International arrivals to the United States have been declining, with the biggest drops reported among western European, Central American, and Caribbean travelers. Compared to 2024, the total number of global visitors declined by 3.3% in 2025, with March showing an 11.6% drop compared to the same month the previous year. Most regions experienced a decrease in traffic, with the worst results coming from western Europe, the Caribbean, central America, and Africa. The Middle East and eastern Europe were the only regions that saw an increase in visitors.
Air travel alone revealed sharp declines from some of Europe’s biggest markets. The US saw fewer arrivals from the UK, Germany, and Spain in March 2025, with Germany experiencing the most significant loss. Combined, these three countries accounted for over 118,000 fewer European air travelers in just one month, raising concerns about the reasons behind the trend and whether it can be explained by seasonal fluctuations alone.
Concerns over stricter immigration controls and new trade policies enforced by the Trump administration may be deterring Europeans from traveling to the US. Some experts believe that the scrutiny of migrants, foreign students, and Green Card holders, as well as perceived changes in how the US is welcoming visitors, are contributing to the decline in tourism. Additionally, tensions around immigration and differences in political ideologies between the US and European countries may also be influencing Europeans to hold back from traveling to the US.
Experts suggest a direct correlation between tourism defections and Trump’s policies, with some European governments warning citizens about the strict immigration rules in the US. Germany and the UK released updated travel advice for citizens planning to travel to the US, cautioning about potential risks such as being denied entry, arrested, or deported. Recent incidents involving German tourists being detained and deported highlight the increased scrutiny and enforcement of entry rules by US authorities, prompting European governments to issue warnings to their citizens.
The decrease in European tourism to the US could deepen in the coming months, depending on political uncertainty in the country and how it continues to make headlines. Some experts believe that the brand image of the USA may be permanently damaged, leading to long-term implications for tourism. However, others suggest that the decrease in March could be due to people postponing their trips rather than canceling them altogether, making it difficult to determine the overall impact on US tourism.
Overall, the decline in European tourism to the US reflects a complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors. As tensions around immigration, trade policies, and political ideologies persist, the future of US tourism from Europe remains uncertain. It remains to be seen whether the current trends will continue or if there will be a rebound in visitor numbers in the near future.
