Restore International Travel to the US: Key Actions and Policies to Overcome Barriers and Drive 100 Billion Dollar in Economic Impact

Published on December 15, 2025

The United States has long been one of the world’s top destinations for international tourists, but recent trends show that the U.S. is losing ground. With international visitation still lagging behind 2019 levels, the U.S. Travel Association is calling for urgent action to restore the flow of international visitors and ensure a more robust economic recovery. To address this challenge, U.S. Travel has outlined a comprehensive plan to modernize the travel experience and enhance the U.S.’s position as the world’s top destination for leisure and business travelers.

The economic stakes are high. International travelers typically spend eight times more than domestic travelers, contributing significantly to local economies and supporting jobs across every corner of the country. However, with 2024 visitor numbers down by 7 million compared to 2019, the U.S. risks losing out on billions in revenue from travel-related exports unless changes are made.

The Economic Importance of International Travel

International visitors are vital to the U.S. economy. In 2024, the U.S. welcomed 72.4 million international visitors, contributing $240 billion to the economy. On average, international travelers spend $4,000 per trip, compared to just $500 spent by domestic travelers. This disproportionate spending supports jobs in sectors like hospitality, retail, and transportation, making international tourism a critical driver of economic growth.

However, with each 1% drop in international visitor spending, the U.S. loses about $1.8 billion in export revenue annually. The current trend suggests that the U.S. risks losing $21 billion in travel-related exports by 2025 if international visitation continues to decline.

Barriers to Growth: Visa Delays and Infrastructure Strain

Several barriers are currently holding back growth in international inbound travel to the U.S. Chief among these are excessive visa wait times, which have reached nearly six months in key inbound markets. Furthermore, the U.S. only allows visa-free travel from 43 countries, compared to 102 for the U.K., further limiting potential visitors.

In addition, outdated air traffic control systems and airport infrastructure have created bottlenecks for travelers, leading to longer wait times and delays. Staffing shortages—including fewer aviation workers and CBP officers—are exacerbating the problem, slowing down the customs process and reducing the overall capacity of U.S. airports to accommodate high volumes of international travelers.

These issues have significant economic consequences:

• Visa delays could cost the U.S. 39 million visitors and $150 billion in spending over the next decade.
• A single lost international flight, due to CBP staffing shortfalls, results in a $227 million loss in economic impact.

A Bold Vision for the Future: Restoring Global Travel and Economic Power

To address these issues, U.S. Travel has outlined an ambitious roadmap to restore international inbound travel. This includes improving visa processing and enhancing security measures at U.S. airports. The roadmap also focuses on increasing capacity, modernizing airport infrastructure, and expanding the Global Entry program to streamline entry for low-risk travelers.

The initiative is especially crucial as the U.S. enters a “mega-decade” of events that will attract millions of visitors from around the world. The 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics will be key drivers of this surge, potentially bringing 40 million additional international visitors and generating up to $100 billion in economic impact. This makes it all the more urgent to prepare the country’s visa systems, airports, and transportation infrastructure to handle the increased demand.

Policy Changes to Streamline Travel and Boost Global Competitiveness

The U.S. government is already taking action to address the challenges in international travel. On July 8, 2025, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem announced the end of the outdated policy requiring passengers to remove their shoes at airport security checkpoints, marking a significant improvement for travelers. This decision was part of a broader strategy to modernize travel procedures and ensure that security measures meet the demands of today’s global travel environment.

Additionally, the TSA’s ‘One Stop Security’ program, launched on July 22, 2025, aims to reduce redundant rescreening for certain international flights from airports like London Heathrow. This program is an important step in ensuring a seamless experience for travelers, particularly those arriving in the U.S. from high-traffic international hubs.

The Road Ahead: A Unified Effort to Revive U.S. Travel

Looking to the future, the U.S. government, with the support of U.S. Travel, is committed to ensuring that America remains a top destination for international travelers. The $6.1 billion in funding allocated for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) staffing, visa processing, and airport upgrades is an essential step toward achieving this goal. In turn, these efforts will help the U.S. remain competitive in the global tourism market, ensuring that we don’t miss out on the significant economic opportunities that international visitors bring.

Conclusion: Seizing the Opportunity to Revive U.S. Travel

As the U.S. faces the potential for $21 billion in lost revenue if current trends continue, it’s clear that restoring international inbound travel is essential for the nation’s economic growth. With smart policies, strong leadership, and investment in infrastructure, the U.S. can overcome current barriers and capitalize on the opportunities presented by mega-events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics. By modernizing security procedures, improving visa processing, and enhancing the overall traveler experience, the U.S. is poised to reclaim its position as the world’s leading destination for international tourism.

The time to act is now—and with the right policies in place, the U.S. can usher in a new Golden Age of Travel, boosting both economic activity and global competitiveness in the coming years.