US International Arrivals Decline 7% Amid Rising Outbound Travel

International travel to and from the United States in May 2025 revealed a decline in inbound visitors, with arrivals down 7 percent compared to the previous year, while outbound American travelers increased beyond pre-pandemic levels. This drop in inbound tourism is partly influenced by travel advisories issued by countries such as Canada and several European nations, linked to the Trump administration's immigration policies and executive orders on gender identification, which have created uncertainty and concern among international travelers, especially within the transgender community. The United States could face a significant economic impact, with an estimated loss of $12.5 billion in international traveler spending this year. To improve the travel experience, select US airlines like American Airlines and Delta are trialing the One Stop Security program, allowing passengers from London Heathrow to clear US customs at the gate and have their luggage automatically transferred, significantly reducing connection times. These developments come amid broader changes in US travel policies, including the recent end of the TSA's 'shoes-off' rule and the introduction of Real ID and Digital ID programs. Overall, the combination of evolving travel procedures and policy-driven travel advisories is reshaping international travel dynamics for the United States.