Photo by Louis Velazquez on Unsplash
Travellers heading to the United States this week are facing an unwelcome surprise: another federal government shutdown — the tenth since 1976 and the third during Donald Trump’s presidency. The shutdown began on 1 October after lawmakers failed to pass a funding bill, triggering widespread disruptions across federally funded services.
While planes and cruises continue to run, the effects are already rippling through the country. National parks are operating with reduced services, many museums are closed, and visa processing delays are likely. The US Travel Association warns that the shutdown could drain around €920 million from the travel economy each week, affecting not just airlines and hotels but also the small businesses that rely on tourism.
Flights
Flights are operating as normal for now. Air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff remain on duty, though unpaid. Experts caution that extended staff shortages could eventually cause longer queues and possible delays. Non-essential Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) work — such as safety approvals and infrastructure projects — has been suspended.
Cruises
Cruise operations from US ports are largely unaffected. Essential staff, including Coast Guard and border officers, remain in place. However, passengers may encounter disruptions if their itineraries include visits to national parks or federally operated sites.
National Parks
Parks remain partly open, but services are significantly limited. Roads, trails and outdoor areas are accessible, while visitor centres, restrooms, and staffed monuments are mostly closed. High-profile attractions such as Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Statue of Liberty are open with reduced services. In Utah, all five national parks — Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion — remain accessible.
The Department of the Interior has warned that further closures may occur if safety or conservation is at risk. Around 9,300 National Park Service staff — nearly two-thirds of the workforce — have been furloughed, adding to long-standing staffing challenges.
Museums and Cultural Sites
Federally funded museums, including the National Archives and the Washington Monument, are closed. Some Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are temporarily open, but only until 6 October, pending funds. Privately funded museums remain unaffected.
Performances and cultural events, including those at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, continue as planned, though with reduced staffing.
Visa and Immigration Services
US embassies and consulates remain open for essential services, but visa applicants may face delays due to reduced staffing and growing backlogs.
What this means for travellers:
Flights & cruises: Operating normally, but expect possible delays if the shutdown continues.
National parks: Open with limited services; check before visiting.
Museums: Most federally funded sites closed; privately funded ones remain open.
Visas: Processing delays likely.
Travellers planning trips to the US are advised to check official websites for real-time updates before finalising itineraries.
