Passports and Visas During a Government Shutdown

Short answer: Passport and visa operations often continue during a shutdown because consular fees support much of the work. Service can still slow, and a passport facility inside a closed federal building may become unavailable.

The three things that determine service

Available fee revenue. The State Department can continue some consular operations while sufficient fee funding is available.
Facility access. A service located in an affected federal building may close even when the underlying program continues.
Shutdown duration and local conditions. A long lapse can reduce support and create backlogs.

Post offices, libraries, and local government offices that accept passport applications may have their own schedules. Acceptance is different from processing, which the State Department handles.

If you already applied

Use the official online passport status system. A shutdown headline does not change the status shown for your case. Keep proof of your travel date and application locator number if you need to ask about urgent service.

Do not submit a duplicate application unless the State Department directs you to do so. Duplicate records can complicate processing.

If you need to apply

Apply as early as you reasonably can. Check current processing times rather than relying on estimates from a previous shutdown. Expedite fees do not promise delivery by a specific date, and mailing time is separate from processing time.

For urgent travel, use only contact details published on Travel.State.Gov. Third-party appointment sellers cannot create official appointment capacity.

Situation	First step
Routine U.S. passport application	Check current processing times and acceptance locations
International travel within 14 days	Review official urgent travel criteria
Life-or-death emergency	Follow State Department emergency instructions
U.S. visa application abroad	Check the specific embassy or consulate page
Lost passport abroad	Contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate

Official sources

Airport screening is a separate issue; use the TSA and air travel shutdown guide.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply for a passport during a government shutdown?

Passport services often continue when fee funding and facilities are available. Submit an application if needed and verify the specific acceptance or passport facility before visiting.

Will a shutdown delay my passport?

It can, particularly if support functions or a facility in a federal building are affected. Current State Department processing estimates and case status are more useful than a general prediction.

Do U.S. embassies close during a shutdown?

Embassies and consulates do not all close automatically. Consular services may continue with fee funding, while local conditions and the department's plan determine specific operations.