Tourism from Europe to the U.S. has declined, particularly from Germany, France, and the UK.
Recent travel warnings highlight entry difficulties, including potential arrest or deportation concerns.
U.S. immigration policies, including a crackdown on illegal immigration under former President Donald Trump, may be influencing travel decisions.
Germany, France, and Finland have issued guidance, particularly regarding entry concerns for transgender travelers and ESTA approvals not guaranteeing entry.
Context: European Travel Warnings
Germany: Warned travelers that U.S. border authorities have the final say on entry, even with ESTA approval.
France: Updated its travel advisory, noting that travelers must declare their gender assigned at birth for U.S. visa/ESTA applications.
Finland & Germany: Cautioned that transgender travelers may face additional scrutiny at U.S. borders.
Impact on U.S. Tourism
Data shows a -1.6% drop in German visitors between January 2024 and January 2025 (from 94,886 visitors).
Other European countries may follow suit, potentially affecting U.S. tourism revenue.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. travel industry may need to address concerns to maintain European tourism levels.
Future policy changes could impact visa and border control procedures for international travelers.
