Restore International Travel to the US: Key Actions and Policies to Drive Economic Growth
The United States has long stood as one of the world’s top choices for international tourists. Still, recent data reveals that the country is losing momentum in attracting visitors from abroad. International visitation remains below the levels seen in 2019. The U.S. Travel Association is urging swift action to restore the flow of global travelers and support a stronger economic recovery.
Economic Stakes and Visitor Spending
International travelers bring much-needed income to local economies. In 2024, the U.S. welcomed 72.4 million international visitors, who contributed $240 billion to the economy. On average, each international visitor spends about $4,000 per trip. This figure is eight times greater than the average spending of domestic travelers, which stands near $500. These higher expenditures support jobs in important sectors such as hospitality, retail, and transportation.
A small drop in international visitor spending has a large effect. Each 1% decline means about $1.8 billion less in export revenue for the country. Since visitor numbers have fallen by 7 million compared to 2019, the U.S. risks losing $21 billion in travel-related exports by 2025 unless trends change.
Key Barriers to Growth
Several issues hinder growth in inbound international travel. Visa wait times have ballooned to nearly six months in some key markets, discouraging visitors. The U.S. permits visa-free entry from only 43 countries, while the UK accepts travelers from 102 countries without a visa, putting the U.S. at a disadvantage.
Airports face challenges as well. Outdated air traffic control systems and aging infrastructure cause congestion and delays. Staffing shortages, including a lack of aviation workers and Customs and Border Protection officers, slow down customs processing and reduce the capacity of airports to handle large numbers of international travelers.
These problems have stark economic consequences. Visa delays could cost the U.S. 39 million visitors and $150 billion in spending over the next ten years. The loss of just one international flight because of insufficient CBP staffing can mean a $227 million economic impact loss.
A Plan to Restore Travel and Economic Leadership
To tackle these challenges, U.S. Travel has proposed a detailed roadmap. The plan calls for speeding up visa processing and improving security at airports. It emphasizes increasing airport capacity, modernizing infrastructure, and expanding the Global Entry program to ease entry for low-risk travelers.
This plan is especially urgent because the country will host major global sporting events soon. The 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics are expected to draw 40 million additional international visitors. These events could generate up to $100 billion in economic impact. Preparing visa systems, airports, and transportation infrastructure to handle this surge is crucial.
Government Policy Efforts
The government has already begun making changes to improve the international travel experience. On July 8, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem ended the policy that required passengers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints. This change marks progress in modernizing travel procedures.
Also, the Transportation Security Administration’s ‘One Stop Security’ program launched on July 22, 2025. It aims to reduce repeated security screenings for certain international flights, including those arriving from busy airports like London Heathrow. This program helps make the arrival process smoother for travelers.
Looking Ahead: Committing to Travel Revival
The U.S. government, working with U.S. Travel, is dedicated to keeping America a premier destination for international visitors. A $6.1 billion fund has been set aside to boost Customs and Border Protection staffing, speed up visa applications, and improve airports. These investments will help the nation remain competitive in the global tourism market and seize new economic opportunities.
With the risk of $21 billion in lost revenue looming, restoring international travel is vital for economic growth. Through focused policies, smart investments, and leadership, the U.S. can overcome current barriers. Improving security, visa processes, and traveler experiences will position the country to reclaim its place as the world’s leading destination for international tourism.
As major events approach and travel demand grows, the time to act is now. Properly managed, the coming years can mark a new Golden Age of Travel for the United States—supporting jobs, businesses, and global competitiveness.
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