Do I need a visa and passport to go to Niagara Falls New York if I live in Chicago Illinois?

No, unless you are flying, then you can use them for ID, but it is always a good idea to have them.

NO you do not NEED a passport to visit New York State.

As you are near Canada and can walk across the bridge to see the falls from the other side it is a missed opportunity if you DO NOT have your passport.

They really are much more impressive from the Canadian side of the river.

How are you travelling?

By car your drivers license.

By plane something suitable to TSA and your Airline.

You just NEED the passport if you want to cross the Border. Niagara Falls Ontario is nicer than Niagara Falls New York. Your choice to just see part of the Falls and save the rest for next time.

By the way the Legal drinking age in Ontario is 19 also the same age for legal cannabis. DO NOT try to cross the Border with either item on your return.

Enjoy your adventure. Your choice to limit yourself to just part of the place.There is lots to see and do on both sides of the Border.

If flying (Need Passport) check out Porter Airlines out of Midway for flights to Toronto ISLAND Airport. The terminal is WALKING distance to Hotels.

Frequent bus and limited Train service from Toronto to Niagara Falls ONT.

Buffalo/Niagara Falls Airport has shuttle service to both sides of the Falls

You don't need a passport to go to Niagara Falls New York, from Chicago, as it is in the same country. But, remember that it is right next to Canada, and a big attraction that side. So, it's best to have a passport, in case you want to also see the Niagara Falls from Canada, to get another view, etc. If not bringing the passport, could regret that.

You might be looking through a pay telescope towards the Canadian side, and see a souvenir shop displaying a shirt that you like. It could then be a case of "Aar no, I can't go across to get it, I don't have my passport." :-)

A US citizen doesn't need a visa to enter Canada as a tourist. But, a US citizen does need an enhanced license, a NEXUS card ora valid passport to be allowed to enter Canada.

A US citizen does not need a visa or a passport to travel within the US, as long as their travel does not cross into Canada or Mexico.

You need a pass port (or a special license that allows you to cross the boarder) if you're going to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. If you're going to the US side of the falls, and you're from the US you don't need a pass port. If you're driving, you should have a valid license and valid insurance.

New York is in the USA. You don't need anything to visit there.

However, for a decent view of the Falls, you will need to go to Canada, where a passport makes things a lot easier. No visa is needed though.

You don't need any documentation as long as you stay on the NY side of Niagara Falls. It's only if you wish to cross to the ON, Canada side that you need a passport ( or NEXUS card or enhanced driver's licence ). As long as you are a US citizen, you don't need a visa to cross into Canada. But if you a citizen of another country, yes, you may need a visa to cross as well.

You don't need either one to visit Niagara Falls, New York. You need a passport to go to Canada if you fly. A passport or enhanced driver's license or equivalent document is necessary to cross the land border with Canada.