With contributions by Lorena Peña and Paul Mutter
President Donald Trump’s second term in office is already sending ripples through the travel industry. As in his first term, his administration’s policy changes and rhetoric are shaping travel to the United States.
Since January, media headlines have captured growing concerns affecting the ease of inbound travel. President Trump’s first months in office have signalled a return to policies reminiscent of 2017–2020: a focus on strict border enforcement, anti-immigration executive orders and visa revocations. Along with these, other policies, including the imposition of tariffs and foreign aid cuts, have fostered negative sentiment towards the U.S., contributing to increased reluctance to travel to the U.S.
The number of Western European visitors to the United States fell by 17% in March, with some countries, such as Ireland, Norway and Germany, experiencing a decline of over 20%. Signs of waning demand for transatlantic flights have emerged, with carriers like Virgin Atlantic and Air France-KLM projecting a slowdown. At the same time, hotel reservations from European tourists for the summer have dropped by 25%.
The decline in international visitors is expected to result in a substantial drop in U.S. tourism spending, which exceeded US$253 billion in 2024. Cross-border travel between the U.S. and Canada reached record lows in March, following a de facto boycott by Canadian travellers in response to President Trump’s tariffs and territorial claims against their country. With travel demand falling, particularly for transatlantic travel, the tourism industry, responsible for 2.5% of GDP, is facing mounting challenges. Proposed visa restrictions may also reduce the number of seasonal workers employed in the hospitality sector ahead of the summer.
Trump’s second term travel restrictions
Our analysts have tracked a list of changes since early 2025:
- Gender-neutral passports’ uncertainty
Since January, the U.S. government is only recognising male or female gender makers internally, causing uncertainty for travellers trying to enter the country with ‘X’ gender markers on their passports.
- Alien Registration Requirement reintroduced
Foreign nationals aged 14+ staying longer than 30 days must register with U.S. authorities unless they already did so when applying for their visa.
- Visa policies used as diplomatic leverage
In recent months, the U.S. has suspended or revoked visas as part of diplomatic negotiations. Some of the target countries are Colombia and South Sudan. These moves have been announced with little warning and can be rescinded just as quickly.
- Increased entry denials despite valid documents
Travellers with valid visas or ESTA waivers have been denied entry or even temporarily detained due to minor infractions or administrative discrepancies.
- Increased secondary screening at ports of entry
Travellers arriving via ports of entry at the Mexico and Canada borders have reported an increase in secondary screening measures, resulting in extended delays and invasive searches of their property.
- Rapid policy changes
A growing number of administrative errors, possibly due to the speed with which new policies have been imposed, have resulted in individuals ordered to leave despite not meeting criteria for self-deportation.
- ESTA implementation paused for nationals of Romania
Citing security concerns, the United States has temporarily put under review the designation of Romania in the Visa Waiver Programme, requiring nationals to keep applying for standard visas to be allowed entry in the U.S.
What to Expect
Several upcoming changes are likely to have a significant impact on international and business travel:
- New travel ban under discussion: A plan to implement restrictions affecting citizens from at least 43 countries is reportedly underway. While not yet official, the list is expected to target countries with high visa overstay rates, unstable political climates or large refugee populations.
- Visa delays and embassy closures: More intense vetting processes are set to increase visa rejection rates and slow processing times. Some U.S. embassies in Western Europe are expected to close by summer, further delaying appointment availability. Further major closures are being discussed for other regions as well.
- Tightened inspections and digital scrutiny: Increased reports of travellers having their electronic devices and social media accounts inspected have raised alarm in some countries. These incidents remain rare. However, travellers identified as critics or those openly critical of U.S. policies may face greater scrutiny at entry points.
Riskline’s Advice to Travellers and Travel Managers
- Apply well in advance: Submit ESTA applications at least 72 hours before travel. Those requiring a visa should apply well in advance due to expected delays.
- Prepare for enhanced screening: Be aware that electronic devices and social media may be reviewed by border agents. Avoid posting politically sensitive content prior to travel.
- Check re-entry rules: Green Card holders and some visa types may face re-entry complications. Review the eligibility carefully.
- Monitor border conditions: For overland travel, especially via Canada and Mexico, check current waiting times. If eligible, consider programmes like NEXUS for faster processing.
- Organise emergency assistance: Travel managers should provide travellers with a contact list for any issues at the border. This should include the in-house travel team, travel management company, risk management provider or embassy. It is also advisable to have an immigration law firm on standby. Ensure that insurance policies are reviewed, particularly coverage for legal assistance in the event of detention or deportation. Additionally, travel professionals must brief people thoroughly, ensuring they are well-prepared and aware of their rights should any issues arise.
- Support trans and non-binary employees: Have a robust mitigation plan in place.
With careful planning and access to up-to-date information, travellers and businesses can confidently navigate the shifting landscape of U.S. travel. While uncertainties remain, proactive risk management and real-time intelligence empower decision-makers to act swiftly, stay compliant and prioritise traveller safety. Our real-time alerts and advisories are designed not just to inform, but to support resilience in an increasingly complex travel environment.