DOS Announces New and Improved Consular Internet Services

New and Improved Consular Internet Services

The Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs has improved the information and services available on the Consular Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. The website has been redesigned to be more user-friendly and improved in appearance and functionality. Visitors to http://travel.state.gov will find that improved organization and navigational tools facilitate the ability to find information more quickly and accurately.

In addition to the redesign of the website, the Bureau of Consular Affairs is introducing the Internet-Based Registration System (IBRS). The Internet-Based Registration System will enable U.S. citizens to register themselves and fellow travelers, itineraries, and emergency contact information through the Internet. The system includes the creation of country-specific listservs that registrants can join to receive, via email, updates to Consular Information Sheets, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings specific to the countries of their choosing.

All U.S. citizens traveling or resident abroad will have the ability to register under two separate registration categories: short-term or long-term. Short-term registration is for those travelers who will be on temporary visits to a country or countries. Long-term registration is for those travelers who are resident in a foreign country and members of their household, or persons making frequent or extended trips to a country or countries. Groups and organizations may also establish accounts to register travelers. For more information, please visit https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs.

The Department of State uses information collected only to inform and assist Americans traveling or residing in foreign countries. All personal information received by our overseas embassies and consulates pursuant to the registration process, whether in person or otherwise, is safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure by the Privacy Act of 1974. The personal information obtained in the registration process is used only to provide emergency services or routine information to individual American citizens.

The improved website design and the Internet-Based Registration System are part of a continuing effort by the Bureau of Consular Affairs to better serve U.S. citizens and international travelers. Consular Affairs continues to provide up-to-date information and utilize current technologies to expand existing services to the traveling and resident abroad U.S. citizen public.