U.S. Urges Travelers to Canada, Mexico for World Cup to Enroll in STEP Program

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the U.S. Department of State is reminding citizens traveling to Canada and Mexico to register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This initiative aims to enhance the safety of U.S. travelers by ensuring authorities can reach them in case of emergencies.

The State Department shared the recommendation on its X account, specifically targeting those attending the World Cup matches. "Do you know someone traveling to Mexico or Canada for a 2026 FIFA World Cup match? Share this post with them as a reminder to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the U.S. Embassy can contact them in case of an emergency," the agency posted.

STEP is a free online service for U.S. citizens traveling or residing abroad. It facilitates communication between travelers and U.S. diplomatic missions, providing them with crucial information. Registered users receive updates on travel advisories, security messages, and emergency notifications directly via email. The program also assists consular officers in contacting citizens for urgent family matters or extraordinary events in their host country.

Enrollment in STEP can be completed online and takes approximately 20 minutes. Travelers can create a MyTravelGov account for full control over their information or opt for a guest subscription to receive updates without creating a permanent account. Subscriptions are valid for one year and can be renewed.

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Do you know someone traveling to Mexico or Canada for a 2026 FIFA World Cup match? Share this post with them as a reminder to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so the U.S. Embassy can contact them in case of an emergency.