Attending IFANCA Halal Compliance Workshop — Chicago?

If you need a visa, start the process well before October 6, 2026, processing can take several weeks.

Travellers from Visa Waiver Program countries need an approved ESTA before flying; others require a B-1/B-2 visitor visa from a US embassy or consulate. Apply well ahead via the official US government sites.

General guidance only, always confirm requirements with the official embassy/consulate for your nationality.

O'Hare International Airport (ORD), ~27km to centre

Chicago Midway Airport (MDW), ~16km to centre

AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon SIMs at the airport and city stores

eSIM: Airalo and similar eSIMs cover the USA

Plug: Type A / B (North American) · 120V / 60Hz

US Dollar (USD)

Cards and contactless are accepted virtually everywhere.

High ~17°C · Low ~7°C

Crisp autumn; cool, especially by Lake Michigan.

Warm layers and a jacket; evenings get cold.

📿 A prayer-times app, or use the venue timetable in Phase 3 below.

🆘 Emergency: 911 · Police 911

The CTA runs the "L" rapid-transit trains and an extensive bus network across the city; Metra serves the suburbs.

A Ventra card (or contactless) works on all CTA trains and buses.

Taxis and rideshare are plentiful downtown; a car helps for the southwest-suburb halal hubs.

• Ghareeb Nawaz, Devon Avenue (West Ridge)
• Sabri Nihari, Devon Avenue (West Ridge)
• Usmania Fine Dining, Devon Avenue (West Ridge)
• Spinzer Restaurant, Devon Avenue (West Ridge)
• Chicago Kabob House, Devon Avenue (West Ridge)

Approximate (Muslim World League method), confirm locally on the day.

Bridgeview

Bronzeville

Mayfair (Elston Avenue)

West Ridge

The Loop (Downtown)

Check the programme on the official event page and map out the zones you want to walk.

This event is aimed at: Halal certification bodies, Standards & compliance professionals, SMEs & entrepreneurs, Industry practitioners, Halal trade buyers across North America.