- Essential Travel Services Continue: Air traffic control, TSA, and US Customs and Border Protection staff are working unpaid to keep airports and borders operational.
- National Park and Museum Closures: National Parks have limited services or are closed, while major cultural sites in Washington, D.C., will likely close their doors soon as existing funds run out.
- Non-Federal Services Remain Open: Amtrak train services, along with passport and visa processing (which are fee-funded), are expected to continue operating, though delays may occur.
- Significant Economic Impact: The US tourism industry is facing financial losses estimated at one billion dollars every week the government shutdown persists.
The current US government shutdown is undeniably creating a challenging environment for the American tourism industry, but the underlying strength and resilience of the sector and its essential workers deserve recognition. While the situation has led to significant disruptions, the industry is demonstrating its ability to maintain crucial services and find workarounds. For instance, air travel continues to operate thanks to the dedication of essential personnel like air traffic controllers and TSA officers, who are showing up to work unpaid to keep the skies safe and airports functioning.
Despite the difficulties, travelers should know that many core services are still accessible. Passport and visa services, which are fee-funded, are continuing their operations, though travelers are advised to anticipate potential delays. Similarly, Amtrak is keeping its trains running across the country, providing a stable alternative for ground transport. The ability of major cultural institutions, such as the Smithsonian museums, to remain open for a short period using previous funds also provides a positive, albeit temporary, respite for visitors in Washington, D.C.
Even with the billion-dollar chaos impacting local economies and national parks facing service limitations, the quick pivot and determination of gateway communities and businesses to adapt—or in the case of some states, explore funding to keep parks open—highlights the deep commitment to the traveler experience. The entire tourism ecosystem is working hard to minimize the impact, making detailed planning and checking for daily updates the key to a successful journey during this period of uncertainty.