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U.S. Government Shutdown: Travel Impact
Effective October 1, 2025, the U.S. federal government has officially entered a shutdown. While essential services remain in place, previous shutdowns have shown that travel can be affected in several ways.
What Travelers Should Expect:
- TSA & Air Traffic Control: Essential staff are working without pay, which may cause staffing shortages, longer security lines, and potential checkpoint closures.
- Flight Operations: Airlines may face ripple effects from FAA and ATC staffing issues, leading to cancellations, reroutes, or schedule reductions.
- Passports & Visas: Passport agencies remain open, but processing may slow if the shutdown continues. U.S. consulates abroad may also see delays.
Recommendations for Travel Managers:
- Encourage travelers to arrive early at airports and build extra buffer time into itineraries.
- Use refundable or flexible tickets to reduce financial risk.
- Communicate proactively about possible delays and ensure travelers know how to reach 24/7 support.
Direct Travel will continue monitoring the situation and provide updates as developments occur.
REAL ID Requirements for U.S. Travel
Effective May 7, 2025, TSA now requires all domestic travelers within the U.S. to present a REAL ID-compliant ID for airport security. A REAL ID is a driver’s license or state-issued ID that meets federal standards for security and identification.
What You Need to Do:
- Check Your ID: Ensure your driver’s license or state ID is REAL ID-compliant. Look for a star in the upper right corner (icon may vary depending on state).
- Alternatives: If your ID isn’t compliant, you can use a U.S. passport, military ID, or other TSA-approved identification.
- Unsure?: Contact your state’s DMV to confirm if your ID meets REAL ID standards and learn how to obtain one.
- Plan Ahead: Allow enough time to get a REAL ID before your travel date.
Failure to present a valid REAL ID may result in failure to pass through the TSA security checkpoints. For more details, including FAQs, visit REAL ID FAQs | Homeland Security.
Entry Guide for International Travel
*Please note that when using the CIBT Tool for entry and visa requirements multi-country trips and transit visas are not reflected and can be best handled by a member of our team.
