How European Travel to the U.S. Has Changed Since 2019
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Key Takeaways:
- European travel to the U.S. remains below pre-pandemic levels, with roughly 1.8 million fewer visitors in 2025 than in 2019.
- The steepest declines came from Northern Europe, including Denmark (-43%), Norway (-41%), and Sweden (-37%).
- A handful of countries saw growth, led by Poland (+68%), Albania (+57%), and Croatia (+52%).
European travel to the United States has changed significantly since before the pandemic.
Using arrival data from the U.S. International Trade Administration, this graphic from the European Correspondent compares visitor numbers from 38 European countries in 2019 and 2025. Overall, Europe sent roughly 1.8 million fewer visitors to the U.S. than it did before the pandemic, though the trend varies considerably by country.
While many of America’s largest European travel markets, including the UK, Germany, and France, remain below 2019 levels, several countries in Eastern and Southern Europe recorded notable increases in travel to the U.S.
How Travel to the U.S. Changed Across Europe
The U.S. has been one of the world’s most popular long-haul destinations for European tourists for decades. However, many European countries are now changing their travel preferences.
Major economies like the UK (-15%), Germany (-14%), and France (-14%) are posting fewer visits to the United States than they did in 2019.
The table below shows how visitor numbers to the U.S. from European countries have changed from 2019 to 2025:
| Country | Visitors to the U.S. in 2019 (millions) | Visitors to the U.S. in 2025 (millions) | 2019 to 2025 Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | 4.78 | 4.06 | -15% |
| Germany | 2.06 | 1.77 | -14% |
| France | 1.84 | 1.59 | -14% |
| Italy | 1.09 | 1.18 | +9% |
| Spain | 0.94 | 0.91 | -3% |
| Netherlands | 0.73 | 0.57 | -21% |
| Ireland | 0.52 | 0.49 | -6% |
| Switzerland | 0.47 | 0.36 | -24% |
| Sweden | 0.45 | 0.28 | -37% |
| Denmark | 0.31 | 0.18 | -43% |
| Belgium | 0.29 | 0.26 | -11% |
| Norway | 0.27 | 0.16 | -41% |
| Poland | 0.23 | 0.38 | +68% |
| Austria | 0.2 | 0.18 | -10% |
| Portugal | 0.16 | 0.18 | +15% |
| Finland | 0.14 | 0.1 | -32% |
| Czechia | 0.13 | 0.12 | -8% |
| Hungary | 0.1 | 0.09 | -10% |
| Ukraine | 0.09 | 0.09 | -4% |
| Romania | 0.09 | 0.1 | +9% |
| Greece | 0.08 | 0.09 | +10% |
| Iceland | 0.06 | 0.04 | -25% |
| Slovakia | 0.05 | 0.05 | -9% |
| Lithuania | 0.03 | 0.04 | +18% |
| Bulgaria | 0.03 | 0.03 | +6% |
| Serbia | 0.02 | 0.03 | +17% |
| Slovenia | 0.03 | 0.03 | -2% |
| Croatia | 0.03 | 0.04 | +52% |
| Luxembourg | 0.02 | 0.02 | -17% |
| Estonia | 0.02 | 0.02 | -13% |
| Latvia | 0.02 | 0.02 | +6% |
| Albania | 0.01 | 0.02 | +57% |
| Georgia | 0.01 | 0.014 | +40% |
| Moldova | 0.009 | 0.008 | -17% |
| Malta | 0.008 | 0.01 | +8% |
| BiH | 0.008 | 0.009 | +8% |
| N. Macedonia | 0.007 | 0.01 | +33% |
| Montenegro | 0.005 | 0.006 | +9% |
Nordic countries like Denmark (-43%), Norway (-41%), Sweden (-37%), Finland (-32%), and Iceland (-25%) have led the decline in percentage terms. Meanwhile, the largest absolute declines came from the UK, Germany, and France, which together account for a substantial share of all European arrivals.
Not every country followed the trend. Poland recorded the largest increase in travel to the U.S. (+68%), followed by Albania (+57%) and Croatia (+52%). Italy also stood out among Europe’s largest travel markets, posting a 9% increase while most major countries saw declines.
Why Are Europeans Avoiding the U.S.?
Europe’s largest tour operator, TUI, reported “significantly lower demand” for U.S.-bound trips from European customers, while seeing stronger growth for destinations in Asia, the Emirates, and the Caribbean. Company executives specifically cited changing traveler preferences and concerns surrounding U.S. immigration policies.
Reports of tourists being detained or facing entry complications have attracted significant media attention across Europe. In response, some governments have issued updated travel guidance, while news coverage has amplified concerns about the visitor experience.
Economic factors are also playing a role. Long-haul travel remains expensive, and many European travelers are finding competitive alternatives closer to home or in emerging tourism hubs across Asia and the Gulf region.
At the same time, perceptions matter. Tourism analysts note that geopolitical tensions, immigration debates, and shifting international attitudes toward the U.S. can influence destination choices even when practical travel barriers remain unchanged.
It’s Not Just Europeans Staying Away
The trend extends beyond Europe. Canada has experienced one of the sharpest declines in travel to the U.S., with industry groups estimating millions fewer visits compared to previous years. Trade tensions, currency pressures, and political disagreements have all contributed to softer demand.
Broader international tourism data paints a similar picture. The U.S. welcomed roughly 68 million foreign visitors in 2025, down from about 72 million in 2024, even as global travel volumes continued to rise. International visitor spending also declined, suggesting the slowdown is having measurable economic consequences for tourism-dependent regions.
Whether this represents a temporary dip or a longer-term shift remains to be seen. But for now, the data suggests that while Europeans haven’t stopped traveling, many are increasingly choosing destinations other than the United States.
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