Chicago welcomes hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year. Let us be your guide to experiencing the city, from getting here to getting around and beyond. Here’s what to know before you go for a smooth visit to Chicago.
Entering the United States
Getting ready to visit Chicago from abroad? We can’t wait to welcome you to our great city! Here’s what international visitors need to know before traveling to the United States.
Do I need a passport to enter the United States?
Yes, all international travelers will need a valid passport to enter the United States. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, unless you are a citizen of an exempt country.
Do I need a visa to enter the United States?
The Visa Waiver Program allows citizens of over 30 participating countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism without a visa for stays of 90 days or less. Travelers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization approval prior to travel and meet all requirements of the Visa Waiver Program.
Note that traveling to the U.S. for study, employment, work as a foreign press, radio, film, journalist, or other information media, or permanent residence in the United States is not covered by the Visa Waiver Program.
If your country is not part of the Visa Waiver Program, you will need to obtain a visitor visa from the U.S. Department of State. There are three visitor visa categories you may apply for:
- B-1: For those entering the U.S. temporarily for business
- B-2: For those traveling for tourism or visiting friends and family
- B-1/B-2: For a combination of both
Learn more about applying for a visitor visa to the U.S.
Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda generally do not require a visa when visiting the United States for temporary travel.
Tips for smooth entry into the U.S.
- Make sure you have valid and updated documentation, such as your passport and visa, ready to provide when needed.
- Be prepared to answer questions about previous travel to the U.S. as well as visa/ESTA history, including dates, locations, and timelines.
- Have printed copies of your flight, hotel, or itinerary.
- All travelers must declare agricultural products (food, plants, etc.), currency over $10,000, and merchandise beyond personal use. Check the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s regulations concerning commercial and personal items that are and are not permitted into the United States.
- See if you’re eligible for Trusted Traveler Programs — including Global Entry, NEXUS, and SENTRI — which provide expedited travel for pre-approved travelers through dedicated lanes and kiosks.
Consulates in the United States
The city of Chicago is home to more than 80 Consulates/Consuls General offices. Find your foreign consulate here.
Currency exchanges
In addition to major banks, you can exchange foreign currency at:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport: Terminal 3
- Chicago Midway International Airport: Concourse A
- Currency Exchange International: The Shops at North Bridge at 520 N. Michigan Ave.
Weights and measures
- Length or distance: inch, foot, yard, and mile.
- Temperature: Fahrenheit (°F). To convert to Celsius (°C), subtract 32 from the number and then divide the difference by 1.8. For example, 70°F is equal to 21°C.
- Volume: fluid ounce (two tablespoons), cup (8 ounces), pint (2 cups or 16 fluid ounces), quart (2 pints or 32 fluid ounces), U.S. gallon (16 cups, 128 fluid ounces, or 3.8 liters).
- Weight: pound (453.6 grams, 16 ounces)
