According to the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO), the United States experienced a decrease in international travel in December 2025. Among air passengers, there was a 0.1 percent decrease in arrivals. However, there was a more significant drop of 2.9 percent for non-U.S. citizen arrivals. This has been the trend the entire year; in 2025, the United States has had 2.5 percent fewer international visitors compared to 2024. On the other hand, there was an increase in international travel from the United States in December; more Americans were travelling than ever before.

Decrease in International Visitors: Key Markets and Contributing Factors

The NTTO’s data highlights several key trends in the international air passenger market between the U.S. and its top overseas destinations. Among the major markets, Canada saw the most significant decline, with a drop of 11.9 percent in passenger arrivals, while the United Kingdom experienced a 5.6 percent decline. Mexico, traditionally the top international market for the U.S., showed a slight dip of 0.1 percent, while Japan and the Dominican Republic bucked the trend with increases of 8.9 percent and 6.8 percent, respectively.

The decline in international visitation has been attributed to multiple factors. Stricter visa and entry requirements, coupled with higher fees for U.S. visas, have made travel to the U.S. more challenging for foreign visitors. Additionally, concerns over personal safety and geopolitical tensions, especially with countries like Canada, have contributed to the overall reduction in international arrivals.

Outbound Travel from the U.S. on the Rise

While the number of international visitors to the U.S. has decreased, U.S. citizens are continuing to travel abroad in record numbers. December 2025 saw a 3.2 percent increase in U.S. outbound travel, with 6.9 million Americans heading overseas. This surge in departures marks a strong rebound, even exceeding pre-pandemic levels. In fact, December 2025’s outbound travel volumes were up more than 30 percent compared to December 2019, suggesting a robust demand for international tourism among U.S. residents.

The rise in U.S. outbound travel reflects a growing trend towards global exploration as American travellers seek new destinations and experiences abroad. The increased demand for overseas vacations, especially in regions like Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, demonstrates the resilience of international travel despite challenges faced by inbound U.S. tourism.

Top International Markets for U.S. Departures and Visitation

While the U.S. inbound market faced challenges in 2025, U.S. residents continued to travel internationally in strong numbers. According to U.S. outbound travel data, countries in Europe and Asia saw notable increases in American tourists. Europe’s top destinations included the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, while Asian markets like Japan and Thailand benefitted from higher American tourist arrivals.

Moreover, Mexico continued to be the dominant destination for American holidaymakers, maintaining its appeal with relatively short travel times and affordable options for U.S. citizens. The Caribbean also saw a strong performance, with countries like the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico ranking among the top choices for U.S. outbound travellers in 2025.

The Outlook for 2026 and Beyond

Looking ahead, the U.S. travel industry is expected to see continued growth in outbound travel, as more Americans look to explore international destinations. However, for inbound U.S. tourism, challenges related to visa processing times, higher travel costs, and safety concerns may persist, potentially keeping international visitor numbers lower than pre-pandemic levels. Official forecasts suggest that the U.S. will remain a top destination for overseas travellers, but the overall market will face more competition as other countries work to ease entry restrictions and attract international visitors.

US Tourism Faces Decline in International Arrivals but Strong Outbound Travel Continues

The data for December 2025 highlights a notable decline in international visitor numbers to the U.S., reflecting broader trends observed throughout the year. While the country faces challenges in attracting international tourists, the outlook for U.S. outbound travel remains strong, with Americans continuing to explore international destinations at increasing rates. The travel industry’s recovery continues, with global tourism expanding in the face of evolving challenges.

International trip planners and operators consider the U.S. to be a major, albeit slightly difficult, destination. So far, American pilots seem to have a good appetite for travel, which should encourage outbound tourism for the next few years.

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