The United States is experiencing a sustained decline in foreign visitors due to President Donald Trump’s policies on trade, immigration, and visas, which are dampening the country’s appeal to international tourists.
According to preliminary government data, foreign visits dropped by three per cent in July year-over-year, marking the fifth monthly decline in six months since Trump returned to office in January.
Trump’s trade wars and tariffs are deterring foreign visitors, particularly from countries like China, where arrivals plunged nearly 14 per cent in July.
Stricter immigration policies and enforcement are creating a perception of hostility, making tourists wary of visiting the U.S.
Trump’s remarked about acquiring Canada and Greenland have also contributed to the decline.
A new $250 visa integrity fee, set to go into effect on October 1, will raise the total cost of a U.S. visa to $442, making it one of the highest visitor fees worldwide.
International visitor spending in the U.S. is projected to fall to $169 billion in 2025, down from $181 billion in 2024.
The U.S. is expected to be the only country among 184 where foreign visitor spending will decline this year, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.
Airline bookings indicate the slowdown will persist in the months ahead, with international arrivals projected to fall by 8.2% in 2025.
“Everyone is afraid, scared there’s too much politics about immigration,” said Brazilian tourist Luise Francine.
Economist Ryan Bourne attributed the decline to “the president’s trade wars and fears about getting ensnared in immigration enforcement.”
Gabe Rizzi, President of Altour, warns that “any friction we add to the traveler experience is going to cut travel volumes by some amount. ”
