Article Summary –
International travel to the U.S. has decreased during President Donald Trump’s second administration, with notable incidents of foreign visitors experiencing difficulties with U.S. immigration agents. Reports indicate a significant decline, particularly among Canadian visitors, with a 31.9% drop in land arrivals and a 13.5% decrease in air arrivals in March, according to Oxford Economics. This downturn poses economic challenges for tourism-dependent places like Philadelphia, where the hospitality industry supports numerous jobs, although there remains optimism due to continued interest from other international markets like Europe, Australia, and India.
International travel to the United States has decreased during the initial months of President Donald Trump’s second term.
Numerous cases of foreign visitors encountering U.S. immigration issues have surfaced during the early months of Trump’s presidency.
Jasmine Mooney, a Canadian actress, told NPR that Immigration and Customs Enforcement detained her for 12 days after her visa was denied.
A German tourist, Lucas Sielaff, shared with a San Diego station he was held by ICE for 16 days over a tourist visa issue.
Becky Burke, a backpacker from Wales, was in ICE custody for 19 days due to a “visa mix-up,” according to BBC News.
Such incidents have raised fears among potential U.S. travelers, the Associated Press reported. Effects are appearing in data, says Pattie Gillett, from the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Tourism Economics forecasts a 12% decline in foreign visitors to Philadelphia in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Gillett noted a significant drop in Canadian travelers, with projections of 420,000 visitors, a 22% decrease from 2024. Overseas visits are expected to fall by about 4%.
According to Oxford Economics, Canadian visits by land dropped 31.9% in March, and air arrivals fell 13.5%. Overall international visits saw an 11.6% decline, with Germany and the UK notably affected. Mexican travelers decreased by 23% year-over-year in March.
Comparing March 2025 to March 2024 is challenging due to last year’s Easter holiday, but the yearly projections suggest a downward trend. This is concerning for Philadelphia, where tourism significantly impacts the economy.
“The hospitality industry supports nearly 80,000 jobs in the Philadelphia area,” Gillett stated. “That includes hotels, restaurants, and museums. Any decline is unfortunate for the sector.”
Travel concerns differ by country, as seen in Gillett’s recent discussions with foreign travel journalists.
“Some have noted that while seasoned travelers are less worried, media coverage suggests concerns exist,” she said. “Concerns are more prevalent in markets like Canada, less so in places like India.”
Despite challenges, Gillett remains committed to promoting Philadelphia. European, Australian, and Indian tourists continue to visit, and Philadelphia is a “diverse and welcoming destination,” offering numerous events, including six 2026 FIFA World Cup matches.
“We remain active in the 10 international markets we serve to sustain interest in Philadelphia, supporting jobs in tourism-related industries,” she said. “This includes airport workers and Uber drivers who depend on both domestic and international tourism.”
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