Do I need a passport to visit Chicago, Illinois? If you’re from an EEA country or Switzerland, then you must have either a valid passport or a national identity card issued by an EEA country, which is valid for the whole of your stay. If you’re not from an EEA country, then you must hold a valid passport before you visit Chicago and the United States.

Do I need a Visa to visit Chicago?  Depending on the country you are from, you may be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). To check if you need a Visa or how to enter under the Visa Waiver Program, click here.

I know I need a Visa, but what do I need to do next? You need to apply for a Visa to travel to the United States by preparing the evidence you need to show you are eligible for a U.S. Visa. You need to submit these documents to apply for a Visa. Please refer to the official U.S. Visa guide to find out which documents you need to provide and how much you will need to pay for your Visa. If you need a letter of invitation to the Congress, we can issue this for you once you have registered and paid your registration fees. Please email us to request a letter of invitation.

When can I apply for a Visa and how long will it take to get a decision? We recommend checking the processing timings in advance to ensure you apply on time.

I need a letter of invitation for the Symposium. If you need a letter of invitation to support your Visa application, please let us know. We can issue this for you once you have registered and paid your registration fees. Please email us to request a letter of invitation.

What goods can I bring to Chicago? You can bring most everyday items with you when you visit. The rules are different depending on whether you are traveling from within or from outside the United States. You can find out more from the U.S. Government’s advice on bringing goods.

Can I bring medicine? Yes, you can bring in your own personal medicines. If you bring in medicines for yourself, you do not need to declare your medicines to U.S. Customs. However, in case there is an issue in the U.S. or abroad, it is a good idea to have a letter from your doctor confirming your need for the medication. Always carry medicines in a correctly labeled container as issued by the pharmacist. There may be restrictions on the amount of drugs that you can bring into the country. Before you travel, seek advice about the requirements from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Do I need any vaccinations to visit Chicago? No, you do not need any vaccinations to visit Chicago.