How the US Government Shutdown Could Disrupt Travel Plans Nationwide

Published: 06 September 2025. The English Chronicle Desk

The United States has entered yet another government shutdown, effective from 1 October 2025, following Congress’s failure to reach a consensus on a new funding bill. While essential services such as emergency response and hospitals will continue to function, the partial suspension of federal operations is expected to create a wave of uncertainty across multiple sectors, particularly travel. From airport security delays to the closure of museums and the scaling back of services at national parks, travellers within and outside the US are bracing themselves for significant complications.

The travel industry, a vital contributor to the American economy, is already projecting major losses as the shutdown begins. According to the US Travel Association, the shutdown is costing an estimated $1 billion every week, adding both financial and logistical strain to an already complex travel environment.

For air travel, commercial flights will continue to operate on schedule, as airlines and their staff are not directly affected. However, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which oversees airport security, has warned that longer queues and wait times could become the norm if the shutdown drags on. With thousands of federal employees furloughed or working without pay, passenger screening and other services could be understaffed. Travellers are being urged to arrive earlier than usual at airports and to monitor their flight statuses closely.

Rail travel will not face immediate disruption, with Amtrak announcing that all of its trains, including services along the busy Northeast Corridor and routes connecting the US and Canada, will continue to run. As a for-profit corporation, Amtrak receives federal funding but is not wholly reliant on it for daily operations, thus insulating passengers from short-term impacts. In a statement to ABC News, Amtrak reassured passengers that it remains “open for business” despite the political turmoil.

Passport and visa processing is another area drawing concern. The State Department has confirmed that consular operations, both domestically and overseas, will remain functional, allowing for applications and renewals to proceed. However, The Hill has reported that processing delays are inevitable due to staff shortages and increased demand, stretching the usual four-to-six-week timeline. The United States Postal Service (USPS), which operates independently of federal funding, continues to provide passport application and photo services, but applicants have been advised to apply as early as possible.

For tourists, the shutdown could cast a shadow over visits to some of America’s most iconic destinations. National parks will technically remain open, but visitors will notice a sharp decline in services. Visitor centres, guided programs, and maintenance along trails are expected to be suspended, while over half of the National Park Service staff are furloughed. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has strongly warned against repeating mistakes of past shutdowns, when parks were left accessible but unprotected, leading to environmental damage and safety hazards. “We know what happened last time park staff were forced to leave parks open and unprotected, and the impacts were disastrous,” said NPCA President Theresa Pierno, urging the government to take a more responsible approach.

The National Park Service has pledged to keep park roads, lookout points, trails, and open-air memorials accessible “as much as possible” during the shutdown. Critical functions such as law enforcement and emergency response will remain operational to ensure visitor safety. However, park websites and social media pages will not be updated, except in emergencies, leaving many travellers without real-time information. Visitors have been advised to check the Department of the Interior’s official channels before planning their trips.

Cultural institutions are also caught in the uncertainty. The Smithsonian Institution, which manages 21 museums and the National Zoo in and around Washington, DC, has announced that it will remain open until at least 6 October 2025, drawing on reserve funds. Beyond that date, however, closures are expected if Congress does not resolve the budget crisis. The Smithsonian, which receives 62 percent of its funding from the federal government, has warned that prolonged disruption could mean shuttered museums and the suspension of educational programs. In a statement, the National Zoo confirmed that it too would close under a prolonged shutdown, in line with the Smithsonian’s policy.

Despite these disruptions, critical services remain untouched. Emergency dispatch systems, hospitals, and Veterans Affairs medical centres are continuing to operate normally. These facilities are considered essential and are not subject to shutdown furloughs.

For now, the duration of the shutdown remains unclear. Previous shutdowns have lasted anywhere from a few days to over a month, depending on political negotiations. Until an agreement is reached, millions of travellers, both domestic and international, will have to navigate the ripple effects of a federal government in partial paralysis. For many, the shutdown is not just a political standoff in Washington, but a direct obstacle to accessing the country’s transport networks, cultural treasures, and natural wonders.