Chicago International Travel Guide

Chicago is a diverse, vibrant big city that 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.

Visiting the United States as a tourist

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 as a tourist?
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 as a tourist?
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.

More FAQs for international travelers visiting Chicago

Do I have to go through customs for a connecting flight in Chicago? If you arrive on an international flight (excluding those who have arrived from a preclearance airport), you must clear U.S. Customs and Border Protection checkpoints and claim all checked luggage before being allowed to enter the United States, including travelers with connecting flights.
How long does Chicago customs take? There are many factors that can influence customs timing at Chicago’s international airport. It’s rare for the process to take more than two hours, according to the Chicago Department of Aviation. Keep in mind that processing times can be longer during peak times and plan your travel accordingly.
What terminal does O’Hare use for international flights? International arrivals will land at O’Hare Airport’s Terminal 5, the main international terminal where customs and immigration is located. International flights depart from several terminals.

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 items that 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.

Get more information for international visitors traveling through O’Hare and international visitors traveling through Midway.

Helpful Chicago information for international visitors

Age regulations

Legal car rental age: 21, with surcharges for those under 25
Legal driving age: 16
Legal gambling age: 21
Legal age to consume and purchase alcohol: 21
Legal age to purchase cigarettes and tobacco: 21
A valid photo ID is required for all age-restricted transactions.

Alcohol

The legal drinking age is 21.
A valid photo ID is required.
Open containers cannot be taken outside of drinking establishment premises.
It is customary to tip bartenders; generally, $1 per drink ordered.
Consuming alcohol while traveling in a vehicle is illegal for both drivers and passengers. It is also illegal to transport alcohol with a broken seal.

Cannabis

Adults over age 21 can legally possess, consume, and purchase cannabis in the state of Illinois.
Cannabis can be consumed at establishments with an on-premises consumption license as well as on private property. Public consumption or consumption in any vehicle (moving or not) is illegal.
Cannabis purchased in Illinois cannot be transported to another state or country.
Cannabis may be purchased at licensed dispensaries and must follow state possession limitations ( 15 grams for non-residents).

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
Chicago and the United States use the dollar. 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.

Electricity and outlets
The U.S. uses 120 volt, 60 hertz. Tip: buy a Type-B adapter plug NEMA 5-15 to ensure your electrical items work while you’re visiting.

Emergency services and more useful phone numbers

Emergencies (police, fire, or ambulance): 911
Non-emergency city services: 311 (or 312-744-5000)

The U.S. country code when dialing phone numbers is +1.

Prescription medication

Carry a copy of your prescription for all prescriptions you will be taking while in the U.S.
Some drugs that are common or legal in other countries may require a prescription or may be illegal in the U.S.
You are required to report all imported medications to U.S. Customs.
Carry all prescription medications in their original and intended containers.

Driving in the U.S.: rules of the road

Always drive on the right-hand side of the road.
Speeds are measured in miles-per-hour; speed limits are clearly displayed on road signs.
Age 16 is the legal driving age. Car rental companies often require renters to be 21, with surcharges for those under 25.
You must have a valid driver’s license and auto insurance. International drivers must have a photo ID and their native driver’s license.
It is illegal to talk or text on a mobile phone while driving (fines range from $50-$200).
Consuming alcohol while traveling in a vehicle is illegal for both drivers and passengers. It is also illegal to transport alcohol with a broken seal.

Check out the full list of Illinois Rules of the Road.

Time zones
Chicago is on Central Standard Time (CST). That’s 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 1 hour behind New York City (EST), 1 hour ahead of Mountain Time (MST), and 2 hours ahead of Los Angeles (PST).

Tipping

Taxi drivers, bartenders, and waiters generally receive a 20% gratuity on the pre-tax amount of your bill for standard service, though it is appropriate to leave more for exceptional service.
Hotel doormen and valet parking attendants are tipped approximately $2.
Bellhops are tipped $2 per bag.
Hotel housekeepers are usually tipped $2 to $5 per day.

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)

Translators and interpreters

Find translation and interpretation services in Chicago.