Impacts of the U.S. Government Shutdown on Travelers: What You Need to Know

Sat Oct 18 2025 08:00:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the U.S. government shutdown unfolds, travelers should be aware of potential disruptions to air travel, airport operations, and other travel-related services.

The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is raising concerns for travelers, potentially leading to longer TSA lines, flight delays, and airport disruptions. While airports will remain operational and international travel is expected to continue, those planning to fly should prepare for possible challenges as the situation develops.

The recent U.S. government shutdown, initiated after President Trump and Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding, has led to potential complications for travelers. As the shutdown persists, officials warn of longer lines at airports, increased flight delays, and potential cancelations. Geoff Freeman, the president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, stated that such disruptions become more likely the longer the shutdown persists.

Traveling During a Shutdown

Despite the government shutdown, travelers can still board flights. However, they may encounter longer wait times at airport security and possible flight interruptions. Approximately 13,200 air traffic controllers and over 61,000 TSA employees are still expected to work, but ongoing strain on national aviation systems may result in severe delays similar to those observed during the previous government shutdown that lasted 35 days from late 2018 to early 2019.

During that shutdown, numerous TSA screeners began calling in sick, significantly affecting operations. Miami International Airport, for example, had to temporarily close a terminal due to increased sick calls among TSA agents.

International Travel and Border Security

Ports of entry for international travelers will remain operational, with around 63,000 Customs and Border Protection workers still expected to report for duty. Their responsibilities include monitoring all incoming traffic at official entry points into the U.S.

Passport and Visa Services

Most passport and visa processing is funded through application fees, which means they will typically remain unaffected. However, the E-Verify program, which verifies employee eligibility, has been temporarily shut down as a result of the funding lapse.

However, Museums and National Parks

While many federal services are affected, Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are expected to remain open through at least early October. National parks will also stay mostly open, although some facilities without accessible areas may close if resources are damaged or left unattended.

In summary, travelers should remain alert and plan accordingly during the government shutdown to avoid disruptions to their travel plans.