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In an advisory released at the start of the shutdown, the Bureau of Consular Affairs said that "scheduled passport and visa services in the United States and at our US Embassies and Consulates overseas will continue during the lapse in appropriations as the situation permits."

A US State Department official said facilities "will remain open as long as there are sufficient fees to support operations."

Domestic passport agencies located in government buildings affected by a lapse in appropriations may be closed to the public, the official said.

Calls and inquiries will still be accepted by the National Visa Center, National Passport Information Center and Kentucky Consular Center, the Bureau of Consular Affairs advisory said.

The bureau's website will not be updated, with the exception of urgent security information, the advisory said.