Table 2 Comparison of government registration and what that provides citizens abroad in 11 countries as of June 2021
Country | Registration name | What it provides |
|---|---|---|
Australia | Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade portal (DFAT) | • Provides a portal for Australian citizens who wish to return to register details to assist the Australian government to better understand who is wanting to come home for planning purposes to prioritise vulnerable citizens |
Canada | Canadians Abroad and the Travel Smart App | • This registration allows the Canadian Government to update citizens in case of emergencies both at home and in the country, they are currently residing in • Important information before or during a crisis is also provided, including instructions, and changes or updates to the travel advice for the country listed on the registration form • The Travel Smart app will provide travel advice for the country citizens are either residing or travelling in |
France | Registry of French residing abroad | • An alternative way to complete administration formalities • Access to services available to French citizens abroad • Consular information • A way to contact your family in case of an emergency |
Japan | Overseas Travel Registration (Tabi-Regi) | • Labelled one of the most important initiatives to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens abroad, this registration provides citizens with frequently updated travel safety advice and information • Ability for local consulate to confirm safety during a crisis |
New Zealand | SafeTravel registration | • Provides citizens with important updates and information on the situation in countries worldwide • Ability for local consulate to confirm safety during a crisis |
Singapore | Ministry of Foreign Affairs e-register | • Will help the local Singapore embassy to assist citizens in case of an emergency • Provide disseminating information on important embassy services • Ability for local consulate to confirm safety during a crisis |
Spain | Local Consular Registration | • Document renewal • Citizens can request consular assistance through this registration • Participate in elections • Ability for local consulate to confirm safety during a crisis • Can connect families to citizens through the consulate via this registration in a crisis |
Thailand | Local Consular Registration | • Information collected to be used for the local Thai Embassies to assist citizens in case of an emergency • Ability for local consulate to confirm safety during a crisis |
USA | Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) | • Information provided on conditions in the multiple country abroad U.S citizens are located in. Conditions can include warnings, areas of concern, where and how to seek assistance for example • Alerts to leave areas in severe situations, including local consulates identifying transportation options out of the crisis area |