Crisis provision made easy: app ELEFAND for safe trips abroad

Crisis provision made easy: app ELEFAND for safe trips abroad

Ensuring your own security abroad is becoming increasingly important for many travelers. Therefore, the Federal Foreign Office recommends the use of the "Elefand" app for crisis care when traveling abroad. The app, which has been available for smartphones and tablets since June 12, 2024, is intended to enable easy registration and update of travel data. The use is free and it is available for both Android and iOS. This means that travelers can get help faster in the event of a crisis.

"ELEFAND" stands for "electronic recording of Germans abroad" and offers the possibility of depositing personal data and travel information such as contact options, travel destinations and locations. This information is crucial if help is needed in the event of a crisis, since the authorities know where the people concerned are. Users also have the option to enter several travel stages, for example on cruises.

importance of registration

The Federal Foreign Office expresses a clear warning: crisis cases can surprisingly occur, and the existing infrastructure can be overloaded or damaged. It is therefore of crucial importance to get involved in the crisis priority list before starting a trip. This enables quick provision of information and support in an emergency. Registration can be easily via the Website or directly in the Elefand-app.

The entries in the crisis pre -list list are automatically deleted after the end of the trip. However, the account for future trips can be reused. The app also allows emergency contacts that can be important in the event of a crisis.

Communication in crisis situations

In the event of a crisis event, Elefand offers the possibility that authorities can reach the registered users quickly and efficiently. To this end, logged-in users receive Lands- Leekebriefe with important information by email or SMS. A consulate finder in the app shows the responsible German contact abroad. In addition, it is advised to take into account German relevant information on the Bundestag and European elections in the app for permanently living.

It is important to emphasize that there is no reporting obligation for Germans abroad, but the registration is strongly recommended in order to be able to use consular help in crisis and disaster cases. This also includes the entry in the crisis prior list, regardless of travel destination and security situation.

Finally, those responsible for the Federal Foreign Office appeal to everyone to register before a stay abroad. In view of the restricted Internet availability in crisis areas, the app can be an important source of support and information in such situations.

For more information and for registration, please visit the pages Merkur and Foreign Office .