US travel is suffering greatly. European tourists are pulling out, driven out by strict immigration crackdowns and new border restrictions. Fear and uncertainty have increased under the Trump administration. Strict screening and visa revocations are becoming commonplace.
The International Trade Administration reports a dramatic decline in visitors from Western Europe. March saw a 17% drop from the previous year. In the past, these tourists would spend at least one night in the United States. Many people are now canceling their plans.
The same pattern is seen in hotel reservations. Leading hotel chain Accor reported a 25% decline in reservations from European tourists this summer. Sebastien Bazin, the CEO, attributed this to unsettling news coming from the US border. He claimed people fled because of the "bad buzz" around detentions.
Narratives from actual travelers are rapidly spreading. European traveler Samantha Priestley, who lives in the UK, decided not to go to New York. She had already made three trips to the United States. So she backed out this time. Why? Too many scary tales. Privacy is being violated, people are being questioned, and phones are being checked.
The entry of one French researcher into the United States was prohibited. France said it was because he had messages on his phone about Trump. US officials refuted that, claiming he was carrying sensitive information. In any case, it increased the anxiety.
The case of Becky Burke, a British tourist, followed. She attempted to enter Canada from the United States. She was refused entry upon her return. She was classified as an "illegal alien" by US officials. She spent over two weeks in custody. No criminal history. No precise explanation. Her account was posted online by her father, who described it as a nightmare.
Even law-abiding citizens feel uneasy. Those with green cards are being cautioned. According to the US government, visa verification continues even after approval. They still keep an eye on everyone. Deportation could result from any infractions. Vice President JD Vance stated unequivocally that no one has the right to remain indefinitely.
The effects are extensive. Air France-KLM reduced economy fares on transatlantic flights. Ben Smith, the CEO, attributed this to the "slight softness" of the US market. Virgin Atlantic also experienced a slight decrease. Delta and British Airways have not commented. However, the stats do the talking.
According to booking portal Omio, cancellations are rapidly increasing. In only the first quarter, US trip cancellations increased by 16% from the previous year. The worst rates were found in France, Germany, and the UK, which experienced a staggering 40% cancellation rate.
New travel warnings have emerged. Canada, Denmark, and Ireland are among the nations alerting their populations. Entry may not be guaranteed even with legitimate documentation. The worry is genuine. Europe is also taking notice.
The biggest declines have been seen in the UK, Norway, Ireland, and Germany. According to data, travel from some of these countries has decreased by over 20%. Travelers from the UK, Germany, and France have the greatest cancellation rates, sometimes reaching 40%.
It is recommended that travelers bring clear and comprehensive paperwork, ensure that their phones and other devices are free of politically sensitive content, and be ready for in-depth interrogation. Reviewing the most recent travel warnings from one's home country is also a good idea, and if entrance or safety threats seem too great, one should consider visiting other places.