Long queues, higher fees, and political headwinds weigh on America’s travel appeal
Sep 2, 2025
Foreign arrivals to the US are declining as tourists face long waits at border control, rising visa fees, and political headwinds. Booking Holdings chief Glenn Fogel warns the US must ease entry and improve infrastructure ahead of major global events like the World Cup and Olympics.
Key takeaways
- Declining foreign arrivals: International visitors to US airports fell 3.8% in the first seven months of 2025 compared with last year, with July down 5.1%.
- Border bottlenecks: Long queues and understaffed passport control booths are creating negative first impressions for arriving tourists.
- Upcoming mega-events: The US risks reputational damage if entry issues persist during the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Olympics.
- Visa fee increases: New charges, including a refundable $250 “visa integrity fee,” may deter some travelers.
- Shift in travel flows: While Americans continue to travel abroad, the US has become Booking Holdings’ slowest-growing region.
- Political perceptions: Strict immigration policies and viral stories of detentions are discouraging some tourists from choosing the US.
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