just in case anything happened they at least knew which countries we were going to.

I have never bothered when we have gone to Europe or to the U.S. It was just that as we were visiting some unusual countries I felt it was prudent to notify our Department of Foreign Affairs of our whereabouts.

Jennie

[PDAZ]

It's all because of the Von Trapp family! ;)

Yeah, I didn't buy that walking across the Alps story... Something fishy there ;)

[CDRMark]

Austria? :eek: Are you at liberty to 'splain?
Too close to the ol' bad guys. Further east in Vienna than Prague. And I won't sneer too loudly at a free optional program which may save my life. When the ship's agent's office is burning, I need more assistance.
Again, rarely necessary in our experience; but a nice option in extremis.
Cheers
Mark

[jtl513]

Too close to the ol' bad guys.As in too easy to make clandestin contact with 'em? :D

[PDAZ]

Too close to the ol' bad guys. Further east in Vienna than Prague.

How funny! In the service or with other enterprises?

[Gsel]

Our local news (Texas) is now warning against travel in Mexico due to increased violence from the drug cartels. You might want to check out registering with the State Department if you plan to travel to Mexico anytime soon.

[elmorejj]

I travel to Mexico 4-5 times a year for upwards of 2 weeks each time and the unsafe parts are really not where tourists usually go. You are as safe there re drugs as you are here in the US.........which sometimes is not too safe, depending on where you go:cool: