Sandstone canyon and waterfall at Starved Rock State Park, Illinois

Illinois

The city that invented the skyscraper, with prairie, river bluffs and Lincoln country behind it.

Photo: Unknown (See source)

Currency
USD
Emergency number
911
Police, Ambulance, Fire
Advisory level
High degree of caution
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel)
Language
English
Visa requirement
ESTA or visa
Visa Waiver travellers need an approved ESTA
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Whether you’re looking for a soothing seaside cruise or a blood-pumping Rocky Mountain ascent, these rides are perfect for a spectacular day trip.

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Employees of Flying Food Group, a major provider of airline meals, said they saw maggots, cockroaches and flies at a branch serving Los Angeles International Airport.

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Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Muscatine, IA; Scott, IA; Rock Island, IL

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued August 12 at 7:11AM CDT until August 12 at 7:15AM CDT by NWS Quad Cities IA IL

Flash Flood Warning — Decatur, IN; Jennings, IN; Shelby, IN

Flash Flood Warning issued August 12 at 8:11AM EDT until August 12 at 10:00AM EDT by NWS Indianapolis IN

Severe Thunderstorm Warning — Auglaize, OH; Mercer, OH; Shelby, OH

Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued August 12 at 8:07AM EDT until August 12 at 9:00AM EDT by NWS Wilmington OH

Good to know

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. The US State Department has more information on visas…

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. If you’re travelling through another country on your way to or from the US, check the entry requirements for that country…

The US Customs and Border Protection Trusted Traveller Program (TTP) Global Entry allows pre-approved, low-risk travellers expedited clearance at some US airports. If you’re a British citizen, you can register to get a UK background check…

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Exercise increased caution in United States of America.

Exercise normal security precautions. Latest change: Natural disasters and climate section – added information on Spokane County fires.

Chicago is the one state city where you genuinely do not need a car. Everywhere else in Illinois you do.

Both Chicago airports connect to the centre by train, and the Blue Line from O'Hare runs 24 hours.

Tipping is expected rather than optional. Budget 18 to 20 percent for table service, a couple of dollars a drink at a bar, and 15 to 20 percent for taxis.

Prices on shelves and menus exclude sales tax, which is added at the till and varies by state and city.

Book an experience

Verified operators in Illinois, booked direct through KLNK.

Top destinations in Illinois

Frequently asked questions

To enter or transit through the US, you must have either an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) or a visa. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

To enter the US, your passport must be valid for the length of your planned stay. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

For details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s US guide. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of the US. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty. (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, for British citizen passport holders)

New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (SafeTravel) currently states: “United States of America: Exercise increased caution” (advisory level 2 of 4). Always check the original advisory before travelling.

Currency: USD. Languages: English. Capital: Washington, D.C..

Sources and freshness

Travel information last reviewed 12 August 2026. Compiled from U.S. Department of State, IATA Timatic, Open-Meteo and datakyte Travel Intelligence. Always confirm entry rules and safety guidance with official government sources before you travel.

Advisories, entry rules and alerts apply to United States as a whole.

Aggregated from official sources. Content is never rewritten — always display the publisher, publication time and original source link.

Photography: Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source); Unknown (See source).