As the US government shutdown takes effect, here's what visitors need to know, from airport queues to national parks and museums.

From 1 October 2025, the US government is shut down after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. While essential services will continue, travellers are bracing for potential major disruption. From air travel to passport renewals and the shutdown of national parks and museums, travel to, through and out of the US may get much more complicated.

To understand how long a government shutdown might last and what could bring it to an end, read Anthony Zurcher's analysis. The US Travel Association is also tracking the real-time economic impact of the shutdown, which it estimates to be about $1bn (£741m) per week for the travel economy and public.

Here's what travellers need to know about air travel, possible delays and what remains open to visitors as the US government prepares to settle its budget.

Commercial flights will continue to operate as normal and airline employees will not be impacted. The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) noted, however, that an extended shutdown could result in longer wait times at airports. Travellers should allow extra time for security screening and check flight status updates before heading to the airport.

Air-traffic control and the TSA both remain in operation, though workers will not be paid while the shutdown is in effect. According to a TSA spokesperson: "Approximately 61,000 of the agency's 64,000 employees are considered excepted or exempt and TSA will continue operations to keep the travelling public safe."

During the last government shutdown (which lasted more than a month from December 2018 to January 2019), TSA staff shortages led to significant disruption. Up to 10% of staff chose to stay home rather than work for free, affecting both domestic and international flights. During this period, union representatives for TSA employees said that many of the workers were likely seeking alternative temporary employment to make up for their lost wages. The New York Times reported that many, including Senator Bernie Sanders, credited air-traffic controllers for ending the previous shutdown after staffing issues created significant delays and a full ground stop at........

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