US citizens in Munich and registering at consulate

I've heard vaguely that American citizens living in Munich ought to register in some form or fashion with the consulate. Is that so? If so, what's the process?

I think I just told them I wanted to register when I renewed my son's passport and they took down my phone number and address. Not like they invited me to their bar-b-que or anything though.

It's not required, and I don't think many people do it. If you do then the Feds will know where to find you, etc. etc. This is mostly to notify you of terrorist/security alerts. Do you really think this service is needed for Munich, Germany, Or even the EU.. I don't think so... I suppose they also use the info to send you juck mail, about how great GWB is and who you should vote for in the next election (As if it really mattered)...

Not that you're cynical or anything

I tried when I was living in Alicante and I got an earful from the receptionist in Madrid( I had been living in Alicante only a month). How I was being irresponsible blah blah and that they were trying to lookut for my behalf yada yada. They told me to come in and fill out some paper work or give them my address and they would send it to me. It became one big hassle and I just never did either. Yet this was before 9/11 dun dun dun so ignore me. But keep the store open.

I did register, I believe online, with the Munich office a few years ago, and gave them my e-mail as well as my address. I haven't gotten one in awhile, but they used to send me "messages for US citizens", with such useful advice as the following, received in an e-mail in September 2004:

"Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness."

I also sometimes get information about help with filing US taxes.

But I never got invited to any barbeques, either.

I refuse to acknowledge the current administration, so registering is out.

it takes longer to get into the damn place than to fill out the form.

It's good to do just in case they have to evacuate all the yanks from the Old World suddenly.

ag

Do it for your own peace of mind and for the heads up on various happenings per email. You can do it online. https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/home.asp

evacuate the yanks?!?! yea, OK, I can see this as a slim, slim tiny possibility. but my passport is blue, not red, so the feds have no obligation to evacuate me, so what's the point? besides, i really truely do not trust the current administration with any such personal data. oddly, I had no issue with registering with the German govt. funny that, eh?

You also had no choice. I must admit that I had a strange feeling seeing that they have an "Auslaender Akte" on each and every one of us. I personally would feel safer registering with the U.S. regardless of whichever administration is in power. Especially given Germany's past propensity to blame foreigners/minorities when things go wrong.

I don't think the German government is out of line having a file on each foreigner living here. I mean, they are LETTING us live here - we don't have any rights to do so. The US is equally as hard on foreigners.

And with the post 911 laws and Immigration changes, I wouldn't be surprise if the US is also keeping think folders on all visitors and residents..

Bottom line is that you CAN register at the Consulate, but you get nothing in return for registering, accept for maybe postal spam. So
there is no real reason to do it.. It's not like the 40's where if some military power invades the country they will fly you out or anything like that. Many people move outta the US for various reasons and dont need or want the Govt. knowing where they are etc..

Couldnt agree more.

...and citizens. Because they do. And I'm not wearing my tinfoil cap today...

No need for a tinfoil cap. My file was started in 1988. fact.

I actually have a right to live here so there.
As for the registration, they already know all that info at the IRS and the Pentagon anyway. I want as many agencies as possible to know it too. That way, if the CIA decides to pick me up and whisk me away to some secret camp other goverment agencies will know that I am most likely not a terrorist.

Yeah Right... Just like Sen.kennedy getting placed on the Nofly Blacklist for being a Terrorist.. Just cause 1 Dept. in the Govt. might know doesn't mean they'll do anything to help you..

My file was started in 1981. fact.

Well I know my file started somewhere in the 80's but I no longer worry about that. Have you noticed the only liberal on this web site to recommend registering is Eurovol? Hmm he travels abroad a bit. He was in the military. He has most of our confidence ...perfect cover for must I say it?

Eurovol's cover aside. he's not the only (proud to be called) liberal here today Though I don't know if I actually recommended registering or just implied it by saying I'd asked about it...

as far as i am concerned, any government who likes can keep as large a file on me as they can accumulate.

They can tap my phone for the next year, that's fine.

My life is so dreadfully uninteresting that i only can pity the poor fools entrusted with my "case",
and i dare to suggest that this is the case for about 98% of any population.

Best way to drive off someone asking questions is to tell them lots more than they want to know.

ag