#passports

#passports

The government shutdown, which began on Oct. 1, 2025, has impacted many federal services, but for those traveling abroad, there shouldn't be a need for concern since passport processing hasn't been affected. Passport processing is part of Consular Affairs, which is considered an essential service. "During the lapse in government funding, consular operations domestically and abroad will remain operational. This includes: passports, visas, [and] assisting American citizens abroad," according to the Department of State website.

President Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court to intervene in a ruling that lets transgender and nonbinary citizens select their gender identity on passports. In a filing late Friday, government lawyers urged the justices to halt a lower court order that permits applicants to choose male, female, or X on their passports, rather than being bound by the sex recorded on their birth certificate.