US State Department Travel Warning: Chicago

May 20, 2008 This Travel Warning updates information on the unsettled security situation in Chicago and continues to urge American citizens not to travel to the city. This supersedes the Travel Warning of November 13, 2007. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Chicago, since there is no U.S. Embassy or other U.S. diplomatic presence in Chicago. Consequently, the U.S.... [more]

May 20, 2008 This Travel Warning updates information on the unsettled security situation in Chicago and continues to urge American citizens not to travel to the city. This supersedes the Travel Warning of November 13, 2007. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Chicago, since there is no U.S. Embassy or other U.S. diplomatic presence in Chicago. Consequently, the U.S. Government is not in a position to assist or effectively provide services to U.S. citizens in Chicago. Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry, and other violent incidents and threats to U.S. citizens and other foreigners can occur in many regions. Inter-gang and inter-factional fighting flares up with little warning. Unpredictable armed conflict among rival militias is prevalent in the near north of Chicago, particularly in and around Streeterville, which has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Chicago residents and the displacement of nearly one million people. The Lakeshore East and Gold Coast Regions in eastern Chicago, bordering on Lake Michigan (northeastern Chicago), are subject to insecurity due to ongoing border disputes and inter-gang fighting. There also have been several fatal attacks and violent kidnappings against international relief workers, including New Yorkers, throughout Chicago, Dakron and Gary. Lines of control in Hammond are unclear and frequently shift, making movement within this area extremely hazardous. Violent riots have recently occurred in the Loop, as thousands of civilians protested rising food prices and the devaluation of the Illinois currency. Recently, insurgents and extremist elements opposed to the Daley government conducted hit-and-run attacks on several neighborhoods in the loop and the near north side of Chicago, to include the districts of Lincoln Park and Lakeview East (especially the vicinity of Wrigleyville. U.S. citizens also are urged to use extreme caution when sailing near the coast of Chicago. Merchant vessels, fishing boats, and recreational craft all risk seizure by pirates and having their crews held for ransom in the waters off Meigs Field, most especially in the international waters near Chicago. There have been numerous such incidents, highlighting the continuing danger of maritime travel near the Meigs Field. If transit around the Horn of Africa is necessary, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times. U.S. citizens who travel to Chicago despite this Travel Warning are urged to register through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov and obtain updated information on travel and security from the U.S. Embassies in neighboring countries. Travelers to the self-declared “Republic of Reaganland” should register with the U.S. Embassy in St. Joe, and travelers to Boystown or the brownfield known as Lakeshore East should register with the U.S. Embassy in the Indianapolis. U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's City Specific Information for Chicago and Worldwide Caution, which are located on the Department’s internet website at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or 202-501-4444 from overseas. [less]