International travelers arriving at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (ORD) can expect a smooth, organized entry process. Whether you’re heading into the city or catching a connecting flight, here’s all you need to know to easily navigate O’Hare.
Step 1: Arrival and preclearance check
Many commercial airline carriers offer flights to O’Hare. After arriving at Terminal 5 and exiting your gate, follow the signs to U.S.Customs and Border Protection (CBP) processing.
If you’re arriving from preclearance airports — including select cities in Canada and Ireland — you’ve already completed U.S. customs and can go directly to the domestic baggage claim or your connecting flight. Some precleared passengers may arrive at Terminals 1, 2, or 3. Check the CBP preclearance website for details.
Step 2: Immigration inspection
All travelers must clear the CBP immigration processing area. Have your passport and required documents ready for inspection.
Visa holders and first-time ESTA passengers will proceed to the standard immigration lines.
Trusted Traveler Programs members, including Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, can use the expedited lanes.
Step 3: Baggage claim
After clearing immigration, retrieve all of your luggage — even if you’re catching a connecting flight and it’s tagged to your final destination.
Porters are available to assist and can be identified by their white shirts and porter caps. Note that they do accept tips for their service.
Step 4: Customs and agriculture screening
With bags in hand, head to customs and agriculture inspection.
Chicago-bound travelers: After clearing customs, you’re free to exit Terminal 5. Ground transportation options include taxis, rideshares, and shuttles. The Airport Transit System (ATS) offers free transport to rental car lots, Pace buses, and the Metra train.
Connecting passengers: You must recheck your bags before proceeding to your next flight.
The total processing time typically takes less than two hours, but factors like flight volume can affect wait times.
Step 5: Connecting flights
Checked-through travelers: If your bags are tagged to your final destination, recheck them at the counters just outside the CBP area.
United Airlines and American Airlines passengers: If you weren’t checked through, you can recheck your bags immediately after customs.
Other airlines: Carry your luggage to the domestic terminal and recheck it at your airline’s ticket counter.
Making connections:
- Preclearance arrivals: Passengers with a boarding pass can take the Terminal Transfer Bus directly to Terminals 1, 2, or 3 without passing through security again. The bus operates from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Central Standard Time.
- Non-preclearance arrivals: Take the free Airport Transit System (ATS) to your next terminal and clear TSA before boarding. These passengers are also welcome to be rescreened at a TSA checkpoint at Terminal 5, then board the Terminal Transfer Bus.
For detailed information, consult the Transfer Guide for International Travelers.
Step 6: Security and final connections
When transferring between terminals via the ATS, travelers must clear TSA screening.
Important reminder: Duty-free liquids over 3.4 ounces must be in a tamper-evident bag and screened to pass security. Otherwise, liquids should be packed in your checked luggage. Do not pack prohibited items in your luggage.
By following these steps, international travelers can efficiently navigate O’Hare Airport and continue on their journey with ease.
