Travel Registration – Register With Your Government

Have you ever considered travel registration? These days, many countries encourage their citizens who are traveling to register with their government.

This travel registration would let your local embassy know you are in a particular country. I have to admit, this is something we’ve never done, though we’re thinking about it now.

We’ve always prided ourselves on being pretty independent and taking care of ourselves. We usually travel with no reservations but with a well-researched outline of what we want to see and do.

We’ve always thought it was sort of fun that we were “incommunicado”, where no one really knew where we were…, but the world is changing, and we’re changing our travel style a little too.

Most governments now recommend that if you’re going to a “hot spot”, it’s a good idea to let your government know you’re going to be there. Does this sound a little bit like “big brother”?

It’s not meant that way. It’s completely voluntary, and it’s meant to help you.

We’re coming around to the idea that if you’re in a remote or dicey area, it’s a good idea to be registered. If your government knows you are in a country, they can assist you in case of an emergency. For instance, when the Tsunami hit coastal areas in Southeast Asia a few of years ago, governments could at least start looking for registered citizens.

An emergency could be an earthquake, a hurricane or even local unrest. It could also be a personal emergency…. if you’re a victim of a crime, or you become seriously ill, or if your family or friends need to contact you about an emergency at home.

Embassies or consulates can replace lost passports, provide emergency loans, and help citizens obtain medical assistance in emergencies. They will direct you to resources for lodging and for adjusting travel arrangements. They will help find places for supplying prescription medications.

Remember, though, they won’t always do everything you need instantly. You’ll have to follow up on most of their recommendations yourself. You should always be prepared to take care of yourself, but it’s nice to know that they are there.

They can even help with evacuations when necessary. If you complete the travel registration, they at least know that you are in the country. Their reasoning goes that they cannot assist you if they do not know where you are.

Most governments have websites where you can register. It’s pretty straight forward. On the U.S. Department of State website, for instance, you log in and create a user name and password. They will ask you for your personal information, your passport information, and contacts for people not traveling with you. For each trip you’ll be asked your itinerary, and who the travelers are. They’ll want an e-mail list and other pertinent travel information.

With your user name and password, you can access your information when you’re on the road, and add modifications if you want to. You can go back to this account and add later trips.

We’ve always thought it was a good idea to check government travel advisories for help in planning your trip. Now we’re beginning to think travel registration is a something to consider with all that’s going on in the world today.