←United States travel guide
Illinois, United States
Chicago
Architectural marvel, deep-dish pizza, and jazz on the shores of Lake Michigan
ArchitectureCulture
Chicago is a major city on the shore of Lake Michigan known for its bold architecture and the Riverwalk. It offers world-class museums, a celebrated music heritage, deep-dish pizza, and extensive lakefront parks. The city blends Midwestern character with big-city cultural depth.
Check United States visa requirements →
Best time to visit
April to June and September to October
Region
Illinois
Main airport
Chicago O'Hare (ORD)
Also serves: MDW
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in the US. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for the US.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Chicago
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
Compare fares from hundreds of airlines to find the best route in — search options are on the way.
Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting United States
Citizens of 42 Visa Waiver Program (VWP) countries can visit the US for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa, but must first obtain an approved ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). All other nationalities must apply for a US visitor visa (B-1/B-2) at a US embassy or consulate.
VWP travellers with an ESTA may stay for up to 90 days per visit. This period is non-extendable. If you hold a B-2 tourist visa, the length of stay is determined by the CBP officer at the port of entry, typically up to 6 months.
A valid passport, valid ESTA approval or US visa, a completed Customs Declaration Form (CBP Form 6059B), and evidence of sufficient funds and a return or onward ticket. Biometric data (fingerprints and photo) is collected at the port of entry.
The US is a popular and generally safe destination. However, safety varies significantly by city and neighbourhood. Exercise normal caution in all areas, be aware of local conditions, and take standard precautions against petty theft.
The US Dollar (USD, symbol $). ATMs are ubiquitous across the country. Credit cards are accepted almost universally, and contactless payments via Apple Pay and Google Pay are increasingly common.
English is the de facto national language. Spanish is widely spoken in many regions, particularly in the southwest, Florida, and major cities. No language is constitutionally designated as official at the federal level.
The US is so vast that the best time depends on your destination. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer pleasant weather in most regions. Summer (June–August) is peak season for national parks and coastal areas. Winter is ideal for ski resorts.
Visit the Grand Canyon, explore New York City's neighbourhoods, drive Pacific Coast Highway, hike in Yellowstone, experience New Orleans jazz and food, tour national parks in Utah, see the Smithsonian museums in Washington D.C., and catch a major league baseball or football game.
The busiest international gateways are John F. Kennedy (JFK) in New York, Los Angeles International (LAX), Chicago O'Hare (ORD), Miami International (MIA), and San Francisco International (SFO).
Travel insurance is very strongly recommended for the US. Healthcare costs are extremely high — a single hospital visit can cost thousands of dollars. The US has no universal public healthcare for foreign visitors.