Why you should renew your passport now ahead of a U.S. government shutdown.

Sep 30, 2025

When a U.S. government shutdown looms, passport processing is at risk of serious delays—even if offices technically remain open. That’s because while passport services are fee-funded, they still depend on government-run buildings, federal staffing, and operational infrastructure that can be disrupted or deprioritized during a shutdown.

If you’re planning to travel internationally in the next 6–12 months and your passport is near expiration—or you don’t yet have one—the time to act is now.

What happens to passport services during a shutdown?

Although the U.S. Department of State typically keeps passport operations running during a shutdown, they often operate at reduced capacity. Here’s what that can mean:

• Facility closures: Passport agencies located in federal buildings may be forced to close, even if their services are technically funded.
• Appointment backlogs: Fewer available appointments for expedited services or urgent travel.
• Longer processing times: Reduced staff availability, logistical slowdowns, and mail delays all add up.
• Delayed passport renewals: Routine renewals that normally take 8–11 weeks can stretch well beyond that during a shutdown.

In past shutdowns, travelers have seen wait times balloon unexpectedly. And even when operations resume, the backlog can take weeks—or months—to resolve.

Who should renew their passport now?

You should act immediately if:

• Your passport expires in the next 12 months
• You have international travel planned and your passport expires within 6 months of your departure date
• You need a child passport, which cannot be renewed and must be applied for in person
• You’re applying for your first U.S. passport
• You’ve lost your passport or it’s been damaged

How CIBTvisas helps you avoid shutdown-related delays.

CIBTvisas offers fast, secure, and expert passport processing services. Whether you’re renewing an expiring passport or applying for a new one, we help you bypass confusion and cut through red tape. Here’s how we help:

• Fast turnarounds: Access expedited service options to ensure you meet tight deadlines.
• Guaranteed accuracy: Every application is reviewed by an expert to eliminate delays from errors or omissions.
• End-to-end support: From document preparation to application submission, CIBTvisas handles the process for you.
• Trusted by 75% of Fortune 500 companies: We bring the same level of service and professionalism to individual travelers.

The bottom line

A government shutdown may be out of your control—but your passport situation isn’t. Waiting to renew or apply can put your travel plans at risk for weeks or even months.

Apply now, before delays start. With CIBTvisas, your passport is in expert hands—processed quickly, accurately, and securely.

This update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to CIBTvisas for any case- or company-specific assessments.

Read next: China launches online visa application system in the U.S. as part of global rollout.

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