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Traveling to Bradley

A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the country. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port of entry have authority to permit or deny admission. You can learn more about procedures for entering the U.S. on the CBP website. You aren't permitted to enter the U.S. earlier than 30 days before your program start date. Be sure to carry the following documents while you travel. Do not pack them in your luggage:

  • Passport
  • I-20
  • Acceptance letter
  • Transcripts, marksheets, or degree certificates
  • Financial proof including the Bradley Affidavit of Support
  • Bradley University health form and proof of immunizations
  • Medications in their original containers and the doctor's prescription
  • Money,* internationally accepted credit card, and other valuables

*Note: We advise you to have at least half of your annual estimated expenses (approximately $15,000) available when you arrive. We strongly suggest you don't carry more than $2,000 in cash since it can be stolen. In addition, you can't carry in more than $10,000 in cash into the U.S.

Plan to arrive on campus before the Program Start Date on your I-20, which lists the date international orientation will begin. Orientation is mandatory. You will want to make your arrangements for travel to Bradley as soon as you can to insure you get the best rates. If you are a first-year student who plans to attend the final university orientation, you should make your travel arrangements so you arrive on campus in time for the beginning of the session. If you will be arriving early, you must contact the Housing Office to request an early check-in.

Be aware it may take you quite some time to get through both immigration and customs when you arrive. If Customs and Border Protection wishes to speak to Bradley University when you arrive or any emergencies occur, please contact the Bradley University Police at (309) 677-2000.

Purchasing Tickets

Several airlines provide service into Peoria’s General Wayne A. Downing Peoria International Airport (PIA). PIA is a 10-minute drive from campus. If you're arriving at PIA, we recommend you take a taxi or ride-share service from the airport to campus.

Many international flights come in through Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), which is approximately 3 hours by bus/car to the Bradley campus. If you're arriving at ORD, we recommended you book a ticket through Peoria Charter, a coach bus company that picks up passengers at the international terminal. Peoria Charter provides twice a day shuttle service from the ORD International Terminal directly to our campus outside of the Michel Student Center. Before booking your flight, check the Peoria Charter schedule to be sure you know what bus will be available for your arrival. Check Peoria Charter’s website for the bus schedule and rates.

We do not recommend students to use a taxi, ride-share, or car rental if arriving at ORD. If an option is available, the cost can be very expensive due to the time commitment and gas costs. We also do not recommend the Amtrak train, as the pick up is not at the airport and the drop off is not in Peoria.