Home » Latest Travel News » Houston Joins Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth and Other Texas Cities in Facing Tourism Setbacks Due to Visa Delays and Border Policies In US: Everything You Need To Know
Published on
November 11, 2025
In 2025, Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth, and other Texas cities face tourism setbacks due to visa delays and stricter border policies, impacting international arrivals. After a record-breaking 2024, these cities, which thrived on the influx of international visitors, particularly from Mexico and Canada, are now seeing declines in foreign tourism. Lengthy visa wait times, heightened border security, and rising tariffs have discouraged travelers, causing economic strains. These setbacks are putting Texas’ tourism industry at risk, with potential long-term consequences for the state’s economy and cultural vibrancy.
Houston’s Tourism Boom Faces Growing Strain
Houston had a record-setting year in 2024, welcoming 53.9 million visitors and generating US$10.9 billion in tourism spending. As a primary gateway for visitors from Mexico and Latin America, the city has historically relied on international tourism for growth. However, early data from 2025 shows a decline in international arrivals, especially from Mexico, with some key international flights experiencing a drop in passengers. This downturn is attributed to longer visa wait times, increasing border security, and shifting political dynamics, all of which have dampened demand for travel to the city.
CityVisitor Numbers (2024)International Visitors (2024)Economic Impact (2024)2025 DeclineHouston53.9 million1.3 millionUS$10.9 billion5% drop in international arrivalsAustin’s International Appeal Faces New Barriers
Austin, Texas’ vibrant tech and cultural hub, saw strong tourism numbers in 2024, especially due to the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. However, the city faces challenges in 2025 with new immigration policies affecting the flow of international visitors and students, particularly from China and India. Many international students from these regions expressed concerns over their legal status and the impact of stricter visa regulations. The University of Texas at Austin, which hosts thousands of international students, is particularly at risk of losing both talent and tourism due to these policy changes.City2024 EventInternational Students (2024–2025)Impact of Immigration PoliciesAustinSouth by Southwest (SXSW)6,600+ international students (2024)Fear of visa revocation, travel cancellations
Dallas Faces Tourism Slowdown Amid Rising Costs
Dallas, traditionally one of Texas’ largest tourist destinations, has seen a significant slowdown in international tourism in 2025. The city’s expansion efforts for the 2026 World Cup had initially been met with optimism, but rising tariffs, stricter immigration controls, and lengthy visa delays have caused a sharp decline in visitors from key markets like Canada and Mexico. The slowdown in international tourism has led to fewer bookings at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), while forecasts predict a decrease in foreign visitors for the year.
City2024 International Visitors2025 Decline in International TourismDFW Expansion PlansDallas582,000 from Canada, 4.2M from Mexico8% predicted dropHeavy investment in international routesSan Antonio’s Growth Faces Uncertainty in 2025
San Antonio, home to iconic landmarks like the Alamo, enjoyed strong growth in 2024, with over 11 million passengers passing through its airport. The addition of new international routes boosted the city’s tourism profile, but early signs in 2025 suggest a potential decline in international visitors. While San Antonio has made strides in expanding its global reach, the combination of higher airfares, visa delays, and shifting political climates could hinder further growth in the coming year. The city’s reliance on international visitors, especially from Mexico, may expose it to the broader tourism downturn in Texas.City2024 PassengersNew Routes2025 ForecastSan Antonio11.1 millionNonstop flights to Europe, new Mexican routesPotential drop due to visa delays
El Paso Faces a Dual Crisis: Migration and Tourism Challenges
El Paso, a major border city, has become a symbol of the intersection between U.S. immigration policy and tourism. While the city continues to be a critical port of entry for migrants, it has also seen a rise in delays and complications for tourists due to border policies. Asylum seekers and tourists alike are facing long wait times and increased scrutiny at the border, affecting tourism flows. This situation, compounded by overcrowded shelters and airport terminals, highlights the ongoing strain on El Paso’s infrastructure, which struggles to serve both migrants and tourists simultaneously.
CityMigrants Assisted (2024)Airport StrainBorder Policy ImpactEl Paso130,000+Migrants sleeping at the airportStrained resources, delayed flightsFort Worth – Facing Declining International Tourism
Fort Worth, known for its rich Western heritage, museums, and vibrant cultural scene, has been seeing a slight downturn in international tourism, particularly in 2025. Despite the city’s strong performance in 2024, with significant contributions to Texas’ overall tourism spending, the impact of increased visa delays, political rhetoric, and the tightening of border policies has begun to affect Fort Worth’s ability to attract international visitors. As a major player in the state’s tourism economy, Fort Worth depends heavily on foreign visitors, particularly from Mexico and Canada.City2024 Visitor NumbersKey Tourism Events2025 ForecastFort WorthSignificant contributions to state tourismMajor cultural festivals, museums, and conventionsDecline in international arrivals due to visa delays and political tensions
Other Texas Cities Feeling the Impact
Other Texas cities, such as Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Amarillo, and McAllen, are also feeling the effects of visa delays and stricter border policies. These cities, which depend on international visitors for cultural events, business, and tourism revenue, are seeing fewer travelers. The downturn in international arrivals has affected local businesses, hotels, and attractions that rely heavily on cross-border tourism. While these cities are not as prominent as the major urban centers, the impact on their local economies and tourism sectors is still significant, highlighting the widespread challenges faced across the state.
In 2025, Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth, and other Texas cities face tourism setbacks due to visa delays and stricter border policies, impacting international arrivals.
Conclusion
Houston, Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, El Paso, Fort Worth, and other Texas cities are indeed facing significant tourism setbacks due to visa delays and stricter border policies. These challenges have resulted in a noticeable decline in international arrivals, particularly from key markets like Mexico and Canada. The delays in visa processing, along with the increased security measures and political rhetoric, have discouraged potential visitors and hindered Texas’ ability to maintain the tourism growth seen in 2024. As a result, the state’s tourism industry now faces a difficult road ahead, with long-term economic and cultural implications.
