State Seeks Input on Updating Traveler Enrollment Form
Published Date: 4/10/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Department of State wants your feedback on updating the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which helps Americans traveling abroad stay safe. If you’re a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national, this update might affect how you share travel info. You’ve got until May 11, 2026, to weigh in—no cost to participate, just a quick 5-minute form!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Who Can Use the STEP Service
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is for U.S. nationals, U.S. non-citizen nationals, and Third Country Nationals to enroll travel plans or subscribe to travel messages. U.S. embassies and consulates use the information to contact enrollees during emergencies.
Low-Burden, No-Cost Enrollment
Enrollment in STEP is voluntary, is done online at https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step, takes about 5 minutes per response, and has no charge. The Department estimates 1,750,000 responses and a total burden of 145,833 hours for this collection.
Paper Form and Third-Party Enrollment Plans
The Department plans to reactivate the paper version of the STEP form and enable third-party enrollment capability in STEP's software to expand enrollment options. A public comment noted support for third-party enrollment as an important modernization to help protect U.S. citizens traveling abroad.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-04931 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services-Fee for Administrative Processing of Request for Certificate of Loss of Nationality of the United States
Good news for U.S. citizens and nationals who want to officially give up their citizenship! Starting April 13, 2026, the fee for processing a Certificate of Loss of Nationality drops from a whopping $2,350 to just $450. This big price cut makes it way easier and cheaper for folks to handle this important paperwork at U.S. embassies and consulates.
2026-04737 — Visas: Enhancing Vetting and Combatting Fraud in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program
Starting April 10, 2026, people applying for the Diversity Visa Program must provide a valid, unexpired passport and upload a scan of its key pages to help stop fraud. The Department of State also updated some language to make rules clearer for visa officers. These changes affect all Diversity Visa applicants and aim to make the process safer and more trustworthy.
2025-17851 — Schedule of Fees for Consular Services, Department of State and Overseas Embassies and Consulates-Visa Services Fee Changes
The Department of State is adding a $1 fee to enter the Diversity Visa lottery to share costs more fairly among all applicants. This means everyone who wants to try their luck at the visa lottery will pay a small fee upfront, instead of only winners paying later. The new fee will start when you register online, so get ready to pay a buck when you apply!
2025-14826 — Visas: Visa Bond Pilot Program
The Department of State is launching a 12-month pilot program where some travelers applying for B-1/B-2 visas from certain countries might need to pay a bond up to $15,000. This applies to visitors from places with high visa overstays or special citizenship rules. The goal? To make sure folks follow visa rules and keep travel safe and fair.
2026-09761 — Notice of Department of State Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of State has officially removed Kyriaki Demetriou Kamperi from the special sanctions list, meaning her property and interests in the U.S. are no longer blocked. This change took effect on January 8, 2026, and signals a green light for her to engage in business without the previous restrictions. If you’re tracking sanctions or international business, this update is a big deal!
2026-09760 — Notice of Department of State Sanctions Action
The U.S. Department of State has removed KUZEY STAR SHIPYARD, a Turkish company linked to Russian activities, from the special sanctions list as of October 9, 2025. This means their property and interests in the U.S. are no longer blocked, easing financial and trade restrictions. If you do business with them, watch for changes in rules and possible new opportunities starting now!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-07012 — Privacy Act of 1974: System of Records
The Department of Veterans Affairs is restarting a computer program that checks military records against VA education benefit claims to make sure veterans and servicemembers qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill and Post-9/11 GI Bill. This helps keep benefit payments accurate and fair. The program starts soon, lasts 18 months, and could cost nothing extra but ensures benefits go to the right people.
Next: 2026-07014 — New Postal Products
The Postal Service wants to add or change special deals for competitive mail services, and the Postal Regulatory Commission is asking the public to weigh in by April 15, 2026. These changes could affect businesses using these services and might impact pricing or options soon. It’s a chance to have your say before new postal products roll out!