Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
  • News
  • Tours & Packages
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Niche & Luxury
  • Well-Being Travel
  • Training & Events
  • Who We Are
    • Anne Marie Moebes
    • Brian Israel
    • Dan McCarthy
    • Denise Caiazzo
    • Dori Saltzman
    • Kelly Fontenelle

State Department Says Travel Agents Can Help Keep Clients Safe

by Richard D’Ambrosio / July 26, 2016


While most travel agents and travelers look to the U.S. State Department for travel alerts, travel warnings and emergency passports, the State Department provides a number of services both parties can use.

The American Society of Travel Agents recently held an informational webinar reminding agents of some less well-known services they can share with customers.

1. The STEP program
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Travelers then receive important information about safety conditions in the destination country, and helps the U.S. Embassy, as well as their family and friends, contact them in an emergency.

First-time users should create a bio online. After that, travelers simply only need to load their travel information, or their travel agent can enroll them.

2. Travel alerts and travel warnings
Most people are generally aware that the U.S. government issues alerts and warnings, but it’s helpful to know the difference. Travel Warnings are issued when the U.S. government wants travelers to strongly consider whether they should be traveling to a country at all. They are issued for reasons like an unstable government, civil war, ongoing intense crime or violence, or frequent terrorist attacks.

Travel Alerts are issued when there are short-term events individuals should know about when planning travel to a country, including strikes, demonstrations, or disturbances; a health alert like an outbreak of zika; or evidence of an elevated risk of terrorist attacks.

3. Security and emergency messages
U.S. embassies frequently issue messages via the State Department’s blog regarding events like demonstrations that might impact travel to a given city. Advise travelers to save the URL on their smartphones.

4. Aid in case of arrest or detention      
The state department will contact family, friends, and/or employers of a detained U.S. citizen with their written permission. It will visit the detained citizen regularly and provide reading materials and vitamin supplements, where appropriate; ensure prison officials are providing appropriate medical care; and provide a general overview of the local criminal justice process.

The Dept. of State also can establish an “OCS Trust” so friends and family can transfer funds to imprisoned U.S. citizens, when permissible under prison regulations

5. Aid to victims of crime
Consular officers, agents, and staff can help crime victims deal with local police and medical systems, as well as stay in touch with family members.

6. Country-specific information
The State Department website offers a profile of every country in the world, including information about safety and security, local health issues, vaccination requirements, currency restrictions and aviation safety. It includes any current travel alerts or warnings issued about that country.

 

  6
  0
Related Articles
ASTA Agents Demonstrate Unity And The Value Of A Good Agent
ASTA Offers Disaster Response Assistance

MOST VIEWED

  1. Two of Germany’s Busiest Airports Will Be Closed on Monday
  2. Why Travel Advisors Need to Learn to Say No to New Business
  3. U.S. Passport Renewal Waiting Time Could Soon Get Even Worse
  4. U.S. State Department Warns of 4-Month Delays for Passport Renewal
  5. Government of Canada Updates Its Mexico Travel Advisory
  6. Royal Caribbean Eliminates Sky Pad Experience

MOST EMAILED

  1. U.S. State Department Warns of 4-Month Delays for Passport Renewal
  2. U.S. Passport Renewal Waiting Time Could Soon Get Even Worse
  3. Why Travel Advisors Need to Learn to Say No to New Business
  4. U.S. Passport Renewal Processing Time Now 8 to 11 Weeks
  5. European Union Delays Launch of ETIAS Until At Least 2024
  6. Travelers Believe That Working With Advisors Is Only Way to Get a True Luxury Experience
TMR THIS WEEK
Sponsored by ALG Vacations®
//services.travelsavers.com/AMGService.svc/REST/GetImage?ImageID=dbb24e9c-8fcc-ed11-b00b-005056a8720b&Width=350&Height&250

9 Tips for Making Spring Break More Memorable

Spring Break has sprung and Americans are traveling in record-high numbers again

Read More...
TMR Subscription

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

Top Stories
Charter-only Transcend Cruises Charters Ex-Crystal River Ship from Riverside Cruises
Charter-only Transcend Cruises Charters Ex-Crystal River Ship from Riverside Cruises

"Retail river cruise demand is at an all-time high, the charter customer has fewer options, and we are happy to deliver a new solution." 

Read...
TICO appoints Dorian Werda as Registrar
TICO appoints Dorian Werda as Registrar

She is responsible for overseeing all regulatory functions for Ontario's travel agencies. 

Read...
Tahiti Tourisme Brings Back North American "Receptions" Road Show
Tahiti Tourisme Brings Back North American "Receptions" Road Show

Tahiti Receptions are returning to eight cities across Canada and the U.S. for the first time since 2018. 

Read...
Ontarians Still Concerned About Travel Delays & Cancellations
Ontarians Still Concerned About Travel Delays & Cancellations

Nearly two in three Ontarians are still concerned about having their travel plans delayed or cancelled. 

Read...
Ask an Advisor: Why Would a Client Pay My Fee Instead of Going Somewhere Else?
Ask an Advisor: Why Would a Client Pay My Fee Instead of Going Somewhere Else?

“Why would someone pay my fee when they can go to 20 other agents in my area who are not charging a fee?”

Read...
What Advisors Should Know About AutoCamp Luxury Camping
What Advisors Should Know About AutoCamp Luxury Camping

AutoCamp offers luxury camping in Airstreams, tents, cabins, and suites with nature and modern design.

Read...
TMR OUTLOOKS & WHITE PAPERS
river cruise 2022
group outlook 2022
lux cruise outlook
CP White Paper
Multi-Gen Outlook
River Cruise Outlook 2019
View All
Advertiser's Voice
https://img.youtube.com/vi/eeYJNcTKI9Q/0.jpg
Check-In Episode 32: We Are in Boom Time for Travel. How Long Will It Last?
About Travel Market Report Mission Staff Advisory Board Advertise
TMR Resources Webinars Calendar of Events Outlook/Whitepapers Previous Sponsored Articles Previous This Week Articles
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
News |Tours & Packages |Cruise |Hotels & Resorts |Destinations |Retail Strategies |Niche & Luxury |Well-Being Travel |Training & Events |Who We Are
© 2005 - 2023 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy