Australia is now among several long-time allies, including Canada, the UK, Germany, Spain, South Korea, and Mexico, quietly removing the United States from their list of top international travel destinations. According to 2024 figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the US was the fourth most visited country by Australians, with 732,000 citizens making the trip.
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But by 2025, that number will drop, as indicated by the trends of overseas visitors across tourism companies.
Globally, this trend isn’t limited to Australia. Similar declines in US travel have been observed in Germany, Spain, and Canada. According to an AP report, international arrivals to the US were down 11.6% in March 2025, with the tourism industry bracing for a potential $9 billion loss in revenue this year.
Why are Australians canceling their trips to the United States?
One of the main reasons behind the change is that travellers are getting frustrated with the strict US entry process. Several reports and videos have surfaced on social media of long airport waits, intense customs questioning, and inconsistent visa screening, which discourages potential visitors. Travel experts say that even travelers with valid documentation feel unwelcome or stressed upon arrival in the US.
“The border experience has become a gamble,” said a travel consultant based in Sydney. “People are choosing destinations that make them feel relaxed from the moment they land.”
Political tensions are also playing a role, as nobody will feel safe in political unrest. In recent months, the US has tightened immigration policies.
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This includes measures like suspending the right to seek asylum for those who don’t arrive at official entry points, reinstating the “Remain in Mexico” policy, and expanding the presence of border patrol.
President Trump has also adopted a confrontational global posture, particularly in his nationalistic policies like “America First.” These policies prioritize the interests of the United States above all else. They have created a very thin line between adversaries and allies and made it tough for travellers to feel welcomed.
This hardline stance is making some foreign tourists think twice. “There’s a perception that the US is less open, less friendly to outsiders,” said an Australian travel association spokesperson.
The culture of fear
The cultural climate within the US is another factor. According to Everytown Research & Policy, every day in the US, 125 people are killed by guns, and more than 200 are injured by gunfire.
This concerning statistic will be enough reason to reconsider their plans for those who wish to explore new destinations, savor local cuisine, and immerse themselves in different cultures.
The recent Los Angeles riots and protests in every major city are creating a sense of unease in the minds of travelers.
Australian travel companies are already seeing the effects. Industry data shows a 12–15% drop in US bookings from Australia. Intrepid Travel, for example, reported a 44% year-over-year decline in April.
US destinations like Los Angeles and New York, once favored by Australian tourists, now have fewer visits and shorter stays. Airlines are adjusting flight frequencies, and tourism boards are beginning to worry.
What destinations are the Australians choosing?
But Aussies are not sitting in their home either; countries like Japan, Italy, Portugal, and South Korea are seeing an uptick in interest from Australian travelers. These destinations offer simpler visa procedures, safer environments, and more welcoming atmospheres.
The message from travelers around the world is clear: in a post-pandemic, high-stress world, ease and comfort matter over unfriendly policies, hostile authority, and polarising politics.
For the United States, the drop in visits from close allies like Australia signals more than just a tourism dip; it’s a diplomatic and cultural warning.
