Published on November 12, 2025
Las Vegas joins Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, and other U.S. cities in facing tourism setbacks due to visa delays and border policies in 2025, leading to significant visitor declines. The impact has been especially felt in markets like Canada and Mexico, where increased visa processing times and stricter border measures have discouraged international travelers. As a result, cities heavily reliant on tourism have seen a reduction in bookings for hotels, casinos, and local attractions, raising concerns about the long-term effects on their economies.
Las Vegas: Visa Delays and Border Policies Impacting Tourism
Las Vegas, known for its vibrant entertainment and tourism sector, has faced a noticeable decline in international visitors in 2025. With visitor numbers down by about 11%, the city’s international market, particularly from Canada and Mexico, has been significantly impacted by visa delays and stricter border policies. The increased processing times and higher visa rejection rates have deterred many potential travelers. As a result, Las Vegas has seen reduced bookings for its hotels, shows, and casinos. This decline is expected to have long-term economic effects on the hospitality and entertainment industries that rely heavily on international tourists.
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| Visitor Decline (%) | Impacted Markets | Reason for Decline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11% | Canadian, Mexican visitors | Visa delays, increased border scrutiny | Reduced hotel, casino, and entertainment bookings |
Los Angeles: Struggling with Visa Delays and Travel Hesitations
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Los Angeles, a top destination for international travelers, has experienced a 50% drop in visitor counts from key markets in 2025. Canadian tourists were particularly affected, with a 30% decrease in arrivals during peak summer months. This downturn can be attributed to visa delays, political instability, and the growing concerns about travel safety. As a result, businesses in the hospitality, retail, and cultural sectors are facing significant challenges. The city’s tourism authorities are concerned that these issues may result in long-term damage to the local economy, especially as tourism has been a major contributor to the region’s GDP.
| Visitor Decline (%) | Impacted Markets | Reason for Decline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | Canadian, Mexican visitors | Visa delays, political instability | Decline in retail, hospitality, and tourism-related industries |
New York City: Facing a Decline in International Tourism
New York City is grappling with a 6.2% decrease in international visitors in 2025, with a predicted loss of 800,000 international tourists. This is largely attributed to visa delays and the increased border scrutiny imposed by U.S. policies. International visitors, particularly from Canada, are facing significant challenges when applying for U.S. visas, leading to cancellations and deferred travel plans. The decline has had a detrimental effect on the city’s economy, with the tourism and retail sectors seeing a dip in revenue. While domestic tourism remains steady, the loss of foreign visitors is a significant blow to NYC’s recovery post‑pandemic.
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| Visitor Decline (%) | Impacted Markets | Reason for Decline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.2% | Canadian, European markets | Visa delays, stricter border policies | Reduced spending in tourism, retail, and hospitality |
San Francisco: Cruise and Visa Restrictions Hampering Growth
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San Francisco has seen a slowdown in international tourism, with visa delays and border policy changes being significant contributors. The city’s international tourism market, especially from Mexico and Canada, has been severely impacted, with 8% fewer arrivals in 2025. This is due to increasing wait times for U.S. visas and the heightened security measures at the border. As a popular hub for business, technology, and cultural tourism, San Francisco’s hospitality sector is now facing growing concerns over how long these challenges will persist, particularly with major events like conferences being affected.
| Visitor Decline (%) | Impacted Markets | Reason for Decline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8% | Canadian, Mexican visitors | Visa delays, border policy changes | Reduced conference, hotel, and tourism revenues |
Seattle: International Visitor Numbers Decline Amid Visa Issues
Seattle, a significant gateway for international tourists, is witnessing a decline of about 9% in foreign arrivals in 2025. The city’s international tourism, especially from Canada and Asia, is facing disruptions due to visa delays and stricter border policies. The tech conferences and tourism attractions that typically draw thousands of foreign visitors have seen reduced international attendance, resulting in fewer bookings and a dip in local business revenues. The slowdown in Seattle’s tourism sector is a concerning trend for a city heavily reliant on its global connections and its thriving tech industry.
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| Visitor Decline (%) | Impacted Markets | Reason for Decline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9% | Canadian, Asian markets | Visa delays, border security measures | Reduced hotel, event, and retail sales |
Orlando: Declining International Visitors Due to Visa Wait Times
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Orlando, a major tourism hub, is also experiencing a drop in international arrivals, particularly from Canada and Mexico, due to increased visa processing times and political tensions. The city’s renowned theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, have seen a 13% decline in visitors from abroad in 2025. The slower visa approval process, coupled with rising airfares and travel uncertainty, has discouraged many potential tourists. These setbacks are posing challenges for Orlando’s hospitality and entertainment industries, which rely heavily on international visitors for growth.
| Visitor Decline (%) | Impacted Markets | Reason for Decline | Economic Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13% | Canadian, Mexican visitors | Visa delays, travel uncertainty | Reduced attendance at theme parks, hotels, and attractions |
Other US Cities Affected by the Shift
Houston Tourism Decline: Houston saw 53.9 million visitors in 2024 but faces a 5% drop in international arrivals due to visa delays and border policies, affecting tourism spending.
Austin’s Tourism Struggles: Austin faces challenges with visa issues, especially for international students from China and India, impacting tourism growth and cultural events like SXSW in 2025.
Dallas Tourism Slowdown: Dallas experiences an 8% decline in international tourism, impacted by visa delays and rising tariffs, leading to fewer bookings for hotels and the upcoming World Cup.
San Antonio Growth Uncertainty: San Antonio’s 2025 tourism forecast is uncertain, with potential declines due to visa delays, airfares, and political climates, despite the addition of new international routes.
El Paso’s Dual Crisis: El Paso faces both migrant and tourist flow challenges due to strained border resources and long wait times, which are negatively impacting tourism and local infrastructure.
Fort Worth Decline: Fort Worth’s tourism is affected by visa delays and political tensions, resulting in reduced international visitors, despite strong 2024 performance and key cultural events.
Las Vegas joins Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, and other US cities in facing tourism setbacks due to visa delays and border policies in 2025, leading to significant visitor declines.
Conclusion
Las Vegas joins Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Orlando, and other U.S. cities in facing tourism setbacks due to visa delays and border policies in 2025, leading to significant visitor declines. These challenges, driven by longer visa processing times and stricter border measures, have impacted international travel, resulting in reduced bookings across key industries such as hospitality, entertainment, and retail. As these cities struggle with diminished tourist numbers, the long-term effects on their economies remain a pressing concern.
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Tags: border policies, travel setbacks, US Tourism, Visa Delays
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