Marc and I are registered with the US Embassy in here in Tokyo, in case there would be an earthquake or some such and they would need to know of any US citizens who live in Japan. As a result we get an electronice newsletter each month with various topics about living in Japan, foreign travel, etc. The latest one had a link to a State Dept. webstite that gives instructions on how to register any foreign travel with the State Dept. before your trip. I was wondering if any of you have ever done this when you have traveled overseas? Has it ever helped to have had your trip registered?


https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp

Thanks Arlene! I've never heard of anyone doing this but it gives an added boost to your peace of mind when traveling far from home.
What a wealth of information we have on LCT!

I agree with Suzie. I have never heard of this before and I think it's a great idea. Thanks for linking us, Arlene!!

I just checked out this aite as I too think this is a good idea, but the fact that they want too much personal info and the fact that our government has not been so great at protecting our info makes me think, maybe not that good. I think a better idea is to notify a friend or relative your itin and contacts and keep in touch via the internet.

I will continue to hope that we never need a consulate because the only time we did need them was when we were on the old "Regent Star" that went bankrupt during, yes, during a Trans-Atlantic. Upon our arrival in Pireaus we recieved the following from the US consulate, and I quote:

"Due to the fact that the United State congress does not provide for stranded citizens in foriegn countries we sincerely hope you have the means to get home". (end quote)
At least they said sincerely.

Cruise Crazed

Oh my, cruise crazed...you were on the Regent Star??? We were on that ship, in Alaska, a week before this huge fire that almost sent the line into bancrupcy. Guess they waited for you!!

Under the circumstances, Arlene, I agree that it was a good thing to register your presence in Tokyo. Our experiences as expats in Saudi taught us, however, that help will come from the company that brought you over rather than the embassy.

Editing to add....hope you never ever need the help of the embassy (except maybe to get those extra passport pages! ;) ).

Arlene, even when I was living in Basel, I never did this. Very interesting. Hope you are having fun in Toyko. Miss the blogs. Please send new ones.