From 1 October 2025, the US government is shut down after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. While essential services will continue, travellers are bracing for potential major disruption. From air travel to passport renewals and the shutdown of national parks and museums, travel to, through and out of the US may get much more complicated.
To understand how long a government shutdown might last and what could bring it to an end, read Anthony Zurcher's analysis. The US Travel Association is also tracking the real-time economic impact of the shutdown, which it estimates to be about $1bn (£741m) per week for the travel economy and public.
Here's what travellers need to know about air travel, possible delays and what remains open to visitors as the US government prepares to settle its budget.
Commercial flights will continue to operate as normal and airline employees will not be impacted. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) noted, however, that an extended shutdown could result in longer wait times at airports. Travellers should allow extra time for security screening and check flight status updates before heading to the airport.
Air-traffic control and the TSA both remain in operation, though workers will not be paid while the shutdown is in effect. According to a TSA spokesperson: "Approximately 61,000 of the agency's 64,000 employees are considered excepted or exempt and TSA will continue operations to keep the travelling public safe."
During the last government shutdown (which lasted more than a month from December 2018 to January 2019), TSA staff shortages led to significant disruption. Up to 10% of staff chose to stay home rather than work for free, affecting both domestic and international flights. During this period, union representatives for TSA employees said that many of the workers were likely seeking alternative temporary employment to make up for their lost wages. The New York Times reported that many, including Senator Bernie Sanders, credited air-traffic controllers for ending the previous shutdown after staffing issues created significant delays and a full ground stop at New York City's LaGuardia Airport.
Amtrak says its trains will continue to run as usual across the US and into Canada. Although it receives federal funding, Amtrak operates as a for-profit corporation and expects no immediate impact.
"Passengers planning to travel on Amtrak trains in the Northeast Corridor and across the country in the coming days and weeks can be assured that Amtrak will remain open for business," Amtrak told ABC News.
Passports are the purview of the Department of State, which assures that "consular operations domestically and abroad will remain operational". This includes passports, visas and assisting US citizens abroad. However, according to the Washington DC-based newspaper The Hill, processing times for passport renewals and issuances could impact processing times, so anyone planning to lodge a new application or renewal should allow extra time in addition to the usual four to six weeks.
New applications for passports, renewals and photo services are available on the United States Postal Service website and post offices remain operational as the USPS is an independent entity.
[SRC] https://www.bbc.co.uk/travel/article/20251003-how-the-government-shutdown-can-impact-travel
