With more countries warning their citizens about travelling to the US, a lot of people around the world are rethinking their plans to visit the US--or skipping it altogether. Stricter policies, tougher border checks, and a general feeling of unease have already prompted thousands to drop their trips.
Recent political decisions in the US, including sweeping tariffs on key allies and a tightening of immigration policies, have led to heightened scrutiny at its borders. Reports have surfaced of Canadian and European tourists facing unexpected detentions, prompting countries such as Germany, the UK, Denmark, Finland, and Portugal to issue travel advisories. In response, a growing number of travellers are not only reconsidering their trips but are actively boycotting the US as a destination.
Canada, the US’s largest source of foreign visitors, has shown some of the most pronounced reactions. The country, which sends over 20 million travellers across the border annually, has seen a decline in interest. A call from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau urged citizens to prioritise domestic holidays over trips to the US, suggesting that it was an opportune moment to explore destinations closer to home.
Many Canadians appear to have taken the advice to heart, with border crossings plummeting by more than 20% in February. Industry experts predict that even a modest decline in Canadian visitors could result in billions of dollars in lost tourism revenue and thousands of job losses across the US.
For some, the decision to avoid the US is not just a matter of economic protest but one of personal security. Several Canadians have expressed concerns over the unpredictability of border enforcement, fearing wrongful detainment or visa complications. The case of a Canadian woman who was detained for two weeks by immigration authorities after her visa was revoked has heightened such anxieties. Others have noted that the broader political climate in the US feels increasingly unwelcoming, making alternative destinations in Mexico, South America, and Europe more appealing.
The impact of these shifting travel patterns extends beyond leisure tourism. Some international events, conferences, and business gatherings that were previously held in the US are now being relocated. Hotels and venues in other countries, such as Bermuda, have reported a noticeable uptick in bookings from Canadian clients who have deliberately moved their events out of the US. Industry insiders estimate that this trend has already contributed to a significant increase in projected revenue for these alternative locations.
Ironically, this decline in international travel interest comes at a time when the US tourism sector had been experiencing record growth. The latest data from the World Travel & Tourism Council highlighted the US as the world’s leading travel and tourism market, contributing trillions of dollars to the economy. However, analysts warn that a sustained decline in visitors from key markets could significantly weaken the industry, affecting both major corporations and small businesses alike.
Economic forecasts have already been adjusted to account for this downturn. Tourism Economics, a leading industry research group, has revised its inbound US travel growth projection from 8.8% to just 5.1%, citing strained diplomatic relations, tariffs, and fluctuating exchange rates as contributing factors. Experts also caution that the loss of international visitors could have knock-on effects, from job losses in the hospitality sector to reduced local government revenue in tourism-dependent regions.
Beyond economic concerns, there is a broader question of cultural influence. A decline in foreign visitors suggests that the US may be losing a key element of its global soft power—the ability to shape international perspectives through cultural exchange and openness. Some analysts believe that if this perception persists, tourism boards and local governments may be forced to launch initiatives aimed at restoring confidence in the US as a welcoming destination. However, they warn that without meaningful policy shifts, such efforts may have limited success.
Academics, artists, and entrepreneurs are also among those reconsidering their travel choices. Experts argue that if international talent continues to bypass the US in favour of more welcoming environments, the long-term consequences could extend beyond tourism. Reduced cultural and intellectual exchange might hinder innovation, economic dynamism, and the nation’s competitive edge on the global stage.
The human impact of these travel boycotts is not to be overlooked. Lawyers working with affected travellers report increasing cases of cancelled trips due to perceived hostility, resulting in separated families, missed business opportunities, and disrupted professional engagements. While government policies drive these changes, it is often ordinary Americans, including workers in tourism-dependent industries, who bear the brunt of the economic fallout.
The decline in foreign visitors serves as a stark reminder of how political decisions can reverberate across borders, shaping perceptions and economic realities alike.
