Recent data reveals a decline in tourism from several European countries to the United States, coinciding with updated travel warnings from Germany, the United Kingdom, and France. These nations have expressed concerns over entry requirements and the potential for detention or arrest, influencing the decision of some European nationals to reconsider or delay their visits to the US.

European Countries Update Travel Guidance

In recent weeks, countries like Germany, the United Kingdom, and France have updated their travel advice for the United States, citing complications related to immigration policies and new travel regulations. Germany’s foreign ministry emphasized that approval via the U.S. ESTA system or a U.S. visa does not guarantee entry, as the final decision lies with U.S. border authorities. Although this update is not officially labeled a travel warning, it has prompted concern among travelers.

In France, new guidelines now require individuals to declare their gender assigned at birth when filling out visa or ESTA applications. These changes have raised concerns about the treatment of transgender individuals at U.S. entry points, with some European countries, including Germany and Finland, warning that transgender people might face difficulties when traveling to the U.S.

Visitor Data Reflects a Drop in Tourism

The impact of these updated travel advisories is visible in recent tourism data. The number of visitors from Germany to the U.S. dropped by 1.6% between January 2024 and January 2025, with an even more significant decline of 8.5% from February 2024 to February 2025. Similarly, France saw a 3.9% drop in January and a 5.6% decrease in February compared to the previous year.

While Western Europe saw a slight increase in overall visitor numbers to the U.S. in January, February figures show a 3.9% drop. Spain’s tourism figures were mixed, with a 5.3% increase in January but a 1.9% decline in February. Meanwhile, Italy and the United Kingdom reported increases in U.S. visitors. Italy saw a 5.2% rise in January and a minor 0.1% increase in February, while the UK experienced a 3.7% growth in January and a 6.9% rise in February 2025.

These figures were sourced from preliminary data provided by the International Visitor Arrivals Program, run by the National Travel and Tourism Office.

Reaction from US Officials

The U.S. Department of State addressed the concerns of European travelers, noting that the majority of German nationals visiting the U.S. do so under the Visa Waiver Program, obtaining an ESTA prior to boarding. The State Department also clarified its stance on the Presidential Decree of January 2025, confirming that U.S. visas will only be issued with a sex marker matching the applicant’s biological sex as defined in Executive Order 14168.

The French Foreign Ministry acknowledged the new U.S. regulations but stated that they have not yet received reports of difficulties for French citizens. However, both countries continue to monitor the situation closely.

The Future of US Tourism

It remains uncertain whether these travel warnings will lead to long-term declines in tourism from Europe. Although the recent dip in visitors from Germany and France is significant, it is still too early to determine whether these changes will have a lasting impact on U.S. tourism. With further travel guidance expected from other European nations and continued adjustments in U.S. immigration policies, the tourism landscape could see more fluctuations in the coming months.

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