How Trump’s Visa Fees Are Hurting US Tourism- Closed for Visitors

Global Tourism Is Booming But Not in America

How Trump’s Visa Fees Are Hurting US Tourism – In 2025, countries around the world are celebrating a strong comeback in tourism. From Europe to Asia, millions of travelers are packing their bags, booking flights, and exploring new destinations. But in the United States, the story is very different. Tourism is falling fast, and the numbers are alarming.

According to the World Travel & Tourism Council, the U.S. is the only major country among 184 studied where international visitor spending is dropping. While places like Canada, China, and Colombia are seeing growth, the U.S. has lost $12.5 billion in tourism revenue this year alone. Visitor numbers are down by 8.2%, and experts say the decline may continue.

Why is this happening? Many blame the Trump administration’s new visa policies, which have made it harder and much more expensive for people to visit the U.S.

The World’s Most Expensive Visa: A $442 Entry Fee

Starting October 1, 2025, travellers from non-visa waiver countries like India, China, Mexico, and Brazil will have to pay a new $250 “visa integrity fee”. This brings the total cost of a U.S. tourist visa to $442, making it one of the most expensive in the world.

For many families and students, this fee is simply too high. Travel experts say it adds “friction” to the visitor experience and discourages people from choosing the U.S. as a destination. Gabe Rizzi, President of Altour, said, “Any friction we add to the traveler experience is going to cut travel volumes by some amount”.

The fee is part of a larger pattern. The Trump administration has also proposed shorter visa durations, stricter rules for students and journalists, and even a $15,000 bond for some visitors. These changes have created a climate of fear and confusion, especially for tourists from developing countries.

Americans Take to the Streets: Protests Against Trump’s Travel Policies

As tourism declines, many Americans are speaking out. In cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, people have gathered to protest what they call “anti-tourist” policies. Business owners, hotel workers, and travel agents say the new visa fees are hurting their income and damaging the country’s image.

Signs at recent protests read:

• “Tourism Builds America- Don’t Tear It Down”
• “Stop the Visa Wall”
• “Visitors Are Not Criminals”

The protests are part of a larger movement against Trump’s immigration and foreign policy decisions. Critics say the administration is isolating the U.S. from the rest of the world and making it harder for people to visit, study, or invest in the country.

Even border towns like Buffalo, New York, are feeling the impact. Canadian visitors—once a major source of tourism have dropped sharply, with a 37% decline in car trips and 26% drop in flights.

What’s at Stake: Jobs, Economy, and America’s Reputation

Tourism is more than just sightseeing, it’s a major part of the U.S. economy. It supports nearly 9 million jobs and contributes over $2 trillion annually. When international visitors stop coming, restaurants, hotels, museums, and airlines all suffer.

The decline in tourism also affects America’s global image. Julia Simpson, President of the World Travel & Tourism Council, said, “While other nations are rolling out the welcome mat, the U.S. government is putting up the ‘closed’ sign”.

With major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on the horizon, experts warn that the U.S. must act fast to rebuild trust and attract visitors again. If not, the country risks missing out on billions in revenue and losing its place as a top travel destination.

Final Thought: The US tourism crisis is not just about money, it’s about connection. As the world opens its doors, America must decide whether it wants to welcome visitors or push them away. The protests, the policies, and the numbers all point to one truth: difficult days lie ahead unless change begins now.

Also read – Workers vs Billionaires: Americans Marching Against Trump- The Uprising of Labour

Stay informed with the latest news and updates – only on Rapido Updates.