The United States has long been a top travel destination, known for its iconic cities like New York and San Francisco, world-famous national parks, and its role as a global business hub. In 2023 alone, the U.S. welcomed 66.5 million international visitors.

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Tourism Numbers Drop Amid Global Concerns

Travel analysts have drastically revised their forecasts for 2025. Where they once predicted a 9% increase in U.S. travel, experts now anticipate a 5.5% decline, translating to an $18 billion drop in tourist spending.

One of the most visible impacts? Border crossings from Canada — the top source of international tourists — have plummeted by as much as 45% at some entry points.

“U.S. inbound travel spending in 2025 could be 10.9% lower than baseline projections,” warns a recent tourism industry report.

This downturn is especially concerning as the hospitality sector continues to recover from the pandemic’s lasting effects.

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What’s Causing Tourists to Cancel Trips to the U.S.?

Several factors are influencing the steep decline in U.S.-bound tourism:

• Trade tensions: New tariffs have triggered retaliatory actions from key trade partners. After the U.S. announced 25% tariffs on Canadian goods, Canadian airlines began slashing routes to American cities.
• Plummeting bookings: A March 2025 poll revealed that 36% of Canadian travelers canceled planned trips to the U.S. Bookings on Canada-U.S. routes are down a staggering 70% compared to 2024.
• Rising anti-U.S. sentiment in Europe: Favorability ratings for the U.S. have dropped to their lowest levels since 2016. For example, unfavorable opinions are held by 53% of Brits, 56% of Germans, 63% of Swedes, and 74% of Danes.

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Stricter Border Enforcement Is Fueling Fear

High-profile incidents at U.S. borders have added fuel to the fire. In one alarming case, a British tourist was detained for over 10 days due to a visa issue. A Canadian traveler was held in chains and confined in crowded cells for 12 days while attempting to renew her visa.

As a result, countries including the UK, Germany, and Canada have updated their travel advisories, warning tourists about the potential for arrest or detention. Experts say the U.S.’s aggressive border security and immigration policies are actively discouraging tourism.

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The Decline Isn’t Limited to Canada and Europe

Mexico, too, is seeing a reduction in U.S. travel. Air travel from Mexico dropped 6% in February 2025 alone. Additionally, several European countries — including France, Germany, Norway, and Denmark — have issued specific advisories for transgender and non-binary travelers, citing new U.S. visa policies that require disclosure of sex at birth.

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Where Are Tourists Going Instead?

As U.S. travel drops, other destinations are thriving:

• Bermuda has seen a surge in interest from Canadian tourists, with hotels predicting a 20% revenue boost.
• European cities are experiencing a 32% increase in Canadian summer reservations compared to last year.
• Tourists say they’re choosing destinations that offer better value, a warmer welcome, and fewer political or visa complications. The strong U.S. dollar and high travel costs also make alternative countries more appealing.

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Major Global Events Could Suffer

Upcoming international events hosted by the U.S. are also at risk:

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, could face visa delays that jeopardize attendance. Some visitors face up to 700-day wait times for visas.
• The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics has raised red flags with the International Olympic Committee, which expressed concern over the U.S.’s current entry policies and rising global tensions.

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Can U.S. Tourism Bounce Back?

The road to recovery looks steep. Airlines are already cutting flights or reducing frequency due to “softness in travel spending.” Industry leaders warn that hundreds of thousands of jobs tied to tourism could be affected if the trend continues.

From delays and detentions to political backlash and economic uncertainty, the current climate has made the U.S. a less attractive travel destination. And while these challenges may eventually ease, rebuilding international confidence will take time.

Until then, more tourists are saying goodbye to the U.S. — and hello to destinations that feel safer, friendlier, and more affordable.