The White House announces federal government shutdown; travelers to the U.S. may face longer customs clearance times

Travelers visiting the U.S. may experience longer customs clearance times in the event of a government shutdown. The image shows Hawaiian Airlines. (Photo / from Hawaiian Airlines fan page)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

As the U.S. budget bill failed to pass the midnight deadline, some federal government agencies will shut down on the 1st. For foreign travelers arriving in the U.S., customs operations will continue, but clearance times may be extended due to reduced staffing.

For foreign travelers arriving in the U.S. on the 1st and preparing to go through immigration, U.S. airports will operate as usual, and flights will take off and land normally, but travelers should be prepared for possible longer customs clearance times. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers stationed at airports nationwide will remain on duty on the 1st, but due to reduced staffing, clearance times may be longer than usual.

As for how the federal government shutdown will affect various application procedures submitted at the border, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated that it is currently difficult to assess. U.S. Transportation Security Administration spokesperson Ross Feinstein announced via Twitter that passengers should not expect significant delays in the airport security screening process, as the vast majority of TSA personnel responsible for passenger and baggage checks will work as usual. (Source: Central News Agency)