The United States is once again facing a government shutdown, triggered by a political impasse in the Senate over federal funding. While shutdowns are not uncommon in American politics, they create uncertainty not just for citizens but also for the millions of international travelers who plan to visit the country each year. From flights to visa applications, and from national parks to museums, the ripple effects of a shutdown can directly affect tourists.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore exactly how the ongoing shutdown could influence your US trip, drawing on lessons from previous shutdowns—such as the record 35-day closure in 2018-19 during Donald Trump’s first term as president. We’ll look at the impact on air travel, visas, trains, highways, and tourist attractions, so you can be prepared if your travel plans are at risk.
What Happens During a Government Shutdown?
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to approve funding bills, causing federal agencies to run out of operational money. Essential services continue, but non-essential government employees are placed on unpaid furlough. Those deemed “essential” must continue working but without pay until funding is restored.
In the current situation, hundreds of thousands of federal employees have been furloughed, while many others in critical sectors such as air traffic control, border security, and disaster response are working without salaries. Former President Trump has even threatened permanent layoffs if funding is not resolved, adding more tension to an already unstable scenario.
For travelers, the impact can be frustrating and unpredictable. While some services—like visa processing and air travel—are considered essential, the strain on underpaid or unpaid staff can lead to delays, cancellations, or closures.
Flights and Airports: What to Expect
Air travel is one of the most immediate concerns for international visitors during a shutdown. The US aviation sector relies heavily on federal workers, many of whom are affected when funding is frozen.
- Department of Transportation (DOT): More than half of DOT employees are expected to work without pay, while around a quarter have been furloughed.
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): With about 45,000 employees, including 13,200 air traffic controllers (ATC), the FAA continues to operate. However, staff shortages and paused recruitment and training could worsen delays.
- Airline safety and efficiency: Airlines for America, the trade association, has cautioned that while air travel remains the safest mode of transport, efficiency may suffer due to staff shortages and delays in training.
Impact on travelers:
- Passengers may experience longer wait times at airports.
- Flight delays and cancellations could increase if staffing problems worsen.
- Airports such as Las Vegas Harry Reid International have already urged travelers to arrive early.
TSA Operations
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), responsible for passenger and baggage screening, continues to function as an essential service. However, during the 2018 shutdown, many TSA employees began calling in sick to find other paying jobs, leading to security bottlenecks and long queues. If the current shutdown drags on, similar problems could resurface.
Tip for travelers: Arrive at the airport earlier than usual to account for possible delays at security checkpoints.
Visas and Entry Documents
Another critical area for travelers is visa processing. The US requires most visitors to either apply for a visa or an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) under the Visa Waiver Program.
- ESTA applications: These continue to be processed online. However, note that the fee has nearly doubled from $21 to $40.
- Green card and immigration services: More than 75% of Homeland Security staff are expected to work unpaid. While visa applications may still move forward, non-urgent services like green card processing could face significant delays.
Impact on travelers:
- Holidaymakers using ESTA should see little disruption.
- Those applying for long-term visas or residency should prepare for delays and backlogs.
Trains and Highways: Will They Run?
Travelers who prefer ground transportation might find fewer immediate disruptions compared to air travel.
- Amtrak: The national rail operator continues to run services, largely funded by ticket sales. Long-distance routes, which depend on federal subsidies, may face challenges if the shutdown is prolonged. For now, services are unaffected.
- Highways: Road operations continue as normal since Highways Agency staff are not furloughed.
Impact on travelers:
- Short-term: Minimal disruption.
- Long-term: Infrastructure projects, such as repairs and upgrades, could be delayed if funding dries up.
National Parks, Beaches, and Attractions
One of the most visible effects of a government shutdown for tourists is the closure—or partial closure—of national parks and cultural attractions.
- National Parks Service (NPS): Over half of Department of the Interior staff have been furloughed. Parks may remain technically “open” but without essential services such as maintenance, staffing, or safety patrols.
- Previous shutdown (2018-19): Parks faced problems such as littering, vandalism, and unsafe conditions. Toilets and trash collection services were suspended. Some parks even shut their gates entirely.
- Current contingency plan: According to NPS, parks without accessible facilities will not operate. There will be no visitor services, no permits issued, no trash collection, no restroom maintenance, and no guided tours.
Impact on travelers:
- Expect closed facilities at many national parks.
- Museums and galleries could shut down if the shutdown is prolonged, as happened previously with the Smithsonian Institution and the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
Wider Tourism Industry Concerns
The US tourism sector is bracing for heavy losses. According to Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the US Travel Association, the shutdown could cost the industry up to $1 billion per week.
This figure includes not just lost ticket sales at attractions but also ripple effects across hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and local businesses. For cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Orlando, where tourism is a major economic driver, this could be particularly damaging.
Emergency Services and Safety
Beyond tourism, the shutdown affects essential safety operations:
- Coast Guard: Staff continue to work without pay, performing life-saving rescues and disaster response operations. However, morale and readiness could decline if salaries are not restored soon.
- Natural disaster response: Agencies tasked with responding to hurricanes, wildfires, and other emergencies face uncertainty, which could endanger public safety.
Lessons from the 2018-19 Shutdown
The last major shutdown offers important lessons:
- Duration matters: The longer a shutdown lasts, the more widespread and severe the impact.
- Tourism suffers early: National parks and museums are among the first to close, hitting travelers directly.
- Air travel resilience: Flights keep running, but delays accumulate as unpaid staff shortages worsen.
- Public frustration: Both citizens and visitors lose confidence in services, damaging the country’s image abroad.
Practical Tips for Travelers During the Shutdown
If you’re planning to visit the US during a government shutdown, here’s how to prepare:
- Stay Updated: Monitor official travel advisories and airline updates.
- Arrive Early: Plan for longer airport security and immigration queues.
- Check Park Closures: Confirm the status of national parks and attractions before visiting.
- Book Flexibly: Opt for refundable tickets and flexible hotel bookings in case plans change.
- Carry Essentials: If visiting outdoor sites, bring your own supplies (water, snacks, toilet paper) in case facilities are closed.
- Monitor Visa Status: For long-term stays, regularly check the progress of your applications.
Conclusion: Should You Still Travel?
A US government shutdown doesn’t mean the country is closed to travelers—but it does create challenges that could disrupt your experience. Flights will still take off, visas will still be processed, and trains will keep running. However, expect delays at airports, uncertainty with immigration processing, and closures of some of the country’s most iconic attractions.
The situation also underscores the vulnerability of the tourism sector to political disputes. With potential losses of $1 billion a week, the pressure is mounting on lawmakers to find a resolution quickly.
For travelers, the key takeaway is to remain flexible, plan ahead, and stay informed. By understanding the potential impacts now, you can make smarter choices and still enjoy your US trip despite the turbulence of Washington politics.
