01/09/2019
The U.S. government shutdown continues and is affecting the travel and tourism industry in various ways. However, it is important to note that travelers will still be able to obtain passports and visas. According to The U.S. Department of State (below and at link):
We continue to offer passport services during the lapse of appropriations for the federal government.
You can still apply for a U.S. passport book or passport card at all passport agencies and centers and acceptance facilities (such as U.S. post offices, libraries, or county clerk’s offices) during the lapse of appropriations. You can also renew your passport by mail. Our processing times remain the same: 4-6 weeks for routine service and 2-3 weeks for expedited service.
If you have a scheduled appointment at a U.S. Department of State passport agency or center, please plan on keeping your appointment.
Additionally, other agencies that serve the traveling public will remain operational, writes USA Today (link in comments):
Security workers at the nation’s airports are still on duty to screen passengers, even though they’re working without pay.
Some 55,182 employees for the Transportation Security Administration are expected to remain on the job during the shutdown, according to the Department of Homeland Security’s shutdown contingency plan.
Checkpoints at the nation’s borders also will remain open to help process international travelers. U.S. Customs and Border Patrol estimates that 54,935 employees will continue working despite the lapse in federal funding.
Train travel also should not be affected by the shutdown. Amtrak is a government-owned corporation and is operating as usual.
We will continue to offer passport services. Our agencies and centers will reopen Wednesday, December 26 after scheduled federal holidays on December 24 and 25.