The US is seeing a drop in tourism, with an 8.5% decrease in Brazilian visitors, along with declines from Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, Saint Lucia, and Barbados, mainly due to higher visa fees, stricter border checks, and economic difficulties. These countries are facing tougher travel conditions, as U.S. visa processing times have increased, fees have gone up, and more stringent border security measures are in place. This has made it more difficult for tourists to visit, resulting in fewer people traveling to the U.S. For many, the rising cost of travel, combined with these added challenges, has led them to seek alternatives or reconsider their trips to the U.S.
As of November 2025, Brazil has seen an 8.5% drop in tourism to the United States, with a sharp 10.5% decrease in tourist visa. This significant decline places Brazil among several countries experiencing a reduced demand for U.S. travel, including Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, Saint Lucia, and Barbados.
Brazil, a key source of international tourists, has traditionally contributed heavily to U.S. tourism, particularly in sectors like shopping and leisure. The drop in Brazilian arrivals, combined with the 10.5% decline in visa issuances, signals a shift in travel patterns. This trend is mirrored by other countries, including Chile (down 32.6%) and Venezuela (down 27.9%).
The decrease in Brazilian tourism can be attributed to a mix of economic challenges in Brazil, rising visa fees, and more stringent border scrutiny by the U.S. government. Visa processing delays, combined with increased government policies on immigration, have made it harder for potential travelers. These factors, coupled with the higher cost of international travel, may be pushing Brazilian tourists to opt for alternative destinations with more accessible visa processes and lower costs.
As of November 2025, Mexico has seen a 1.3% drop in tourism to the United States, with tourist visa issuances falling by 1.2% (excluding land travel). Though the decline is more modest compared to other nations, Mexico remains a significant player in U.S. tourism, and this dip is part of a broader regional trend.
Mexico, with its close geographical proximity and strong cultural ties to the U.S., has long been one of the top sources of visitors. While the decline of 1.3% in overall arrivals may seem smaller, it adds to the growing trend of reduced tourism from Latin America. The slight decrease in tourist visa issuances signals that fewer Mexicans are opting for U.S. visits, which could have a cumulative impact on tourism sectors like retail, entertainment, and family travel.
The decline in Mexican tourism can be attributed to several factors. While border scrutiny and visa processing delays have made travel to the U.S. more complicated, economic factors may also be at play. With rising travel costs and a sluggish economy, fewer Mexicans may be able to afford international travel. Additionally, many Mexican travelers are increasingly opting for domestic and regional travel, where costs are lower and visa requirements are less stringent.
As of November 2025, Chile has experienced a staggering 32.6% drop in overall tourism to the United States, coupled with a significant 36.2% decrease in tourist visa issuances. This sharp decline highlights Chile’s vulnerability within the broader trend of reduced Latin American tourism to the U.S.
Chile, known for its strong ties to the U.S. through business, education, and tourism, has traditionally been one of the key markets for American travel. However, the dramatic 32.6% drop in arrivals signals a shift in this long-standing trend. This decline is particularly concerning as Chile has been a steady source of high-income tourists who often contribute to the U.S. economy through longer stays, cultural tourism, and business travel.
Several factors may be contributing to Chile’s sharp decline in tourism. One of the most significant reasons is the growing difficulty in obtaining U.S. tourist visas, with the 36.2% drop in visa issuances highlighting the barriers that Chilean travelers now face. Stricter border scrutiny, visa fee hikes, and longer processing times are creating frustrations for potential visitors. Economic factors, such as inflation and rising living costs in Chile, may also be causing fewer Chileans to travel abroad, especially to destinations with higher associated costs like the U.S.
As of November 2025, Venezuela has seen a significant 27.9% drop in tourism to the United States, alongside a 28.8% decline in tourist visa issuances. This dramatic decrease is part of the broader regional downturn affecting several Latin American countries, and it underscores the challenges Venezuela faces in accessing U.S. travel opportunities.
Venezuela, a country with a deep historical and cultural connection to the U.S., has long been an important source of visitors. However, the sharp decline in Venezuelan tourist arrivals, paired with a 28.8% fall in visa issuances, signals a major shift in travel patterns. Venezuelans, who have historically contributed to U.S. tourism in areas like family visits, business travel, and education, are now facing increasing barriers to entry, affecting U.S. tourism revenue in these sectors.
The decline in Venezuelan tourism can be attributed to multiple factors, with visa processing delays, increased visa fees, and border scrutiny at the forefront. The U.S. government has implemented stricter immigration policies, which have made it harder for Venezuelan travelers to obtain visas, exacerbating an already challenging situation. Venezuela’s ongoing economic crisis has also played a significant role, as inflation and political instability have made it more difficult for many Venezuelans to afford international travel, particularly to expensive destinations like the U.S.
Moreover, the government policies regarding U.S. immigration and the tightening of visa regulations have discouraged many potential visitors. The lengthy visa approval process and higher visa application costs may deter even those who can afford to travel. With fewer people traveling abroad due to the country’s financial constraints, Venezuela has seen a sharp decrease in U.S.-bound tourism.
As of November 2025, Peru has experienced a 7.0% drop in overall tourism to the United States, with a corresponding 8.3% decline in tourist visa issuances. This reduction marks a significant shift in travel patterns, as Peru has been a steady source of visitors to the U.S., particularly for leisure travel and cultural tourism.
Peru has long been a key market for U.S. tourism, with many Peruvian travelers visiting major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami, as well as taking part in educational and cultural exchanges. The 7.0% drop in arrivals, coupled with an 8.3% decrease in visa issuances, signals that fewer Peruvians are making the journey to the U.S. for tourism. This decline affects not only the tourism sector but also industries like hospitality, retail, and entertainment, which rely heavily on international visitors.
Several factors may be contributing to the decline in Peruvian tourism to the U.S. Economic challenges, including inflation and rising costs in Peru, have likely made international travel more difficult for many. Additionally, the increasing difficulty in securing U.S. tourist visas has created further obstacles. Visa processing delays, higher visa fees, and stricter border scrutiny have added significant barriers for potential travelers from Peru.
Moreover, government policies related to U.S. immigration and visa regulations may also be playing a role. The tightening of visa policies, along with the rising complexity of the application process, may be deterring Peruvians from attempting to travel to the U.S. With fewer people able to afford the costs and navigate the visa process, alternative travel destinations that offer easier access are becoming more attractive to Peruvian tourists.
As of November 2025, Saint Lucia has faced a 20.1% drop in tourism to the United States, accompanied by a 19.2% decrease in tourist visa issuances. This dramatic decline highlights the challenges facing Caribbean nations in maintaining strong travel demand to the U.S. as visa restrictions and economic factors begin to take their toll.
Saint Lucia, a key Caribbean destination, has traditionally sent a steady flow of tourists to the U.S. for leisure, family visits, and business purposes. The 20.1% drop in arrivals, alongside the 19.2% decrease in tourist visa issuances, signals a shift in travel behavior. While the numbers from Saint Lucia may seem relatively small compared to larger nations, the impact is still felt in specific sectors like luxury travel, where visitors from Saint Lucia have been known to contribute significantly.
The primary factors behind Saint Lucia’s decline in U.S. tourism include increased visa fees, longer processing times, and border scrutiny. As the U.S. government has tightened visa requirements, travelers from Saint Lucia are facing growing challenges in obtaining visas, which has deterred many potential visitors. Additionally, the rising costs of travel, along with Saint Lucia’s own economic struggles, have made international travel less feasible for many residents.
The tightening of U.S. government policies on tourism and immigration may also be playing a role, as visa restrictions become more difficult to navigate. These obstacles, combined with the costs associated with traveling to the U.S., may have pushed some Saint Lucian travelers to explore alternative destinations within the Caribbean or other regions with fewer travel barriers.
As of November 2025, Barbados has experienced a 4.3% drop in tourism to the United States, along with a 3.8% decrease in tourist visa issuances. Though the decline is less severe than some other nations, it still marks a noticeable dip for this island nation, which has historically contributed to U.S. tourism, particularly in the leisure and cultural sectors.
Barbados has long been a valued source of tourists for the U.S., especially in cities like Miami, New York, and Orlando. The 4.3% drop in overall arrivals and the 3.8% decrease in tourist visas reflect a growing hesitance to travel to the U.S. Despite its relatively smaller numbers compared to countries like Brazil or Chile, Barbados’ contribution is still significant in specific tourism sectors, particularly related to family visits, vacations, and cultural tourism.
The main drivers behind Barbados’ decline in U.S. tourism include rising visa fees, lengthening visa processing times, and increased border scrutiny. These factors have made it more difficult and time-consuming for Barbadians to obtain visas for the U.S., potentially leading many to reconsider their travel plans. Economic pressures, both in the U.S. and Barbados, could also be contributing to this decline, as higher travel costs and financial constraints make international travel less feasible.
Additionally, government policies concerning travel and immigration have likely played a role. As the U.S. continues to enforce stricter visa requirements and more stringent checks at the border, tourists from smaller Caribbean nations like Barbados may find it increasingly difficult to visit the U.S. As a result, travelers from Barbados may be seeking alternative destinations with fewer barriers and lower costs.
US tourism is facing a significant decline, with Brazil seeing an 8.5% drop in visitors, alongside reductions from Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, Saint Lucia, and Barbados. This downturn is driven by rising visa fees, stricter border checks, and economic challenges that have made it harder for tourists to travel to the U.S.
In conclusion, the U.S. tourism industry is facing a significant challenge, with a notable decline in visitors from key markets like Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Venezuela, Peru, Saint Lucia, and Barbados. Rising visa fees, stricter border checks, and economic difficulties have made it harder for travelers to visit the U.S., contributing to a broader downturn in international tourism. If the U.S. wants to reverse this trend and regain the interest of travelers from these countries, it will need to reevaluate its visa policies, reduce travel barriers, and explore ways to make U.S. destinations more accessible and affordable. With these changes, the U.S. could work to restore its position as a top global destination for tourists.
Read more on Travel And Tour World
