The US ESTA Visa guide for business travelers to Chicago Illinois

Go on a Business Trip to Chicago Illinois with your ESTA USA Visa

Before heading out for business in Chicago, you’ll have to arrange for your US Visa. Instead of a conventional US Visa, you might consider going for your ESTA US Visa – No matter, if you are an entrepreneur, or work for a large corporation before you can start your Business venture to Chicago those formalities have to be taken care of. You’ll either need a regular USA Visa or an ESTA USA Visa. You can find the online ESTA application form here. Welcome to our  ESTA US Visa travel guide for Chicago Illinois. “ESTA” stands for Electronic System for Travel Authorisation. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security manages the VWP which issues the ESTA Visa USA.

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The ESTA application

You can complete your ESTA application here on this website in minutes, and receive an ESTA US Visa by email within hours. An ESTA US Visa will be valid for 2 years, and it allows for multiple entries into the United States. Whereas, a regular USA Visa means that you will have to pay a visit to the US Embassy to apply. Furthermore, it will take many days or weeks for the process to complete. So, instead of a conventional US Visa, complete the ESTA application online here.

You will be on your way to Chicago within hours.

During the renewal of its identity following the Great Fire of 1871, Chicago earned a reputation as a tough town. Thanks to larger-than-life figures like Al Capone and the first Mayor Richard Daley. The days of powerful gangsters, political riots, and citizens mysteriously voting from beyond the grave are long gone. But Chicago still exudes a confident, stubborn, straight forward charm. 

Frigid gusts whip across Lake Michigan to create brag-worthy wind chills. At the very least, Chicago residents need a thick skin and a lot of patience to survive the brutal winters. As legend has it, Chicago’s “Windy City” nickname originally referred to the blowhard local politicians, but its dual application is also undeniable. Still, even the coldest days of a dwindling, lingering winter promise the imminent arrival of another beautiful Chicago spring. Once warm weather finally hits and the city thaws, Chicago blooms into action. The mayor makes sure every major street corner is bursting with wildflowers, and the iconic Buckingham Fountain once again spouts skyward like a lakefront beacon. Frolickers pack the beaches and families return to the parks. 

 

If you’re planning a business trip to Chicago, knowing the top airport lounges, hotels, business-fairs, and restaurants would be handy.

 

ESTA Guide – Flying from the UK to Chicago

Most international flights arrive and depart from O’Hare International Airport. You can also find information booths (open daily 6 am – 10 pm) on the lower level of the domestic terminals. Booths are also available at the upper and lower levels of the international terminal (no. 5). An Airport Transit System provides free transportation between the terminals and long term parking lots. Buses and hotel shuttles depart from the level below baggage claim. For buses and hotel shuttles, follow the red signs for the bus/shuttle center located across from the airport Hilton hotel.

 

 

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ESTA USA Visa

There are multiple direct flights from London to Chicago every day.

The major airlines that serve the route include British Airways, Norwegian, United, Finnair, American, and Lufthansa. The journey takes around 8.5 hours, and the average round trip fares range around $500 for the economy and $2400 for business class. Round-trip first-class tickets usually cost between $4000 and $5000.

 

ESTA Guide – Executive Lounges at O’Hare International Airport

When flying from the UK to Chicago, a short stay can help you refresh and replenish your energy. This can make a significant difference in your trip. You can even catch up with some work in the business-friendly environment of the O’Hare Airport Lounges. Each major airline has its lounge at the designated terminal they operate from.

United Club

United Airlines has three United Club lounges – all of them in Terminal 1 near gates B18, B6 and C16. The one near C16 is also the largest of all, spreading over 2,000 square meters. In all three United Club lounges at O’Hare Airport, you can enjoy snacks, drinks, phones, newspapers, and magazines, as well as Wi-Fi, TV. Besides, business travelers can take advantage of computers and conference hall. The lounge at Concourse C sports a rooftop bar and shower facilities to help you refresh yourself and overcome the jet lag.

 

Delta Sky Club

You will find Delta Sky Club in front of gate E6 in Terminal 2. Besides continental breakfast, premium drinks, and salad bars, you also have the luxury of a business center. The club is open to all Delta Sky Club and Virgin Australia Velocity Gold or Platinum members. Anyone with a business or first-class ticket with Delta Airlines can use the Delta Sky Club. You can also access the lounge free of charge if you are an American Express Platinum or Centurion card user.

 

American Airlines Admirals Club

If you’re flying on American Airlines or any Oneworld airlines, head straight to any one of the three American Airlines Admirals Club lounges near gates G8, H6, and L1. The lounges at Concourses G and L are relatively small in size but are not short of facilities. In all three locations, you can enjoy a comfortable work environment and standard snacks and drinks. The lounge near gate H6 is the largest one and is the only one to have a meeting room.

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ESTA Guide – Business Accommodations in Chicago

 

Due to Chicago’s popularity as a convention town, it has hundreds of hotels, especially in the heart of the city. Downtown hotel rooms number over 30,000 and also most of the major chains are represented. Chicago also boasts a delightful collection of boutique hotels that offer a more intimate milieu. Most of them clustered along the Magnificent Mile, with several newer additions in the Loop. The properties listed below were selected for their ambiance, location, and amenities.

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Hotel InterContinental Chicago (4 Stars)

This Mag Mile classic began life as a men’s club in 1929 and still retains many of the club’s original embellishments. Carved into the Indiana limestone facade, a large Egyptian-style frieze depicts builders parading in front of the pharaoh. Beautiful inlays of marble, intricately detailed bronze and brass trimming, murals and frescoes adorn the public spaces inside. 

Step through the massive bronze doors to admire the ornate entryway. Its beamed ceiling is painted with colorful Celtic and Mesopotamian motifs. Redecorated rooms in the historic tower are furnished in Smart European style—those in the main building tower sport a modern look. Book a meal at Michael Jordan’s Steak House for filling portions of prime, dry-aged hand-cut beef. 

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Four Seasons Hotel Chicago (5 Stars)

Done in dark woods and vibrant colors, guest rooms wrap you in luxury with marble baths and plush terry robes. Its simplicity speaks of the elegance of a grand hotel. Deluxe rooms on the 30th to 46th floors offer sweeping views of Lake Michigan or the city skyline. For dinner, savor contemporary American fare in Allium’s chic dining room.

 

The Drake, a Hilton Hotel (4 Stars)

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this 530-room luxury hotel sits on the landfill at the edge of Lake Michigan. The hotel also provides an elegant transition to the East Lake Shore Drive Historic District, which begins at its back door. It marks the northeastern border of the Magnificent Mile. Covered in limestone, a majestic colonnade on its northern face oversees the Lincoln Park, Oak Street Beach, as well as the lake. Set on a rectangular base, the structure changes to an H-shape on the third floor to suit hotel room layouts. The lobby also features luxurious elements such as velvet wall coverings, wooden caisson ceiling, as well as the elegant Palm Court.

Eurostars Magnificent Mile (4 Stars)

Tranquillity awaits at the Eurostars, where sleek rooms come with Egyptian cotton sheets, Keurig coffeemakers, as well as rain showerheads. Also, don’t forget to drop by the 24-hour gym to keep those muscles toned, after which a relaxing massage may be in order at the spa. Savor seasonal American fare at Argent, then also check out the nightly DJ at Vertigo Sky Lounge.

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The ESTA US Visa Guide – Top Business Fairs in Chicago

Chicago is the thriving ground for both small businesses and the headquarters of large corporations.

The city has seen faster growth than most American cities in recent years. As a hub for a growth-focused populace, Chicago’s calendar is filled with business events and trade fairs throughout the year. Due to the sheer number of business shows each week, it is difficult to accommodate them all in one list. So we have picked the ones for you that have a sizable attendance and receive the most attention.

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International Home + Housewares Show

International Housewares Association organizes the International Home + Housewares Show every year intersecting design with technology. The show has been continuously growing since its first appearance at Madison Square Garden in New York 1906. Today, this houseware show is among the top 20 trade fairs in the United States. Last year, over 2,000 businesses exhibited their products and more than 60,000 people attended the event. If you are in the home and houseware business, it’s an excellent opportunity to meet the home trend leaders. Most of the exhibitors are from outside the US. So there is a high possibility that you will be exposed to innovative products that you might not have tried before.

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America’s Beauty Show

Cosmetologists Chicago hosts America’s Beauty Show with the mission to share knowledge and trends in the beauty and cosmetics industry. More than 70,000 beauty professionals and enthusiasts, including salon owners, cosmetologists, colorists, and models attend this event. The three jam-packed days cover practical workshops, educational seminars, latest beauty product exhibits, scholarships, and award ceremonies.

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Sweets and Snacks Expo

More than 18,000 industry professionals at Sweets & Snacks Expo come to see what’s next, what’s new, and what’s wow. It is North America’s largest show in the confectionery industry and is attended by manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, and business suppliers. The massive floor space spanning five acres of McCormick Place offers a wide range of product lines and specialized solutions. If you are in the food and beverage industry, you can take away the hottest trends and merchandising techniques. Cement meaningful connections with industry professionals and thought leaders and grow your professional network.

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RetailX

RetailX is an amalgamation of two retail events – Internet Retailers Conference & Expo and GlobalShop. Internet Retailers Conference & Expo addresses to the fast-changing and ever-evolving internet retail industry through its educational programs. Here you can discover retail trends on a live stage and discuss your challenges with five industry leaders. Subject matter experts offer insights into digital media, strategic technologies, customer-centric solutions, store-based technologies, logistics, and tracking solutions. The knowledge and connections you take from RetailX would boost your retail business or online store.

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ESTA US Visa recommends the Best Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago also welcomed a considerable diversity of cultures to call it home as it rebuilt after the Great Fire. So there will definitely be a menu to suit your taste in this great city. Treat yourself to some upscale dining on the lakefront, or tantalize your taste buds in one of the ethnic restaurant districts.

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Au Cheval (Medium Level)

One of the most (and best) reviewed diners in Chicago, Au Cheval seemingly hits it out of the park. Interestingly enough, it’s not merely a classic diner of signature burgers, egg-focused entrees, and traditional sandwiches. While it does indeed have all those things, Au Cheval’s menu is also littered with off-beat dishes. They range from the chopped chicken liver to roasted bone marrow. Even some of their sandwiches have a slight absurdity to them, like the fried house-made bologna sandwich. The drinks are often as unique as the food itself. You can never go wrong with merely ordering the homemade draught root beer. Otherwise, try one of the specialty breakfast beers or the chocolate martini shot for dessert.

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The Original Pizzeria UNO (Medium Level)

There are many places around town to enjoy a slice or a whole pie. But if you’re visiting Chicago for the first time, then you can learn how to make a Chicago-style deep-dish pizza on your own. And what better place to learn the steps of this city-treat than Pizzeria Uno. It’s the pizza shop that’s most often recognized as the place that invented this particular style of pizza. This place has been serving up the deep-dish pie since 1943. Nowadays, they have opened their kitchen to the public to share their iconic recipe with all those who desire it. A unique feature of this style of pizza is that it is prepared upside down. The cheese is applied directly to the crust, then topped with whatever meats or vegetables you crave. And finally, the pizza is layered with some chunky tomato pizza sauce.

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Frontier (Medium Level)

Frontier is a stylish place to spend an evening of your trip to Chicago. They claim to be like generations of pioneers of the American West who prepare and cook food in ingenious ways. The specialties include Duck Tacos, Wild Boar Sliders, Raw Oysters, Antelope Leg, Shaved Antelope Sandwich, as well as Water Buffalo burgers. It indeed has the feeling of being inside a lodge of the American West, with its smoked wood interior, fireplaces, and candle-like chandeliers. There are even a few twisted branches and animal skulls rounding out the décor. You will also find multiple TVs broadcasting sports, as well as a beer garden to satisfy your thirsts.

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Sepia (Top Level)

The main area for dining at Sepia has an elegance right out of the 1920s. Servers will check on your availability to determine how long you plan to stay and offer suggestions accordingly. Try the strawberry & fennel gazpacho with capers, cucumbers, and sea beans before moving on to the main courses. Favorites on the mains menu include tandoori cured Hamachi with cilantro, reduced buttermilk, and chayote. King salmon with white asparagus and fried oysters and duck breast with sesame crisp and Chinese broccoli are also famous.

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Kie-Gol-Lanee (Medium Level)

 

In Chicago, you’ll have a chance to cross an activity off your bucket list (whether it’s on there or not). The Mexican food joint known as Kie-Gol-Lanee serves a delectable portion of crispy grasshoppers for you to crunch on. They’re called Chapulines, but that is just the Spanish word for grasshoppers. Even if you aren’t a fan of insects, this is an excellent place for an incredible traditional Mexican cuisine. Everything on the menu is delicious, especially the Oaxacan salad, the ceviche de camarón, and the Puerco en Mole Verde tamales. Don’t forget to order up some of that Horchata too.

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Click for your ESTA US Visa applicationWith its diverse populace generally coming together to get things done – and done right – Chicago earns its reputation as “the city that works.” Your business trip to Chicago will be a memorable one, thanks to the city’s top-notch facilities and forward-looking professionals.

 

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