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O'Hare (ORD) Customs & Immigration Wait Times

Estimated customs and passport control wait times at O'Hare International Airport.

Current Estimate

Estimated Customs Wait at ORD

Based on historical data (time-matched)

US Citizens
minutes
Non-US Citizens
minutes
Overall Avg
minutes

Customs Wait Times by Hour

Average wait times based on the last 7 days of CBP data

Best Time
02:00
min avg
Worst Time
23:00
min avg
00:00
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01:00
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02:00
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03:00
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04:00
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05:00
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06:00
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07:00
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08:00
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09:00
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10:00
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11:00
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12:00
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13:00
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14:00
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15:00
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16:00
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17:00
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18:00
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19:00
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20:00
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21:00
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22:00
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23:00
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US Citizens & Residents

min
Average wait time
  • Use Automated Passport Control (APC) kiosks
  • Have passport and customs declaration ready
  • Global Entry: Skip the line entirely (~5 min)

Non-US Citizens

min
Average wait time
  • Complete I-94 form before arrival
  • Have return ticket and accommodation proof ready
  • Mobile Passport: Free app, can reduce wait to 10-15 min

How to Speed Up Customs at ORD

1
Global Entry ($120/5yr)
Dedicated kiosks, typically under 5 minutes. Includes TSA PreCheck.
2
Mobile Passport Control (Free)
Free CBP app for US/Canadian citizens. Expedited lane access.
3
APC Kiosks
Automated Passport Control kiosks for US/Canadian/Visa Waiver travelers.
4
Arrive Off-Peak
Best time: 02:00 (7 min avg)

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does customs take at O'Hare International Airport?

Current average customs wait at ORD is 7 minutes. US citizens average 7 minutes, while non-US citizens average 7 minutes. Global Entry members typically clear in under 5 minutes.

What is the difference between customs and immigration at ORD?

Immigration (passport control) verifies your identity and travel documents. Customs inspects goods you're bringing into the country. At US airports like O'Hare, both are handled by CBP (Customs and Border Protection) in the same area, so wait times cover both processes.

Is Global Entry worth it at O'Hare?

Global Entry costs $120 for 5 years and includes TSA PreCheck. While waits at ORD are relatively short at 7 minutes, Global Entry still saves time and includes PreCheck benefits.

When is the best time to arrive through customs at ORD?

The shortest customs waits at O'Hare are around 02:00 (averaging 7 minutes). The busiest times are around 23:00 (averaging 22 minutes). Try to book flights arriving during off-peak hours.