Visa & Entry Requirements by Country in Chicago, Illinois, United States
1. Canada Visa for Chicago Residents
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) required for visa-exempt foreign nationals. eTA can be applied for online and is valid for five years or until passport expiry.
- Online Application: The application process is completed online, eliminating the need to visit a consulate or embassy.
- Five-Year Validity: Once approved, the eTA is valid for five years or until passport expiry, reducing the need for frequent renewals.
- Multiple Entries: eTA allows multiple entries to Canada during its validity period.
2. Mexico Tourist Card for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens entering Mexico by land or sea. Available online and must be presented upon arrival.
- Online Application: The application process can be completed online, saving time and effort.
- Single-Use: Each Mexico Tourist Card is single-use and must be obtained prior to travel.
- Land & Sea Travel: The Mexico Tourist Card is required for travel by both land and sea, making it essential for Chicago residents travelling via these routes.
3. European Schengen Visa
Required for U.S. citizens planning to travel to any of the 26 Schengen Area countries. Applications are submitted at the embassy or consulate of the primary destination.
- Primary Destination: The application process is initiated with the embassy or consulate of the primary travel destination.
- Short-Stay Visa: The European Schengen Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
- Biometric Data: Applicants are required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs.
4. United Kingdom Visa from Chicago
Required for U.S. citizens planning to visit the UK for more than six months or for work or study purposes. Applications can be made online or at a visa application center.
- Online & In-Person Application: The application process can be initiated online, with the option to submit biometric data and supporting documents at a visa application center.
- Work or Study Purposes: UK visas for work or study purposes require additional documentation, such as job offer letters or acceptance letters from educational institutions.
- Brexit Considerations: Post-Brexit changes may affect visa requirements and procedures for U.S. citizens travelling to the UK.
5. Australia Visa for Chicago Residents
Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) or Electronic Visitor (Subclass 600) visas are required for short-term stays. Applications can be made online and are typically processed within minutes.
- Online Application: The application process is completed online, eliminating the need to visit an Australian embassy or consulate.
- Multiple Entries: Both ETA and Subclass 600 visas allow multiple entries for a total stay of up to three months per visit.
- Work Restrictions: Work is generally not permitted with an ETA or Subclass 600 visa, but volunteering and certain types of unpaid work may be acceptable.
6. New Zealand Visa for Chicago Residents
New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is required for visa-waiver travel. Applications are made online and are typically processed within minutes.
- Online Application: The application process can be completed online, eliminating the need to visit a New Zealand embassy or consulate.
- Multiple Entries: NZeTA allows multiple entries for a total stay of up to three months per visit.
- Work Restrictions: Work is generally not permitted with an NZeTA, but volunteering and certain types of unpaid work may be acceptable.
7. Japan Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for stays longer than 90 days. Applications are submitted at the Japanese embassy or consulate in Washington D.C.
- Application Location: Applications are submitted at the Japanese embassy or consulate in Washington D.C., which may require travel outside of Chicago.
- Work Permit Required: A work permit is required for any paid employment in Japan, even short-term contracts.
- Long-Stay Visa: Japan visas are issued for specific lengths of time, typically ranging from 30 days to one year.
8. India Tourist Visa
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to India for tourism purposes. Applications can be submitted online or at an Indian embassy or consulate.
- Online & In-Person Application: The application process can be initiated online, with the option to submit supporting documents at a nearby Indian embassy or consulate.
- Multiple Entries: India Tourist Visas allow multiple entries for a total stay of up to 180 days during the visa's validity period.
- Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from an Indian host or hotel is often required as part of the application process.
9. China Tourist Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to China for tourism purposes. Applications are submitted at the Chinese embassy or consulate in Chicago.
- Application Location: Applications can be submitted at the Chinese embassy or consulate in Chicago.
- Multiple Entries: China Tourist Visas allow multiple entries for a total stay of up to 30 days per visit.
- Invitation Letter: An invitation letter from a Chinese host or hotel is often required as part of the application process.
10. Brazil Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to Brazil for tourism purposes. Applications can be submitted online or at a Brazilian embassy or consulate.
- Online & In-Person Application: The application process can be initiated online, with the option to submit supporting documents at a nearby Brazilian embassy or consulate.
- Multiple Entries: Brazil Tourist Visas allow multiple entries for a total stay of up to 90 days during the visa's validity period.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
11. South Africa Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to South Africa for tourism purposes. Applications can be submitted online or at a South African embassy or consulate.
- Online & In-Person Application: The application process can be initiated online, with the option to submit supporting documents at a nearby South African embassy or consulate.
- Multiple Entries: South Africa Tourist Visas allow multiple entries for a total stay of up to 90 days during the visa's validity period.
- Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
12. South Korea Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to South Korea for tourism purposes. Applications are submitted at the Korean embassy or consulate in Washington D.C.
- Application Location: Applications can be submitted at the Korean embassy or consulate in Washington D.C., which may require travel outside of Chicago.
- Multiple Entries: South Korea Tourist Visas allow multiple entries for a total stay of up to 90 days per visit.
- Work Restrictions: Work is generally not permitted with a South Korea Tourist Visa, but volunteering and certain types of unpaid work may be acceptable.
13. Ireland Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to Ireland for stays longer than 90 days or for work purposes. Applications are submitted at the Irish embassy or consulate in Washington D.C.
- Application Location: Applications can be submitted at the Irish embassy or consulate in Washington D.C., which may require travel outside of Chicago.
- Work Permit Required: A work permit is required for any paid employment in Ireland, even short-term contracts.
- Long-Stay Visa: Ireland visas are issued for specific lengths of time, typically ranging from three months to one year.
14. Italy Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to Italy for stays longer than 90 days or for work purposes. Applications are submitted at the Italian embassy or consulate in Chicago.
- Application Location: Applications can be submitted at the Italian embassy or consulate in Chicago.
- Work Permit Required: A work permit is required for any paid employment in Italy, even short-term contracts.
- Long-Stay Visa: Italy visas are issued for specific lengths of time, typically ranging from three months to one year.
15. France Visa for Chicago Residents
Required for U.S. citizens travelling to France for stays longer than 90 days or for work purposes. Applications are submitted at the French embassy or consulate in Chicago.
- Application Location: Applications can be submitted at the French embassy or consulate in Chicago.
- Work Permit Required: A work permit is required for any paid employment in France, even short-term contracts.
- Long-Stay Visa: France visas are issued for specific lengths of time, typically ranging from three months to one year.