Shutdown Deadline Nears: Here’s How It Affects Travel

Key Points

• Essential travel services like TSA, air traffic control, and Customs and Border Protection would continue operating during a government shutdown, but workers would not be paid until it ends.
• National parks, museums, and monuments would mostly close or operate on limited capacity, potentially leading to issues like litter and staffing shortages.
• Passport and visa processing would generally remain available, but could be affected if facilities are in closed government buildings; Amtrak would keep running but could face funding delays if the shutdown persists.

Summary

The article outlines the potential impacts of a U.S. government shutdown on the travel industry, including continued but strained operations for essential services like TSA, air traffic control, and Customs and Border Protection. National parks and museums would likely close or operate with limited staffing, while passport and visa processing would mostly continue unless facilities are directly affected by closures. Amtrak would keep running but could experience delays in funding if the shutdown is prolonged.