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Chicago O'Hare International Airport, also known as ORD, is an important aviation hub that serves as a port of entry for travellers arriving in the United States. The airport facilitates the entry and exit of passengers, with customs and border protection procedures in place to ensure the security of the country's borders. With a focus on efficient processing, the airport caters to both domestic and international travellers, offering a range of services and connections to various destinations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the airport | Chicago O'Hare International Airport |
| Port of Entry Abbreviation | ORD |
| Port of Entry Type | Entry and Exit |
| TSA Aviation Security | Yes |
| TSA Bag Drop | Yes |
| State | Illinois |
| Parking | Public parking is available directly across from the airport at the short-term parking lot (payment required) |
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What You'll Learn
Chicago O'Hare International Airport has U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Chicago O'Hare International Airport does have U.S. Customs and Border Protection. The airport code for O'Hare International Airport is ORD.
For those arriving at the airport on international flights, Terminal 5 is the closest terminal for international arrival passenger pick-ups. This terminal can be accessed via the O'Hare Airport Transit System (ATS) or by using the Chicago Transit Authority Subway (Blue Line).
If you are connecting to a domestic flight after arriving on an international flight, you will need to collect your luggage and then re-check it for your connecting flight. This process can take 10-20 minutes, plus queuing time. It is recommended that you allow for at least 90 minutes to clear immigration.
If you are a departing international passenger, you may be required to fulfil certain requirements by filing a FINCEN with CBP or requesting outward CARNET endorsements. In this case, you should report to the CBP at the Public Counter/CBP Office at Terminal 5, Lower Level (near baggage carousel #12). If you require these services between 8:00 pm and 7:00 am, you should call (773) 686-2800 x3668 for assistance.
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Long immigration lines at O'Hare can take up to 90 minutes
Chicago O'Hare International Airport is one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, serving as a major gateway to the United States. As such, it can experience lengthy immigration lines, with wait times varying from 45 minutes to up to 90 minutes or even more.
Several factors can influence the duration of the immigration process at O'Hare. Peak travel times, such as mornings or weekends, tend to witness more congested lines. Additionally, unforeseen circumstances like weather delays or issues with incoming and outgoing flights can contribute to longer wait times. It is advisable for travellers to anticipate potential delays and plan their itineraries accordingly, allowing ample time for the immigration process.
The complexity of the immigration procedure itself also plays a role in the overall duration. Upon arrival, travellers may be subjected to mandatory health screenings, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which can extend the time spent in line. The need to collect and re-check baggage, switch terminals, and re-clear security can further prolong the process. These additional steps are crucial, and travellers should factor them into their schedules when transiting through O'Hare.
To expedite the immigration process, travellers are encouraged to opt for carry-on baggage only. This eliminates the time spent waiting for checked bags, and passengers can take advantage of the designated one-stop immigration and customs line for those without checked luggage. Additionally, programmes like Global Entry, which includes TSA PreCheck, can significantly reduce wait times by offering expedited clearance through automatic kiosks.
It is recommended that US citizens allow for a minimum of two hours, while non-citizens should plan for at least three hours when transiting through O'Hare. These estimates take into account the potential for lengthy immigration lines and the subsequent steps of collecting baggage and navigating to the outbound terminal. While these wait times may vary, it is always prudent to err on the side of caution and allocate sufficient time to ensure a smooth journey through one of the world's busiest airports.
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International arrivals are picked up from Terminal 5
Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) has four terminals in total, numbered 1, 2, 3, and 5. Terminal 5 is referred to as the international terminal, and all international flights arrive at this terminal. However, it is worth noting that some international flights also depart from other terminals.
If you are being picked up from Terminal 5, there are a few things to keep in mind. The terminal is a short distance from the other terminals and is connected by shuttle services and the Airport Transit System. The road system inside ORD is hexagonal, with terminals 1, 2, and 3 along the outside of the bottom three sides and the parking lots, Multi-Modal Facility (car rental), and I-190 in the top half.
If you are arriving on an international flight and connecting to another international flight, you will need to collect your luggage and clear customs before proceeding to your next gate. The customs process at O'Hare International Airport can vary in duration, but some travellers have reported long lines and wait times of up to 90 minutes. Therefore, it is essential to factor in sufficient time for the customs process when planning your journey.
For those with domestic connections, a terminal transfer bus transports passengers between terminals 1 to 3 and Terminal 5 without requiring them to reclear security. However, this service is not available for international passengers arriving at Terminal 5 with connections in terminals 1 to 3. The buses operate daily from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., departing from specific locations in Terminal 3.
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The process for clearing customs is a concern for some travellers
The process for clearing customs can be a concern for some travellers, especially those with connecting flights. Chicago O'Hare International Airport has U.S. Customs and Border Protection in place, and the process can be daunting for those unfamiliar with the procedures.
For those arriving on an international flight, there are a few steps to be aware of. First, there is the wait for luggage, which can take 10-20 minutes. Then, passengers will need to queue to exit and re-check luggage for any connecting flights, which should take no more than 5 minutes. However, the customs process itself can vary in duration. Some travellers have reported 90-minute waits in immigration lines, which can be a concern for those with tight connection windows.
It is recommended that travellers familiarise themselves with the layout of the airport and the transfer process, especially if changing terminals. Terminal 5, for example, can be accessed via the O'Hare Airport Transit System or the Chicago Transit Authority Subway (Blue Line). Knowing these details in advance can help ease concerns and ensure a smoother journey.
Additionally, it is worth noting that specific requirements, such as filing a FINCEN or requesting CARNET endorsements, must be fulfilled by departing international passengers. These passengers should report to the CBP office at Terminal 5, located near baggage carousel #12. For assistance outside of regular hours, travellers can call a designated phone number for support.
While the customs process at Chicago O'Hare International Airport may be a concern for some, being prepared and allowing for potential delays can help alleviate worries. Knowing what to expect and allowing extra time can make the experience less stressful for travellers.
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The airport's official website is a .gov site
Chicago has two airports: O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. Both airports are managed by the Chicago Department of Aviation, which falls under the City of Chicago government. The official website for the City of Chicago is a .gov site, and it provides information on the airports, including parking, flight information, and sustainable initiatives. The website also includes a page specifically for O'Hare International Airport, which is the larger of the two airports and serves as a hub for international travel. While I couldn't find a dedicated .gov site for each airport, the official website for O'Hare International Airport is a .aspx page linked to the City of Chicago's .gov domain. This website provides travellers with essential information about the airport, including arrivals, departures, and services available within the airport.
The .gov domain designation signifies that the website is an official government site, providing Chicago's aviation authority with a digital platform to share trusted information. The .gov website for the City of Chicago and its associated airports is the authoritative source for information related to aviation in the city. It offers travellers, businesses, and stakeholders a central platform to access updates, news, and resources pertaining to Chicago's aviation system. While O'Hare International Airport has its dedicated webpage within the .gov domain, Midway Airport information can also be found on the broader Chicago Department of Aviation pages.
The .gov domain designation signifies that the website is an official government site, providing an extra layer of trust and reliability for users seeking accurate and up-to-date information. It is essential for travellers to rely on official sources, especially when navigating international travel, customs, and immigration processes. While I couldn't find specific details about customs procedures on the .gov site, the website likely offers general guidance and directs travellers to the appropriate authorities or resources for more detailed information.
In summary, while Chicago's airport websites do not have dedicated .gov domains, the City of Chicago's official government website serves as a central hub for information related to both O'Hare International Airport and Midway Airport. Travellers can rely on this .gov site for trusted and official details regarding their travel through Chicago's aviation system, including any necessary customs-related guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is a customs process at Chicago O'Hare International Airport.
Unfortunately, I cannot find specific information on the customs process at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. However, some travellers have reported waiting times of 90 minutes for immigration.
The time taken to clear customs can vary depending on various factors. However, some travellers have reported that the entire process, including waiting for luggage and re-checking luggage for a connecting flight, can take around 15-25 minutes.
The customs and border protection area is located in Terminal 5 of the airport. This terminal can be accessed via the O'Hare Airport Transit System (ATS) or the Chicago Transit Authority Subway (Blue Line).
