Travel Updates
The Official Western Montana Travel & Tourism Blog
PLEASE NOTE: While we always encourage responsible recreation, this year, visitors are being asked to step up their efforts and be even more mindful of their presence and impact while enjoying the outdoors.
TEMPORARY AIRPORT CLOSURES IN SEPTEMBER 2025 and JULY 2026
The Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) will be closed at 8 a.m., Tuesday, September 2, 2025, until 3 p.m. on Sunday, September 7, 2025, for runway resurfacing. Airline schedules have been updated to reflect the temporary closure.
The Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, Montana, will have limited days of service each week in July 2026 due to runway resurfacing. The temporary interruption in service may include limited or no flight availability on certain days and increased pricing that is not reflective of normal schedules and pricing. This closure will take place from July 6 to July 31, 2026, with the area closed weekly from Mondays at 6 p.m. through Fridays at noon. Airlines will reflect the temporary closure on their booking platforms.
Travelers should keep in mind that Missoula Montana Airport (MSO) and Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) are less than 2.5 hours from each other by car, so the Western Montana area will remain readily accessible to visitors. Consider incorporating an alternate airport into your travel plans and turn the drive into part of the experience—an opportunity to explore the scenic routes and charming small towns that connect these two regional gateways.
VISITING GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Vehicle Reservations
- June 13 – September 28, 2025, a timed-entry vehicle reservation is required for the west side of the Going-to-the-Sun Road and the North Fork from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each location requires a separate reservation.
- Next Day timed-entry vehicle reservations will be available at 7 p.m. MDT for next-day entry on a daily rolling basis.
- Timed-entry vehicle reservations must be purchased online at recreation.gov in advance or by contacting the call center at 877.444.6777 (toll-free), 606.515.6777 (international) or 877.833.6777 (TDD).
- Learn more about the vehicle reservation system here.
Going-to-the-Sun Road Status
- The full length of the Going-to-the-Sun Road is open to motorized vehicles for the 2025 summer season.
- Free daily shuttle service along the Going-to-the-Sun Road will operate through Labor Day weekend on a first-come, first-served basis at the Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Centers with stops along the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
Construction Delays + Closures
- Due to extremely limited parking during construction in the Swiftcurrent area, the park will restrict personal vehicle access into Many Glacier and provide a temporary shuttle service for hikers to access Many Glacier and Swiftcurrent from July 1, 2025, to September 21, 2025.
- Access to all trails will begin at the Many Glacier Hotel upper parking lot. Detours may add up to an extra mile each way to hiking distances.
- Read about construction delays and closures here.
Current Operations
- Most front-country campgrounds will operate under a reservation system in 2025. Campground reservations can be made on recreation.gov. Most campsites are reservable approximately six months in advance, and several campsites in each campground can be reserved four days in advance to accommodate visitors with more spontaneous itineraries. Read more here.
- Visitors who plan to use a private boat will need to report to an AIS (Aquatic Invasive Species) inspection station. Read more here.
- The Apgar, Logan Pass and St. Mary visitor centers are open daily during peak season. Read more here.
- Buy your national park entrance pass in advance here.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TO MONTANA
Traveling to Montana from another country? A warm welcome is waiting for you. We want your journey to start off smoothly, so here’s a simple guide to help you prepare for your arrival and understand what to expect when entering the country.
Before You Travel: Be Prepared
Make sure your passport is valid. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay, unless you are a citizen of an exempt country.
Do you need a visa or ESTA?
- If you’re from a country in the Visa Waiver Program, apply for ESTA online before your trip.
- If not, you’ll need to apply for a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
Visa applicants will need to:
- Fill out a visa application (form DS-160).
- Pay the application fee.
- Bring your documents, including your passport, a photo and any supporting materials, to your visa appointment.
Speed up entry if eligible:
If you are eligible, enroll in a Trusted Traveler Program like Global Entry. You may be able to use the Mobile Passport Control app for faster processing at certain U.S. airports.
When You Arrive: What to Expect at the U.S. Border
Be ready to answer a few basic questions from a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. For example:
- Why are you visiting?
- Where will you stay?
- How long do you plan to stay?
- Have you visited the U.S. before?
Helpful tips for a smooth arrival:
- Be honest, clear and polite.
- Have printed copies of your travel plans (flights, hotel bookings, etc.).
- Be prepared to discuss your previous visits to the U.S. if asked.
- Stay calm and respectful during the process.
What You Must Declare
All travelers must complete a customs declaration using the Customs Declaration Form 6059B and declare items like:
- Food, plants or other agricultural products.
- Cash over $10,000 USD.
- Items beyond personal use (like gifts or souvenirs in bulk).
Additional Resources
Resources and information provided by U.S. Travel Association.