How the 2025 US Government Shutdown is Disrupting National Parks and Tourism: Essential Advice for Travelers

As of October 10, 2025, the United States is in the midst of its latest federal government shutdown, now entering Day 10. This impasse, triggered by Congress’s failure to pass appropriations bills by the September 30 fiscal year deadline, has halted non-essential federal operations and furloughed hundreds of thousands of workers. For travelers—especially international visitors planning trips to iconic American destinations—the ripple effects are profound. From skeletal staffing at national parks to economic losses rippling through the tourism sector, this shutdown is casting a shadow over what should be peak fall travel season.

At Visas & Travels, we’re here to break it down: the direct hits to national parks, the broader tourism fallout, and what it means for visa holders and global wanderers. Whether you’re eyeing a hike in Yosemite or a city break in DC, read on for the latest intel and pro tips to navigate this mess.

National Parks: Open but Bare-Bones—And at Risk

America’s 63 national parks, monuments, and historic sites draw over 300 million visitors annually, generating $50 billion in economic activity. But under the Department of the Interior’s 2025 contingency plan, most parks are operating in “skeleton crew” mode during the shutdown. Here’s the rundown:

• Limited Access and Services: Roads, trails, and basic facilities like restrooms remain open where feasible, but expect no rangers at visitor centers, no guided tours, and no real-time updates on trail conditions or wildlife alerts. High-traffic spots like the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone might see volunteer-led info booths, but don’t count on it—staffing is down 24% overall, leaving parks vulnerable to overuse, litter, and even poaching.
• Closures and Exceptions: Not all parks are staying open. Smaller sites or those requiring heavy maintenance, like parts of Shenandoah National Park, could shutter entirely if safety risks mount. Glacier and Yellowstone, for instance, are accessible but with warnings about unmonitored backcountry areas. In urban parks like the National Mall, open-air memorials are fine, but indoor exhibits are off-limits.
• Visitor Confusion and Safety Concerns: “Devastated” travelers report empty tollbooths and unclear signage, leading to frustration and potential hazards. With fewer eyes on the ground, incidents of vandalism or wildlife encounters could spike—think black-footed ferrets in remote parks going unprotected. Long-term? Experts warn of degraded ecosystems if this drags on.

Tourism on the Brink: Billions Lost and Travel Nightmares

The shutdown isn’t just a park problem—it’s hammering the $2.6 trillion US travel industry, with projections of $1 billion in weekly losses. Here’s how it’s playing out:

• Airport Chaos: TSA screeners and FAA staff are deemed essential, but with furloughs hitting support roles, expect longer security lines and potential delays—especially at hubs like LAX or JFK, already strained by staffing shortages. International flights could face extra scrutiny, too.
• DC and Urban Hotspots as “Ghost Towns”: The nation’s capital is a prime casualty. Smithsonian museums and federal landmarks are closed, leaving tourists wandering a “ghost town.” States like California (home to Yosemite), Washington (Olympic NP), Alaska (Denali), and Louisiana (coastal sites) are seeing the steepest drops in bookings.
• Ripple to Cruising and Beyond: Even non-federal travel feels the pinch. Cruise lines report itinerary tweaks around closed ports, and hotels near parks are slashing rates amid cancellations. Overall, the U.S. Travel Association warns of a “detrimental” hit to jobs and small businesses.

These visuals capture the paradox: stunning landscapes await, but the welcome mat is threadbare.

Visa and Immigration Angles: Delays Loom for Global Visitors

For our international readers, the shutdown’s tentacles reach into entry protocols. While visa issuance at US embassies (funded by fees) should continue uninterrupted, don’t bank on it being seamless:

• Processing Slowdowns: USCIS and State Department ops are partially funded, but non-fee services like E-Verify for employers are frozen, forcing manual workarounds. Expect delays in visa renewals, DOL approvals for work visas, and ESTA approvals for Visa Waiver Program travelers.
• Border and Customs Hiccups: CBP agents are essential, but backlogs could mean longer waits at ports of entry. If your trip involves a park near the border (e.g., Big Bend), factor in extra time.

Pro Tip: Apply for visas now if possible, and monitor the State Department’s shutdown page for updates.

What Should Travelers Do Next?

This shutdown could end tomorrow—or stretch weeks. Stay agile:

1. Check Real-Time Status: Use nps.gov/shutdown for park alerts and tsa.gov for airport intel.
2. Build Flexibility: Book refundable lodging and travel insurance covering “government actions.”
3. Pivot Plans: Swap parks for state parks (unaffected) or urban escapes like New York City’s free attractions.
4. Support Local: Dine at park-adjacent businesses—your dollars help tide them over.

America’s wonders are resilient, but bureaucracy isn’t always. Have questions on visas amid the chaos? Drop a comment below—we’re monitoring developments. Safe travels, and here’s hoping Congress gets its act together soon.