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Canada Joins UK, Mexico, France, South Korea, and Germany as Travel Freeze Continues to Hammer US Tourism for the Eighth Month Straight, Projected to Last Until the End of 2025
Published on
September 19, 2025
By: Rana Pratap
Declines in tourism in the US has been pronounced for strategic international markets, evidenced by the 37% decline in travel from Canada, troubling trends from Mexico, the UK, France, South Korea, and Germany more broadly. Earlier noted misunderstandings and complexities surrounding unregulated immigration, costly expenditures linked to the appreciating United States dollar, and more importantly surging visa and border entry prescriptions has contributed to these drop offs. Consequently, travelers originating from these nations are increasingly more inclined to visit other destinations, as evidenced by the 35% to 43% reduction in travel bookings originating from Canada in the second half of 2025. This decline serves as a robust indicator for the phenomenon which has been coined, the Travel Freeze.
The major culprit of this continued drop is a combination of many things such as the increased and more restrictive policies on American immigration, the increased expenses to travel fueled by the expensive American dollar, and the heightened fears based on the rampant and unpredictable immigration enforcement in the United States. These factors of expense and mental barriers are causing many to cancel travel plans to the United States and even encouraging many to look for other countries which are more friendly and easier to enter.
Canada: A Strong Partnership, Now in Decline
Historically, Canadians have been a vital component of U.S. tourism, with millions crossing the border every year. However, that dynamic has shifted dramatically in 2025. According to new data from Statistics Canada, the volume of Canadians taking road trips into the U.S.—the way most Canadians visit—plummeted by 37% in July compared to the same month in 2024. This followed an already sharp 33% drop in June.
The downturn isn’t limited to the roads. Air travel from Canada has also seen a significant contraction, with a 26% year-over-year decline in travelers. July marked the seventh consecutive month of steep declines, with every month since April showing double-digit year-over-year drops in both car and air travel from Canada to the U.S.
Interestingly, travel in the other direction is down far less severely. While 7% fewer Americans drove to Canada in July, the number of Americans flying to Canada actually saw a slight increase of 0.7% compared to last year, underscoring that the deep downturn is predominantly a one-way phenomenon.
Why Is This Happening? The Role of U.S. Visa and Border Policies
What’s driving this sharp decline? The root of the issue lies in a combination of new, restrictive U.S. visa and entry policies that have created a substantial barrier to travel. In 2025, the U.S. implemented a series of changes to its visa system, including suspending the interview waiver program and introducing a new $250 Visa Integrity Fee. For Canadians, who once enjoyed a streamlined process when crossing the border or applying for entry, these changes have had a profound impact.
No longer able to bypass in-person interviews, Canadian travelers are now required to navigate a more complex and costly process. Previously, Canadians renewing their visas or applying for a tourist visa could do so without an in-person interview. That’s no longer the case, and it’s led to longer wait times and a sense of frustration that has dissuaded many would-be visitors. Adding to this, the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, introduced in late 2025, has raised the costs associated with traveling to the U.S. This extra fee, which was intended to cover compliance monitoring, makes it even more expensive for Canadians to apply for a visa, pushing some to reconsider their travel plans altogether.
The Psychological Toll: Is the U.S. Still a Welcoming Destination?
Beyond the financial and logistical hurdles, there’s also a growing psychological impact on travelers. In recent months, reports of travelers being detained at U.S. borders or denied entry have been circulating, even for those from close allies like Canada. This has created a sense of unpredictability that is making Canadians—who once had an almost effortless travel experience—second guess their decision to visit the U.S. The fear of facing unnecessary delays, interrogation, or even being turned away at the border is no small deterrent, especially when there are plenty of other travel destinations offering a more welcoming environment.
The situation has led to a growing narrative that the U.S. is no longer the hospitable, open country it once was perceived to be. With travel advisories issued by the Canadian government warning citizens about the risks of visiting the U.S., the once-stable flow of Canadian tourists has ground to a halt.
Looking Ahead: No Signs of Immediate Recovery
The outlook for Canadian tourism to the U.S. in 2025 isn’t promising. In fact, forward-looking data shows that air bookings for the upcoming months are tracking significantly lower than the previous year. From August to October 2025, international air bookings from Canada to the U.S. are down between 35% and 43% compared to the same period in 2024. This points to a prolonged downturn in travel, and there are no signs that things will improve in the near future.
The current trajectory suggests that, unless there are significant changes in U.S. border policies or a shift in global sentiment, this travel freeze will continue to impact the U.S. tourism sector well into the latter half of 2025.
The Bigger Picture: What Does This Mean for U.S. Tourism?
Canada’s significant decline in tourism to the U.S. is a microcosm of a much larger trend. The tightening of U.S. immigration and border policies, coupled with a perception that the U.S. has become less welcoming, has had a chilling effect on international visitors. While some countries, like Mexico and Brazil, are seeing mixed results, Canada’s experience is a clear indication of just how severely the Travel Freeze is hurting the U.S. tourism industry.
For the U.S. to recover, a strategic reversal of these policies is crucial. The suspension of the interview waiver program, along with the additional fees and delays in processing visas, has to be addressed. Until these changes are made, the U.S. risks losing the international goodwill it once enjoyed, not just from Canada, but from many other key tourism markets across the globe.
UK Sees Decline in US Tourism as Travel Freeze Persists Through 2025
As the Travel Freeze continues to disrupt U.S. tourism in 2025, the United Kingdom, one of the U.S.’s most important tourism markets, is experiencing a noticeable decline in travel. For the eighth consecutive month, the decline in international arrivals from the UK is evident, signaling the far-reaching impact of the ongoing crisis.
United Kingdom: A Longstanding Partner Facing Decline
The UK has historically been one of the U.S.’s top sources of international visitors, with millions of Brits making the trip across the Atlantic for business, leisure, and family visits. However, in 2025, the number of British tourists visiting the U.S. has begun to drop. Recent data shows that air travel from the UK to the U.S. is down 3.1% year-over-year, with this decline expected to worsen as the year progresses.
While this decline is less severe than that seen in markets like Canada and Mexico, it is still significant for the U.S. tourism industry, as British visitors are known for their high spending and long stays. The ongoing Travel Freeze is now impacting travel patterns from the UK, creating uncertainty about the future of U.S.-UK tourism relations.
Visa and Entry Policies: Increased Costs and Complexity
One of the key reasons for the decline in U.S. tourism from the UK is the tightening of U.S. visa and entry policies. The introduction of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee and the suspension of the interview waiver program have made it more difficult and expensive for British travelers to visit the U.S.
For many UK visitors, especially those traveling for business or family visits, the process of applying for a U.S. visa has become more complicated and time-consuming. Previously, the UK had a streamlined system for visa renewals and applications, but these new regulations have added an extra layer of bureaucracy, leading to longer processing times and higher costs for travelers.
The introduction of these new fees, combined with the uncertainty of the application process, has made many British tourists rethink their U.S. travel plans, opting instead for destinations with simpler entry procedures and lower costs.
The Strong Dollar and Rising Costs for British Travelers
In addition to the increased visa complexity, the strong U.S. dollar has made traveling to the U.S. more expensive for British visitors. With the pound weakening against the dollar, British travelers are seeing the cost of airfare, accommodation, and daily expenses in the U.S. rise dramatically.
For many British tourists, the higher costs associated with U.S. travel are becoming a significant deterrent. What was once seen as an affordable vacation destination is now more expensive than ever, pushing many Brits to consider alternatives closer to home or in other regions where their currency has more purchasing power.
Changing Sentiment: A Less Welcoming U.S. for British Tourists
Beyond the financial and logistical barriers, the negative perception of the U.S. as an unwelcoming destination has also contributed to the decline in British tourism. The tightening of immigration policies, coupled with political rhetoric and reports of travelers being detained or denied entry, has made many British visitors hesitant to visit the U.S.
The perception that the U.S. has become less hospitable to foreigners is growing, especially among British travelers who are used to enjoying easy access to the country. The growing sense of unpredictability at U.S. borders, combined with the administrative hurdles and increasing costs, has led many British tourists to explore other options.
What’s Next for U.K. Tourism to the U.S.?
The outlook for U.K. tourism to the U.S. in 2025 remains uncertain. Although the decline is not as dramatic as in other markets, the downward trend is clear. The number of U.K. tourists visiting the U.S. is expected to continue to decline through the latter half of the year, as rising costs, visa complications, and negative perceptions of the U.S. continue to make travel to the U.S. less appealing.
Given the U.K.’s importance as one of the largest sources of international tourism, this decline represents a significant blow to the U.S. tourism industry. The U.S. is facing growing competition from European destinations and other regions, which offer lower travel costs, easier entry processes, and more welcoming environments for international visitors.
Reversing the Trend: What Needs to Change?
For the U.S. to recover its standing as a top destination for British tourists, policy changes are essential. Reinstating the interview waiver program for low-risk travelers, eliminating the Visa Integrity Fee, and streamlining the visa application process would go a long way in making the U.S. more accessible to British visitors.
Additionally, addressing the perception of the U.S. as an unwelcoming destination is crucial. A concerted effort to reassure British travelers that the U.S. is still a friendly and accessible destination could help restore its appeal among this valuable tourism market.
Mexico Sees Significant Decline in U.S. Tourism as Travel Freeze Persists Through 2025
As the Travel Freeze continues to disrupt U.S. tourism throughout 2025, Mexico, one of the U.S.’s largest and most consistent tourism markets, is now experiencing a notable decline in visitor numbers. For the eighth straight month, international travel to the U.S. from Mexico has sharply decreased, signaling a worsening crisis for the tourism industry.
Mexico: A Shifting Trend in U.S. Travel
Mexico has traditionally been a top contributor to U.S. tourism, with millions of visitors crossing the border each year for shopping, vacations, and business. But in 2025, the situation has drastically changed. Air travel from Mexico to the U.S. showed a significant drop of 11.8% in the first quarter of 2025, and the trend worsened even further in first six month, with a massive 23% decline in air arrivals compared to the previous year.
While land travel, which makes up a large portion of cross-border visits, continues to show stronger numbers than air travel, even this sector has felt the impact of the ongoing freeze. Overall, the decline in U.S. tourism from Mexico is becoming more pronounced, raising concerns about the long-term effects of the Travel Freeze.
Visa Hurdles and Border Complexity: Major Barriers for Mexican Travelers
One of the primary reasons behind this decline is the increasingly difficult U.S. visa and entry policies, which have created additional barriers for travelers from Mexico. The introduction of the new $250 Visa Integrity Fee and the suspension of the interview waiver program have made obtaining a U.S. visa a more complex and costly process for many Mexican tourists.
For years, many Mexicans have enjoyed relatively simple access to the U.S. thanks to streamlined processes for obtaining tourist visas. However, the recent policy changes have complicated this process, especially for those who need to renew their visas or for first-time travelers. The added expenses and the extended wait times are discouraging many from even attempting to visit the U.S., as the time, effort, and money required to navigate the visa process now seem too burdensome.
Economic Impact of a Strong Dollar and Political Sentiment
Beyond the visa issues, the strengthening of the U.S. dollar has made travel to the U.S. more expensive for many Mexican visitors. With the peso weakening against the dollar, everyday expenses like flights, accommodation, and dining in the U.S. have become more costly for Mexican travelers, diminishing the appeal of U.S. vacations.
Moreover, the political climate in the U.S. has added another layer of complexity. As the U.S. government continues to implement stricter immigration enforcement and visa policies, the perception of the U.S. as an increasingly unwelcoming destination is growing. Mexicans, in particular, have been influenced by the hostile rhetoric and the tightening of border security, leading to a shift in sentiment. More and more travelers are choosing to vacation in other countries where the travel experience feels safer, more welcoming, and more affordable.
What’s Ahead for U.S.-Mexico Tourism?
The outlook for Mexican tourism to the U.S. for the remainder of 2025 is bleak. Forward-looking data shows that bookings for the summer and fall months are tracking well below last year’s levels, indicating that the trend of declining visitor numbers will likely continue. With the restrictions on visas, rising costs, and growing sentiment that the U.S. is no longer an attractive travel destination, the situation for U.S. tourism from Mexico is expected to worsen before it improves.
Mexico Looks Elsewhere: Shifting Travel Preferences and Competition
As Mexico faces these travel challenges, its citizens are increasingly looking to other destinations for their international trips. European countries, other parts of North America, and even some Latin American countries are becoming more attractive alternatives as the barriers to U.S. entry continue to grow. The competitive landscape is shifting, and the U.S. is losing its edge as a top destination for Mexican travelers.
While the U.S. government’s policies have made it harder for many Mexicans to visit, countries in Europe and elsewhere are offering more accessible visa options and simpler processes, leading to a shift in travel preferences. The rise in outbound travel to countries with easier entry policies could have long-term consequences for U.S. tourism.
A Path Forward: Policy Reforms to Revive U.S.-Mexico Tourism
To reverse the declining trend, the U.S. must take immediate action to address the barriers to entry that have alienated Mexican travelers. Reinstating the interview waiver program for certain visa applicants, reducing the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, and streamlining the visa application process would go a long way toward making the U.S. more accessible again for Mexican tourists.
Without a significant policy shift, the U.S. risks losing not just Mexican travelers but the broader goodwill of the Latin American region, which is essential for its tourism industry. The ongoing Travel Freeze will continue to reshape the global travel landscape, and the U.S. must act swiftly to reclaim its place as a top travel destination for Mexico and beyond.
France Experiences Sharp Decline in U.S. Tourism as Travel Freeze Continues Through 2025
As the Travel Freeze continues to disrupt U.S. tourism throughout 2025, France has become another key market showing significant signs of decline in visitor numbers to the United States. For the eighth straight month, international travel to the U.S. from France is down, adding to the growing list of countries feeling the effects of the ongoing crisis.
France: A Steep Drop in U.S. Travel
France has long been one of the top sources of international visitors to the U.S., with millions of French tourists flocking to iconic destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, and Orlando each year. However, in 2025, French travel to the U.S. has seen a dramatic downturn. According to the latest data, French visitors dropped by 3.9% in 2025 compared to the previous year, and the trend worsened significantly over the next few months.
Reports from the French tourism sector indicate that the decline has accelerated throughout the year, with a substantial drop in visitor interest for the U.S. for both business and leisure travel. The ongoing Travel Freeze is making it increasingly difficult for French travelers to see the U.S. as a viable destination.
Visa and Entry Policies: Rising Costs and Bureaucratic Hurdles
The primary factor behind this sharp decline is the increasingly complicated U.S. visa process. In 2025, the U.S. government introduced a series of new restrictions and fees, including the elimination of the interview waiver program and the introduction of the $250 Visa Integrity Fee. These changes have significantly increased both the financial and procedural costs of traveling to the U.S.
For French travelers, who once enjoyed relatively simple access to the U.S., these new policies are creating major obstacles. What was once a straightforward process for renewing or applying for a visa has now become a lengthy and expensive ordeal. The added expenses of visa applications, combined with the added delays and long waiting times, have led many French tourists to reconsider their U.S. travel plans altogether.
Rising Costs and the Strong Dollar: Diminishing Appeal
In addition to the visa issues, the strong U.S. dollar is also making the U.S. a more expensive destination for French travelers. With the euro continuing to weaken against the dollar, everyday expenses like airfare, accommodation, meals, and entertainment in the U.S. are becoming increasingly expensive for French tourists.
The financial strain of visiting the U.S. is prompting many French tourists to look to alternative destinations where their money will go further. Europe, for example, offers easier access and more favorable exchange rates for French travelers, making it a more attractive option. As a result, many French tourists are opting for vacation spots within Europe or other international destinations, instead of the U.S.
Negative Perception and Political Climate: The Psychological Impact
Another significant factor influencing the decline in French tourism to the U.S. is the growing negative perception of the U.S. in the international community. Political rhetoric, tightened immigration policies, and reports of travelers being detained at U.S. airports have contributed to a sense that the U.S. is becoming an increasingly unwelcoming destination for foreigners.
This sentiment is particularly evident among French travelers, who are often wary of the bureaucratic complexities and the potential for delays or detentions when traveling to the U.S. The fear of being caught up in an unpredictable border enforcement system is making many French visitors think twice before booking their next trip to the United States.
What’s Next for French Tourism to the U.S.?
Looking forward, the outlook for French tourism to the U.S. is bleak. The forward-looking data indicates that bookings for U.S. vacations from France are down for the remainder of 2025, signaling that the decline will likely continue. With the U.S. continuing to face mounting competition from other global destinations, particularly in Europe, the outlook for a quick recovery seems increasingly unlikely.
The continued decline in French visitor numbers is a direct consequence of the ongoing Travel Freeze, with rising costs, bureaucratic barriers, and negative perceptions of the U.S. creating a perfect storm for France’s U.S. tourism numbers. If these trends persist, the U.S. risks losing its place as a top destination for French travelers in the long term.
Reversing the Trend: What Needs to Change?
For the U.S. to recover its standing as a premier destination for French tourists, there needs to be a shift in both policy and perception. Reversing the suspension of the interview waiver program, eliminating the $250 Visa Integrity Fee, and simplifying the visa application process would go a long way in making the U.S. more accessible to French travelers once again.
Additionally, improving the public perception of the U.S. as a welcoming destination is key. France, along with other European countries, represents a valuable market for U.S. tourism, and if the current trends continue, the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge in the global tourism industry.
South Korea Sees Severe Decline in U.S. Tourism Amid Travel Freeze, Projected to Last Through 2025
As the Travel Freeze continues to hammer the U.S. tourism industry in 2025, South Korea has experienced one of the most severe and consistent declines of any major market. The downturn in travel to the United States is accelerating, with a noticeable drop in both leisure and business visits from South Korean travelers.
South Korea: A Deepening Decline in U.S. Tourism
South Korea, historically one of the U.S.’s most reliable sources of international tourists, has seen a significant reduction in travel to the U.S. by the end of 2024, and this trend has only worsened in 2025. After a 6% year-over-year (YoY) drop in arrivals in December 2024, the situation rapidly worsened in 2025, with an 8.6% decline in January and a dramatic 16.2% drop in February. By March 2025, arrivals from South Korea were down nearly 15% in first six month compared to the same period in 2024, signaling a major shift in travel patterns.
The sharp drop in 2025 signals that the U.S. is struggling to regain its former status as a top destination for South Korean travelers, and the projected recovery timeline is now uncertain.
The Trigger: High-Profile Immigration Incident
The primary driver of this dramatic downturn is a specific event that directly affected travel sentiment. In early 2025, the arrest and week-long detention of 317 South Korean workers by U.S. immigration authorities at a Hyundai Motor-LG Energy Solution joint venture construction site in Georgia shocked the South Korean public. The incident received significant media coverage and amplified concerns about U.S. immigration enforcement.
The detention of these workers, many of whom had no history of immigration violations, sent a strong message of unpredictability about traveling to the U.S. This has led to a measurable spike in flight cancellations, particularly among business travelers, who are now increasingly wary of the risk of being detained or delayed by U.S. immigration authorities. The incident has severely damaged traveler confidence, particularly for South Koreans who were already apprehensive about the complexities of U.S. visa and entry procedures.
Growing Hesitance: A More Cautious Approach to U.S. Travel
The Hyundai incident, coupled with the already complex visa process, has contributed to a significant shift in travel sentiment. While South Korea has long been one of the most consistent sources of international visitors to the U.S., the growing perception that U.S. immigration enforcement is erratic and unpredictable is causing many to reconsider or cancel their plans. With additional worries about the cost of visas, long processing times, and the potential for complications at the border, many South Korean travelers are opting for destinations where they feel less at risk of unnecessary delays or issues.
The Impact on Business and Leisure Travel
The decline in South Korean tourism to the U.S. is not confined to leisure travel alone; business travel has also been hit particularly hard. South Korea is a key market for business travelers, with many South Koreans traveling to the U.S. for conferences, meetings, and corporate events. However, the heightened fears about being detained or delayed due to the immigration climate have deterred many from making these critical business trips.
The impact of this shift in business travel is significant, as South Korean business travelers are typically high-value tourists, spending more on average than leisure travelers. The resulting reduction in business-class flights and corporate tourism is contributing to a broader decline in U.S. tourism revenue from South Korea.
What’s Next for South Korean Tourism to the U.S.?
The outlook for South Korean tourism to the U.S. in 2025 remains bleak, with a sustained decline in both leisure and business travel. As of now, there are no clear signs of recovery, and forward-looking data indicates that the negative trend will likely continue into the latter half of the year. The U.S. is losing its competitive edge as a destination for South Korean travelers, with other countries offering more stable and predictable travel experiences.
Rebuilding Confidence: What the U.S. Must Do
For the U.S. to recover its standing in the South Korean tourism market, it must first address the political and immigration issues that have caused such damage to travel sentiment. Rebuilding trust will require clear efforts to improve the predictability and fairness of immigration enforcement, as well as a stronger diplomatic effort to reassure South Korean travelers that the U.S. is still a welcoming destination.
Without a concerted effort to change public perception and address the bureaucratic barriers that have turned many South Koreans away, the U.S. tourism sector will continue to struggle in this important market.
Germany Faces Decline in U.S. Tourism as Travel Freeze Continues Through 2025
The ongoing Travel Freeze that has severely impacted U.S. tourism throughout 2025 has also hit Germany, a key source of international visitors, with notable declines in travel. For the eighth consecutive month, the drop in international arrivals from Germany to the U.S. signals a troubling trend for the tourism sector.
Germany: A Steady Decline in U.S. Travel
Germany has historically been one of the U.S.’s most reliable and profitable international tourism markets. However, in 2025, the number of German travelers visiting the U.S. has steadily decreased. Data from the first half of the year shows a 9.1% drop in visitor volume from Germany, which has worsened as the year has gone on. The decline, while not as steep as that of Canada or Mexico, is still a significant concern for U.S. tourism.
The downturn in German tourism is a result of multiple factors that have combined to make U.S. travel less appealing. While the U.S. is still a popular destination for Germans, recent developments have led many to look elsewhere.
Visa and Border Policies: Barriers for German Travelers
One of the primary drivers behind the decline in German tourism is the increasingly difficult visa and entry process. The new $250 Visa Integrity Fee and the suspension of the interview waiver program have added significant obstacles for German travelers, many of whom have been accustomed to relatively simple access to the U.S.
As with other European nations, Germans are finding it harder and more expensive to navigate the U.S. visa system. The added cost of visa applications and the extended wait times are discouraging many potential visitors from even attempting to travel to the U.S. These new policies have made the U.S. less accessible and less attractive, especially compared to other international destinations that offer easier visa processes.
The Strong Dollar and Rising Costs for German Tourists
In addition to the more difficult visa application process, the strong U.S. dollar has inflated the cost of travel for Germans. With the euro weakened against the dollar, everything from airfare to food and accommodation in the U.S. is becoming more expensive for German tourists.
This financial strain is a major deterrent for many Germans, particularly middle-class travelers who once found the U.S. to be an affordable vacation option. As the cost of a U.S. trip continues to rise, many Germans are opting to visit other countries in Europe or beyond, where the exchange rate is more favorable, and the costs are more manageable.
Shifting Sentiment: A Less Welcoming U.S.
Beyond the financial barriers, there’s also a growing sense of unease about the U.S. as a travel destination. As immigration and border enforcement policies have become stricter, many German travelers are concerned about the unpredictability of U.S. entry procedures. Reports of travelers being detained or denied entry, particularly for relatively minor issues, have heightened these fears.
The perception of the U.S. as a less welcoming destination has begun to take root in Germany, with more travelers looking elsewhere for vacation spots. The political rhetoric surrounding immigration and border enforcement has created a sense of unease among many potential visitors, who may now see the U.S. as a place of stress and uncertainty, rather than a relaxing and enjoyable destination.
What’s Ahead for German Tourism to the U.S.?
The outlook for German tourism to the U.S. in 2025 remains uncertain. While the decline in German travel to the U.S. is not as severe as in some other markets, it’s clear that the downward trend is continuing. Data suggests that bookings for the summer and fall months are down, and this decline is likely to continue throughout the rest of the year.
As the U.S. continues to face growing competition from other global destinations, especially in Europe, the long-term implications for U.S.-Germany tourism are concerning. The U.S. risks losing its appeal as a destination for German travelers if current trends persist.
Reversing the Trend: What Needs to Change for German Travelers?
For the U.S. to reverse the declining trend in German tourism, significant policy changes are needed. Simplifying the visa process, reinstating the interview waiver program for low-risk travelers, and eliminating the Visa Integrity Fee would be a good start. Making it easier and more affordable for Germans to visit the U.S. could help restore the country’s status as a top travel destination.
In addition, the U.S. must address the negative perception it has created abroad. Reassuring international travelers that the U.S. is once again a welcoming and accessible destination is crucial for rebuilding trust and encouraging more Germans to visit in the future.
In July 2025, Canadian road trips to the U.S. dropped by 37%, and air travel declined by 26% year-over-year, marking the seventh consecutive month of steep declines, with the trend projected to continue into the eighth month and last until the end of 2025. This downturn, affecting key markets like the UK, Mexico, France, South Korea, and Germany, is driven by stricter U.S. visa policies, rising travel costs, and growing concerns over unpredictable immigration enforcement.
Conclusion: A Long Road to Recovery for U.S. Tourism
The ongoing Travel Freeze continues to cast a long shadow over the U.S. tourism sector, with countries like Canada, the UK, Mexico, France, South Korea, and Germany all facing significant declines in travel to the U.S. This prolonged downturn, driven by a combination of stricter visa policies, the rising cost of travel, and growing concerns over U.S. immigration enforcement, is reshaping global travel patterns. With no immediate signs of recovery, the U.S. must take decisive action to address the underlying issues—such as simplifying the visa process, restoring trust in U.S. immigration procedures, and making the country a more welcoming destination. Without such reforms, the U.S. risks losing its position as a top global destination for international travelers, with long-lasting consequences for its tourism industry.
