Notice2026-07013
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 10, 2026
Issuing agencies
State Department
Abstract
The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow 30 days for public comment.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 69 (Friday, April 10, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 69 (Friday, April 10, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Page 18522]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-07013]
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
[Public Notice 12991]
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Smart Traveler
Enrollment Program (STEP)
ACTION: Notice of request for public comment and submission to OMB of
proposed collection of information.
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SUMMARY: The Department of State has submitted the information
collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
for approval. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 we
are requesting comments on this collection from all interested
individuals and organizations. The purpose of this Notice is to allow
30 days for public comment.
DATES: Submit comments up to May 11, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of
this notice to <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular
information collection by selecting ``Currently under 30-day Review--
Open for Public Comments'' or by using the search function.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional
information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including
requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and
supporting documents, to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#69262a3a3b0c0e1a291a1d081d0c470e061f"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="38777b6b6a5d5f4b784b4c594c5d165f574e">[email protected]</span></a> or CA/OCS/MSU, SA-17, 10\th\
Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1710.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
<bullet> Title of Information Collection: Smart Traveler Enrollment
Program (STEP).
<bullet> OMB Control Number: OMB Control No. 1405-0152.
<bullet> Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved
Collection.
<bullet> Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas
Citizens Services (CA/OCS).
<bullet> Form Number: DS-4024e, DS-4024.
<bullet> Respondents: United States Citizens and U.S. non-citizen
Nationals, Third Country Nationals.
<bullet> Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,750,000.
<bullet> Estimated Number of Responses: 1,750,000.
<bullet> Average Time Per Response: 5 minutes.
<bullet> Total Estimated Burden Time: 145,833 hours.
<bullet> Frequency: On Occasion.
<bullet> Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.
We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
<bullet> Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is
necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
<bullet> Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost
burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the
methodology and assumptions used.
<bullet> Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the
information to be collected.
<bullet> Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond,
including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of
information technology.
Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are
public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you
should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your
personal information, will be available for public review.
Abstract of Proposed Collection
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) makes it possible for
U.S. nationals, U.S. non-citizen Nationals, and Third Country Nationals
to enroll travel plans or simply subscribe to travel messaging. In the
event of an emergency, natural disaster, or international crisis, U.S.
embassies and consulates rely on this information to provide enrollees
with critical information and assistance. The main legal authorities
for use of this form are 22 U.S.C. 2715 and 22 U.S.C. 4802(b).
Methodology
All responses are received via electronic submission on the
internet. The service is available on the Department's Bureau of
Consular Affairs website <a href="https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step">https://mytravel.state.gov/s/step</a>. The paper
version of the form is not in use though we are seeking its
reactivation to coincide with third-party enrollment capability in
STEP's software.
Response to Public Comments
There was one public comment in response to the 60 day notice. The
commenter expressed strong support for the Department of State's
initiative to enable third-party enrollment capability for the Smart
Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), noting that this modernization
effort represents an important advancement in protecting U.S. citizens
traveling abroad and expanding the reach of consular emergency
communications.
Elizabeth Gracon,
Managing Director, Overseas Citizens Services, Bureau of Consular
Affairs, Department of State.
[FR Doc. 2026-07013 Filed 4-9-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-06-P
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