US Embassy Prague halts socials—consular services available as 'situation permits'

The U.S. Embassy in Prague announced Wednesday that it will suspend regular updates to its website and social media platforms due to budget constraints. It joins American diplomatic missions worldwide in scaling back operations.

The embassy said it will only post urgent security information until full operations resume. Passport and visa services will continue “as the situation permits” despite the funding lapse, according to the announcement.

The move comes as the U.S. federal government enters a shutdown after lawmakers failed to pass a short-term funding bill by the Tuesday midnight deadline. The shutdown immediately impacted embassies from London to Prague, with similar notices about suspended communications.

“We will not update this account until full operations resume, with the exception of urgent safety and security information,” the Prague embassy stated in a message echoed by U.S. diplomatic posts worldwide.

The shutdown follows earlier reports that the Trump administration had proposed slashing the State Department budget by more than USD 30 billion for the new fiscal year, nearly half its existing funds. Proposals also included closing almost 30 embassies, primarily in Africa and Europe, though it is unclear whether Prague was on that list.

Such cutbacks come as America’s global diplomatic reach faces growing competition.

“Diplomats are our front line of defense, representing the United States throughout the world,” wrote Nicole Bibbins Sedaca of the George W. Bush Institute, arguing that cuts risk undermining American influence just as China and Russia expand theirs.

According to the 2024 Global Diplomacy Index from the Lowy Institute, China now operates 274 embassies and consulates worldwide, slightly ahead of the United States at 271. While the gap is narrow, analysts warn that reductions to U.S. embassies could signal retreat at a time when rivals are expanding.

For most U.S. citizens in Czechia, essential embassy services such as passport renewals, notarial services, and emergency assistance should remain available, since they are largely funded by fees. Delays, however, are possible if staffing is reduced.

For Czech spouses and family members of Americans, family visa petitions, green card applications, and other USCIS processes generally continue during shutdowns because the agency is also fee-funded. According to the American Immigration Council, the main effect is slower processing, not a total halt.

For the latest information, the embassy advises monitoring travel.state.gov.