Is Chicago safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for United States

What the advice says

• There is no US State Department travel advisory for this country.
• Advisories are issued at the country level, so conditions can vary between neighborhoods and states within the US.
• The UK FCDO notes a high global threat of terrorism affecting British nationals and advises staying aware of surroundings in crowded places, transport hubs, and at public events.
• According to the FCDO, violent crime and gun crime rarely affect tourists, but travelers should take care in unfamiliar areas and avoid walking alone through quiet areas, especially at night.
• The FCDO also advises against leaving passports in rental cars, since vehicles that look like they belong to tourists can be targeted.
• Protests are described as common and possible to turn violent, so travelers should follow instructions from local authorities and move away if trouble develops.
• Solo travelers should share their plans with someone else and stay alert in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas after dark, consistent with the general caution urged in the FCDO guidance.