These are dangerous times. 

If there is a serious security situation in a nation you are visiting, the only way for the USGOV to keep you informed, and potentially render assistance, is if they know you are in the country. You can make this process much easier if you are registered in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).

When you enroll in the free STEP program, you will receive current information about your destination country, including:

• Alerts from the U.S. Embassy about safety and security situations.
  
  
• Updates to the country’s Travel Advisory.
  
  
• Messages about U.S. embassy events and services, such as town hall meetings, voting information, federal benefits, and U.S. citizens' legal obligations (taxes, selective service registration, etc.).
  

Learn more about the STEP program via the link below: