A sharp decline in foreign tourism to the U.S. is accelerating in 2025, driven by new visa fees, stricter border policies, and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

At a Glance

• International arrivals to the U.S. are down over 8% in 2025, reversing prior growth trends.
• A new $250 visa integrity fee goes into effect October 1, raising total costs for many travelers.
• Canada, Europe, and Latin America have shown the sharpest drop-offs in visitor volume.
• Tourism-dependent cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and New York City are reporting steep declines.
• The U.S. travel industry is projected to lose up to $12 billion in 2025 alone.

Global Travelers Push Back

The U.S. travel industry is facing a marked reversal in international arrivals, with a year-over-year decline exceeding 8% heading into fall 2025. Analysts point to a series of restrictive immigration policies, rising visa costs, and politically charged rhetoric that have left the country increasingly unattractive to foreign tourists.

Watch now: U.S. tourism down while more Americans consider moving

A new $250 visa integrity fee set to take effect October 1 is adding financial strain, particularly on travelers from emerging markets. The total visa application cost for affected nations—including India, Brazil, China, Mexico, and Argentina—will now exceed $440 per person. Travel operators and foreign governments alike have expressed concern that the change disincentivizes casual and family tourism, eroding long-standing bilateral ties.

Cities, Airlines, and Attractions Feel the Heat

Major U.S. cities known for attracting global tourism—such as New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Buffalo—are seeing tangible declines in foot traffic, hotel occupancy, and ticket sales at cultural landmarks. Local tourism boards report a softening in demand even during peak seasons, a phenomenon not seen since the early stages of the COVID-19 recovery.

U.S. carriers and hospitality groups are also feeling the effects. Several major hotel chains have revised earnings expectations downward, and air carriers with transatlantic and Latin American routes report suppressed bookings through the end of the year. The World Travel & Tourism Council projects a $12 billion revenue drop for the U.S. market by year’s end, with limited signs of reversal under current policy conditions.

Political Rhetoric, Policy Friction

The decline in tourism is not just economic—it is geopolitical. Travel providers like Tui Group in Europe cite rising detentions, more intrusive customs checks, and increased rejections of U.S. visas as reasons for falling bookings. Industry leaders warn that brand perception of the United States as a welcoming travel destination is at risk of long-term degradation.

Surveys from foreign travel agents and consumer feedback suggest many would-be visitors are opting for Canada, Japan, or EU nations over the U.S. due to ease of entry, favorable exchange rates, and cultural openness. As the U.S. tightens border control measures, it may also be tightening the flow of one of its most consistent economic engines—international tourism.

Sources

CNN
Reuters
Associated Press