The United States federal government entered a shutdown on October 1, 2023, after President Donald Trump and Congress failed to agree on necessary funding legislation. This shutdown affects tens of thousands of government employees, many of whom will continue working without pay, leading to interruptions in vital public services. The impact of this political impasse is expected to extend well beyond Washington, D.C., significantly influencing the tourism sector.
While essential services like border security and air traffic control remain operational, the shutdown introduces uncertainties and potential disruptions for travelers. This situation is likely to strain both the quality of services and the economic health of travel-related businesses. For Canadian travelers, the shutdown presents specific risks that could adversely affect their experiences in the United States.
Border Delays and Processing Challenges
The Canada-U.S. border, the longest international boundary globally, is managed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, which is classified as essential. This classification ensures that border entry points remain open, but it does not guarantee full staffing. In previous shutdowns, U.S. Customs officers were required to work without pay, leading to absenteeism and decreased morale. Consequently, travelers often faced longer wait times and more stressful experiences.
Road travelers may encounter increased delays at land crossings, particularly during weekends and holidays. Air travelers are also at risk, especially at Canadian airports with U.S. pre-clearance facilities. Any staff shortages or payment delays could result in longer queues and potential flight delays. Furthermore, the long-term implications could include the closure of pre-clearance operations at select airports.
Air Travel Disruptions
Airports face additional challenges during the shutdown. Both air traffic controllers and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) agents continue to work but without pay. Historically, financial uncertainty has led to increased absenteeism, which in turn causes longer security lines, flight delays, and even cancellations. The Federal Aviation Administration also suspends non-essential activities, such as training new controllers and conducting certain safety inspections.
The existing shortage of air traffic controllers in the U.S. could worsen as recruitment and training efforts are frozen during the shutdown. While disruptions at airports typically become noticeable after about a week, the risk of delays increases significantly the longer the shutdown continues. Travelers should allow extra time in their itineraries to accommodate potential delays, particularly at major hubs such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Impact on Federal Attractions and Economic Stress
Canadian tourists looking for leisure activities may be disappointed as federal attractions and national parks close due to funding shortages. The National Park Service, Smithsonian museums, and numerous monuments rely on federal support, and past shutdowns have seen facilities like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon limit their operations. Visitors may find unmaintained roads, locked restrooms, and unavailable emergency services, diminishing their overall experience.
Despite these challenges, private sector operators, including hotels, restaurants, and tour companies, remain open for business. However, they may also face challenges related to delays and potential cancellations. The economic impact of the shutdown extends beyond immediate inconveniences. The US Travel and Tourism Association has indicated a projected drop in inbound visits by 6.3 percent, from 72.4 million in 2024 to 67.9 million in 2025. This decline has not been experienced since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Moreover, the travel economy is at risk of losing approximately US$1 billion per week due to the ongoing disruptions. Recent increases in travel costs, such as the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) fee rising from US$21 to US$40, and the introduction of a new US$250 “visa integrity fee” for non-visa waiver countries like Mexico, China, and India, may further discourage international travel.
For Canadians, the shutdown adds yet another layer of complexity to travel plans, potentially leading to delays or cancellations for both business and leisure travelers. This situation poses a risk to the economies of border towns that rely on unrestricted mobility of travelers.
As the shutdown continues, concerns are likely to grow, particularly if it persists for weeks as seen in the lengthy shutdown from 2018 to 2019. The year 2025 has already proven troublesome for U.S. tourism, and travelers are reconsidering their plans. With the possibility of further disruptions, closed attractions, and declining service quality, Canadian travelers must be aware of the risks involved in traveling to the U.S.
The federal government shutdown is the latest challenge impacting U.S.-Canada tourism, which has faced numerous crises since September 11, 2001. In light of these ongoing issues, both businesses and travelers must engage in proactive planning and risk management to navigate the uncertainties effectively.
