International arrivals to the United States are falling, with drops reported among Western European, Central American and Caribbean travellers.

Recent data from the US Department of Commerce shows a concerning trend in international tourism to the United States, with a notable decline in visitors from key regions. In 2025, there was a 3.3% decrease in total global visitors compared to 2024, with March alone seeing an alarming 11.6% drop year-over-year. Western Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean experienced the most significant declines of 17.2%, 26%, and 26%, respectively. Factors contributing to this downturn appear multifaceted. A closer look at air travel to the US reveals stark reductions from major European markets, particularly the UK, Germany, and Spain. In March 2025, the US saw nearly 46,000 fewer arrivals from the UK, while Germany's shortfall exceeded 52,000, and Spain reported around 20,000 fewer visitors. This substantial decline—over 118,000 travelers collectively—has led experts to question whether these figures are solely the result of seasonal fluctuations. Experts attribute the decline to concerns over stricter immigration policies and trade measures stemming from the Trump administration. These changes have led to perceptions that the US is now an unwelcoming destination for tourists. Stefan Gössling, a professor at Linnaeus University, emphasized that many Europeans fear the US government's stance on immigration and its treatment of foreign nationals may deter potential visitors. Gössling pointed out a growing cultural reluctance among Europeans, who may opt to boycott US-based tourism as a response to the perceived erosion of democratic values and increasingly hostile foreign policy practices. Moreover, Richard Butler, a tourism management professor at Strathclyde Business School, echoed these sentiments, suggesting there is a direct correlation between these travel trends and presidential policies. The situation may worsen if political instability continues to dominate headlines and influence public perception further. Encouragingly, the Middle East and Eastern Europe reported increases in traveler numbers, with growth rates of 17.7% and 1.5%, respectively, perhaps indicating shifts in travel patterns towards these regions. On the ground, recent immigration incidents have exacerbated fears among potential visitors. Both Germany and the UK issued travel advisories alerting citizens about the stringent entry regulations, emphasizing the risks associated with non-compliance that could lead to detention or deportation. While the future outlook remains ambiguous, experts agree that if these trends persist, the long-term impact on the United States tourism brand may be significant and lasting. March is admittedly not a peak travel month, but with ongoing global political shifts, it is clear that many individuals may delay trips to the US, leading to uncertainties about whether these trips are being postponed or outright canceled.