It's time for another factual blog article this week given the current Government shutdown is starting to affect (domestic) travel. I've combined practical info on this specific subject with more details on many travellers pain points - passports, visas, TSA rules and travel insurance.
Government Shutdown Travel Impact
Here at J5Travel we don't actually have many requests for travel over Thanksgiving and if we do they are usually for international trips. We know that the majority of families travel domestically for this holiday by car or air, most often to visit family and so our services are not often required. However, I urge you to read this if you have booked your own flights over the coming weeks. As of tomorrow there is an FAA mandate to reduce US air traffic by 10%. There is no hard and fast rule laid out as to what flights will be cancelled, but it will feature the busiest hubs in the US. It is J5Travel's opinion that international flights will barely be affected and the cancellations will almost exclusively be domestic schedules.
Here’s what to know:
If your flight has not been changed or canceled by the airline but falls within the terms of an airline-issued waiver, you can make certain changes under that waiver’s conditions.
However, once an airline changes or cancels a flight, their IROP (Irregular Operations) policy applies. Of course they love to make it complicated and each carrier has its own procedures and rebooking guidelines. Please click the various buttons below if you think you may be affected with flights you have booked independently.
Travel Insurance Essentials: Beyond Trip Cancellation
Many people think travel insurance is only useful if they have to cancel their vacation, but the true value lies in protecting you from the unexpected medical disasters and logistical nightmares that happen while you're away. For instance, your domestic health insurance almost certainly doesn't work overseas, leaving you to foot the bill for a sudden accident or illness, which could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Good travel insurance covers that emergency medical care and, critically, emergency evacuation - getting you safely home or to a major hospital if needed. Beyond health, it offers another crucial lifeline: 24/7 assistance. If your luggage gets lost in a different country, your documents are stolen, or you need to find a doctor who speaks English at 3 AM, your insurance provider is the one who can step in to help translate, coordinate, and act as your global emergency contact. Think of it less as an optional add-on and more as an inexpensive safety net for your health and sanity while exploring the world.
The Passport Validity Crisis: Why Six Months Matters
The Six-Month Rule: Many countries have the rule that a passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from the destination country. I'd love to list them all, but the reality is that the list is constantly changing based on bilateral agreements. It's impossible to provide a definitive, static, and comprehensive list, and the State Department is the source to check. That said, here is a list of countries currently strictly applying the 6-month rule:
Asia & Pacific: This includes many popular destinations like China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and India.
Middle East: Countries like the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Jordan, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia are known to enforce this rule strictly.
Africa: Most countries across the African continent require six months of validity.
Europe varies again, but the majority of countries apply a 90-day rule.
The "Blank Pages" Trap: A secondary but crucial issue, as many countries require a specific number of completely blank pages (usually two) for entry/exit stamps and visas.
Renewal Timelines: Current US renewals are still being processed during the shutdown but delays are becoming more likely, especially if it is prolonged much more. Current timeline for processing a standard renewal is 4 to 6 weeks.
CHECK YOUR PASSPORTS and APPLY SOON if you are visiting a country with the 6-month rule next year.
Visa, ETA, or Just a Stamp? Decoding Global Entry Requirements
This is potentially a whole ezine in itself, so for now I just want to reassure you, that for any trip you plan with J5Travel, we guide you through any of the various processes below clearly and methodically. What used to be just a "visa" has now splintered globally into several different categories, names and methods...
Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) both require a digital pre-screening that is mandatory for entry.
Visa-on-Arrival requires a simple stamp or payment at the border.
ETIAS are coming next year for Europe, though we still await an official start date. When implemented though it will be mandatory and will impact many travelers who previously didn't need a visa to visit Europe.
Tourist vs. Business: Entry requirements often differ dramatically if you are traveling for work instead of leisure, even for short trips, so never take either type of visa for granted.
Mastering Airport Security: Current TSA/Global Air Travel Rules
These rules again are often a moving target, but here's a current summary.
NOTE - these are the rules for travellers who DO NOT HAVE TSA Precheck or Global Entry. We strongly recommend you do sign up for one of those programs according to how often you travel. We're always happy to answer your questions on this topic.
To guarantee a smooth security experience, travelers must adhere to three main rules. First, follow the ubiquitous 3-1-1 Liquids Rule: all liquids, gels, aerosols, creams, and pastes - including items like peanut butter and lip gloss - must be in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less. All of these small containers must fit inside a single, one quart-sized, clear, plastic zip-top bag, with only one such bag permitted per passenger. The main exceptions are medications and infant nourishment (like breast milk or formula), which are allowed in larger volumes but must be declared to a TSA officer for separate inspection.
Second, standard screening requires travellers to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone (laptops, tablets, gaming consoles) from their carry-ons and place them alone in a bin.
Third, and critically for domestic U.S. travel, REAL ID enforcement began on May 7, 2025; all passengers 18 and older must present a REAL ID-compliant state ID or an acceptable alternative, such as a valid U.S. passport, to board commercial flights. Additionally, travellers should note that many common prohibited items, like small pocket knives, must be placed in checked baggage or they will be confiscated, leading to unnecessary delays at the checkpoint.
Traveling soon? Don’t leave these details to chance. Check your passport, confirm your travel insurance, and reach out before your next trip.
At J5Travel, we handle every layer of logistics so you can focus on the journey — not the paperwork.
Connect with us today by clicking the button below to make sure your next trip is seamless from start to finish.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
