The shutdown has officially hit tourists and travelers. As of Sunday, Oct. 12, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo shut their doors, with more closures and cutbacks likely to follow this week as stopgap funds run dry and agencies ration staff.
The shutdown is now forecasted to go beyond 30 days according to prediction markets.
As the third week of the government shutdown begins, here’s what’s closed now and what’s at risk of closing next.
Closed: Smithsonian Museums & National Zoo
All Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo are closed to the public as of Monday, Oct. 13. Don’t worry, animal care continues, but live cams are off. Expect extended closures until a deal is reached.
Already Dark: National Gallery of Art & National Archives Museum
The National Gallery of Art closed over the weekend. The National Archives Museum and related facilities are also closed during the lapse. If you’re in D.C., plan private museum alternatives.
National Parks: Open Gates, Fewer Services
Many marquee parks remain physically open, but with limited staffing. It’s safe to expect closed visitor centers, fewer rangers, and spotty restrooms/services. Site-by-site rules vary and can tighten further this week.
Air Travel: Staffing Squeeze Could Worsen Delays
FAA staffing constraints have fueled multi-day delays at major hubs. With controllers and TSA working unpaid, more slowdowns are possible if absenteeism rises. Build in extra time.
Federal Courts: Open for Now
The judiciary is operating on non-appropriated funds expected to last through Friday, Oct. 17. If those balances run out, courts may curtail to “mission-critical” matters.
Passports & Visas: Consular Services Continue, But Expect Friction
State Department passports/visas continue, though some domestic support is paused—translating to longer waits and periodic hiccups.
IRS: Staff Furloughs + Filing Crunch Week
Nearly half of IRS staff is furloughed. The Oct. 15 extension deadline still stands, but expect slower assistance and processing.
Science & Health: NIH Grants, Trials, and Lab Work Slowed
NIH is keeping about a quarter of staff for patient care and animal welfare. Meanwhile, eer review, many grants, and non-urgent research are delayed until operations resume.
What About Food Assistance?
SNAP should pay out for October, but warnings rise if the shutdown drags into November. WIC is more fragile—some states say funding carries through October, others warn services could pause sooner without bridges.
