US citizens in India urged to enrol in smart travel program after Tamil Nadu floods

The US Department of State has urged American citizens in India to register in the Smart Traveller Enrolment Program (STEP) to stay informed during emergencies such as during the recent floods in Tamil Nadu.
Speaking exclusively to India Today TV, Carlton Benson, Chief of American Citizen Services, explained the importance of STEP.
“STEP is a free digital service that allows US travellers and residents in India to register their contact details and travel plans. Through this program, we can send routine updates and safety alerts,” Benson said.
He highlighted the program’s role in ensuring citizen safety, citing its use during the Covid-19 pandemic. “In April 2020, we organised six evacuation flights that helped over 500 US citizens return home safely. STEP was critical in reaching them quickly,” he noted.
Benson mentioned that the program was revamped in September 2024 to meet modern needs, requiring previously registered users to re-enrol. “The process is simple and takes about 10–20 minutes at [step.state.gov] (https://step.state.gov),” he added.
Pointing out the program’s secure handling of personal information, Benson said “Only authorised personnel can access the data, which is used solely for safety alerts and routine updates.”
He highlighted STEP’s usefulness during crises such as floods, civil unrest, or landslides. “In this region, flooding and weather events are not uncommon. STEP allows us to promptly alert US citizens about safety precautions and areas to avoid,” Benson said.