COVID-19 Updates for Chicago O'Hare and Midway International Airports
Updated November 8, 2021
On October 25, the President issued a
Presidential Proclamation for the resumption of global travel, directing the CDC to implement public health requirements for air travelers. This new travel policy will be effective
November 8, 2021. On November 8, 2021 non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants from China, Iran, the European Schengen Area, the UK, Ireland, Brazil, South Africa, and India can enter the United States provided they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and meet the requirements of the
amended GTO.
CDC issued/amended three orders on October 25 that go into effect on November 8, 2021:
- Global Vaccine Order (GVO) Air travelers to the United States who are non-U.S. citizens, non-U.S. immigrants will be required to provide proof that they are fully vaccinated to fly to the United States. There are very limited exceptions.
- Amended Global Testing Order (GTO)
- Fully vaccinated air passengers, regardless of citizenship, will continue to be required to show a pre-departure negative test taken 3 days or less before flight departure.
- For unvaccinated air passengers, the rules will tighten to require a test within 1 day or less before flight departure to the United States.
Important Links
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Review health recommendations. Stay informed on how to protect yourself, research and other guidance with the World Health Organization (WHO) website at
who.int/health-topics/coronavirus.
Travel Requirements
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Verify there are no travel restrictions into the United States. Several Presidential proclamations established restrictions on the entry of certain travelers into the United States in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Presenting an airline a negative test result or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 before boarding the flight does not exempt a foreign national from the travel restrictions outlined in the Presidential proclamations. For a full list of countries that are prohibited from entry to the United States, visit the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Check with your airline for document requirements by destination. Ensure your visa, passport and health documents are prepared for each step of your itinerary. To avoid issues at arrival or departure, check what requirements, documents or certifications apply in each city and country you will travel to. This may include a negative COVID-19 test. Check with your specific airline carrier in advance.
Additional Passenger Recommendations-
Learn about updates across airline alliances. For passenger information and other protective measures across multiple member carriers, visit their websites directly:
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Arrive early and continue to track flight status. With airlines adjusting routes and flight schedules in response to the pandemic, and passenger volumes fluctuating, we advise that passengers allow enough time to be flexible during their journey for unexpected changes, traffic or travel delays. Use the online
O'Hare Flight Search or
Midway Flight Search feature or check the flight display monitors throughout the terminals.
COVID-19 Testing at the Airports
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Find convenient COVID-19 screening locations onsite. Doctors Test Centers, in connection with Simple Laboratories, offers rapid and PCR
testing at O'Hare.
Visit the
COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions page for more information or check with your specific airline carrier in advance. For all other inquiries, contact the Chicago Department of Aviation customer service team at [email protected] or seek passenger assistance from
Travelers Aid Chicago (773-894-2427), which has staff and volunteers located throughout O'Hare.
Below are additional resources that may be helpful