Chicago Travel Advice

Best time to go to Chicago

Chicago experiences cold, blustery winters and warm, humid summers. December, January and February see flurries of snow, and temperatures drop well below freezing. In June through to August, though, temperatures usually sit around 26°C, but can reach highs of 30°C and above. The rainiest months are May and June, so if you’re visiting then, don’t forget to pack your umbrella. Autumn, meanwhile, sees mild weather and plenty of sunshine.

Passports and Visas

The USA has a visa waiver programme, which lets British tourists visit for up to 90 days without a visa. You must get an authorisation from ESTA – the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation - before you travel, and for a small fee, you can apply through our visa and travel authorisation partner – Sherpa. The US also has specific passport requirements, so it’s a good idea to check that your passport will be accepted. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/entry-requirements

You should also be aware that if you have travelled to or have been in Cuba, you may not be eligible for an ESTA visa waiver and may need to apply for a US visa.

Don't forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.

Health and safety

You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/usa/health

Important to note on your return – Carriage of Light Sabers on TUI Airways flights from Melbourne Orlando International Airport. Light Sabers purchased on holiday will be accepted for carriage as hand luggage on your return flight, under the following conditions only:

• They must be disassembled into the component parts (hilt and ‘blade’) prior to travel.
• They must not be removed from any case or carrying device at any point whist in the airport environment (except to permit screening by any airport official agents)
• They must not be, under any circumstances, removed from any case or carrying device onboard the aircraft.
• They must be presented at check in, and not be modified in any way.

Travel Aware

Travel Aware – Staying Safe and Healthy Abroad
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and National Travel Health Network and Centre have up-to-date advice on staying safe and healthy abroad.

See gov.uk/travelaware and follow @FCDOtravelGovUK on Twitter and Facebook.com/FCDOtravel – for the latest general FCDO travel advice, including coronavirus travel guidance, security and local laws, and passport and visa information.

See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice – for FCDO travel advice about individual destinations.

Sign up for FCDO travel advice email alerts, so you automatically receive the latest travel advice updates and travel requirements for the destinations you want to know about.

See Travel Aware page – for travel advice from First Choice.

See travelhealthpro.org.uk – for current travel health news.

The advice can change so check regularly for updates.