60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. 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 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to December 12, 2022.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov. You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2022-0036” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.

• Email: Oliphantce@state.gov.

• Regular Mail: Send written comments to U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/MSU, SA-17, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1710.

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

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 Clifton Oliphant at SA-17, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1710, who may be reached on 202-485-6020 or at Oliphantce@state.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

• OMB Control Number: 1405-0152.

• Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection.

• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services.

• Form Number: DS-4024, 4024e.

• Respondents: United States Citizens and Nationals.

• Estimated Number of Respondents: 1,010,389.

• Estimated Number of Responses: 1,010,389.

• Average Time per Response: 20 minutes.

• Total Estimated Burden Time: 336,796 hours.

• Frequency: On occasion.

• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• 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.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• 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. Citizens and Nationals to register on-line from anywhere in the world. In the event of a family emergency, natural disaster or international crisis, U.S. embassies and consulates rely on this registration information to provide registrants with critical information and assistance. One of the main legal authorities for use of this form is 22 U.S.C. 2715.

Methodology

Ninety-nine percent of responses are received via electronic submission on the internet. The service is available on the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs website http://travel.state.gov at https://step.state.gov/step/. The paper version of the collection permits respondents who do not have internet access to provide the information to the U.S. embassy or consulate by fax, mail or in person.