Published on February 10, 2026
New York joins San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Las Vegas in experiencing a dramatic tourism crisis. Once magnets for millions of international travelers, these iconic U.S. cities are now facing an alarming decline in global visitors. In 2025 and 2026, federal policies aimed at tightening travel regulations, such as enhanced vetting processes, stricter visa rules, and expanded travel bans, have left a lasting impact on tourism. These changes have not only complicated the process for international tourists but have also dampened the appeal of the U.S. as a top destination.
The ripple effect of these policies is felt most acutely in major tourist hubs, where international tourism once flourished. Cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and Las Vegas are struggling to maintain their status as leading destinations. The consequences are severe—lower visitor numbers, reduced revenue, and a shift in global travel preferences. As international visitors face increasingly complex entry barriers, the tourism industry is bracing for long-term impacts. The U.S. must reconsider its approach to international travel before the decline deepens further.

New York City: The Big Apple Faces a Sharp Decline

New York City, one of the world’s most visited cities, is experiencing a downturn in international tourism like never before. The New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) had reported that in 2024, the city saw a staggering 65 million visitors. Yet, projections for 2025 were adjusted to about 64 million, a drop that, though modest, signals a significant turning point for the city’s tourism sector. International tourism, a key contributor to the city’s economy, is on the decline, and the consequences of this shift are already becoming evident.
NYC Tourism & Conventions, a prominent organization responsible for promoting the city’s attractions, has projected a loss of 12.1 million international visitors in 2025, which represents an alarming 17% drop from previous expectations. The cause of this dramatic decline can be attributed to federal travel policies, particularly the enhanced visa vetting processes and stricter entry requirements for foreign nationals. These policies have made it more difficult for international tourists to visit the U.S., which has led to the perception that the United States is no longer as welcoming as it once was.

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By the second quarter of 2025, inbound passenger numbers at New York airports had already decreased by more than 3%, and the city’s hospitality sector—hotels, restaurants, and cultural institutions—was bracing for an even steeper drop. The decline in visitor numbers is particularly alarming because of New York’s global status as a cultural and tourism hub. For years, it has been an attraction for tourists from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. But now, with stricter travel policies in place, international travelers are finding it increasingly difficult to plan their trips, and this is reflected in the city’s tourism numbers.

San Francisco Struggles Amid Economic and Policy Changes

San Francisco, another iconic city with global appeal, is also feeling the effects of this decline in international tourism. Known for its technological innovations, stunning scenery, and historic landmarks, San Francisco has long been a favorite among international visitors. However, the city is not immune to the broader impact of federal travel policies. According to a 2025–2026 forecast from the San Francisco Travel Association, the city is expected to see a 3.2% decline in international visitation compared to the previous year.

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The forecasted drop is largely attributed to visa delays, travel bans, and ongoing geopolitical tensions, which have caused international visitors to rethink their travel plans to the U.S. Although domestic tourism in San Francisco is expected to rise, the international market is projected to suffer significantly. This trend is especially concerning given that the city’s economy relies heavily on international tourists. In 2025, San Francisco Travel expects a 2.7% drop in international spending, signaling a further shift away from the city’s once-thriving tourism industry.
As we look toward 2026, the outlook for San Francisco remains uncertain. The city’s tourism industry is on edge, and although visitor numbers may still be strong overall, the continued suppression of international tourism due to federal policies could pose a serious long-term threat to the city’s tourism economy.

Washington, D.C.: Record 2024 Visitation Masked by 2025 Slump

Washington, D.C., the seat of the U.S. government and a city with unparalleled cultural and historical significance, also faces a decline in international tourism. Although the city enjoyed record visitation numbers in 2024—attracting 25 million domestic visitors and 2.2 million international visitors—forecasts for 2025 show a significant downturn. Tourism Economics predicts that international visitation to Washington, D.C. will fall by 6.5% in 2025, exacerbating the challenges already faced by the city’s tourism sector.
This decline is attributed to extended visa wait times, an increase in travel bans, and other federal policies that have made it more difficult for travelers from Europe, Asia, and other regions to visit the U.S. While domestic tourism and convention attendance remain strong, the international market is taking a direct hit. For Washington, D.C., a city that thrives on its international visitors—who come to see its museums, monuments, and government buildings—this drop in international tourism is a serious concern.
Tourism officials in Washington, D.C. are urging policymakers to reconsider these measures in order to mitigate the damage to the city’s cultural and tourism sectors. The city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Lincoln Memorial and the U.S. Capitol, could see fewer visitors as travel restrictions make it harder for tourists to enter the country. The impact of these policies is already being felt, and without intervention, Washington, D.C. risks losing its status as a top global destination.

California and Los Angeles: Iconic Destinations Suffer

California, with its rich diversity and array of attractions, is experiencing a significant downturn in international tourism, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco bearing the brunt of this decline. California’s tourism industry has been rocked by a 9.2% decrease in international visitors forecasted for 2025, largely due to federal policies related to travel bans, visa delays, and tightening entry requirements.
In Los Angeles, the situation is particularly dire. The city relies heavily on international tourists, who account for over half of the city’s total visitor spending. This heavy reliance on overseas visitors means that a reduction in international tourism could have devastating consequences for the local economy. Los Angeles has already seen reduced foot traffic at its iconic tourist destinations like the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Santa Monica Pier.
The decline in international visitors is not only a threat to the tourism industry but also to the city’s job market. Hospitality, entertainment, and retail sectors are all vulnerable to the effects of reduced international spending. The policy-induced downturn is expected to be felt for years to come, with no clear end in sight unless these restrictive policies are reassessed.

Las Vegas: Entertainment Hub Faces a Decline in Key Markets

Las Vegas, a city synonymous with entertainment, gambling, and vibrant nightlife, is also grappling with a decline in international tourism. According to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), the city saw a 7.5% decrease in visitor numbers in 2025, with leisure and international tourism segments being the hardest hit. The convention attendance, however, remained strong, indicating that while business tourism may hold steady, the leisure market—especially international visitors—is faltering.
The reduction in international tourism is directly linked to federal policies such as the tightening of U.S. visa regulations and the expansion of travel bans. For a city like Las Vegas, which depends heavily on international visitors, particularly high-spending tourists, this decline is a major concern. Fewer international tourists are visiting the city’s renowned casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues, and the impact on local businesses is becoming increasingly evident.
Despite Las Vegas’s reputation as a global entertainment hub, even this powerhouse is not immune to the consequences of federal policies. The city’s tourism leaders are urging policymakers to reconsider the restrictive travel measures that are deterring international tourists.

Federal Policies Driving the 2026 Decline

In 2026, two major federal policies are expected to further exacerbate the decline in international tourism to the U.S. The first is the expansion of the travel ban, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. This new restriction includes full suspensions for nationals from countries such as Afghanistan, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen, as well as partial suspensions for other nations, including Venezuela and Cuba. These bans will make it increasingly difficult for travelers from certain countries to visit the U.S., and the resulting decline in international visitation will directly affect U.S. cities that rely heavily on foreign tourists.
The second policy involves the U.S. Department of State’s decision to pause immigrant visa issuances for nationals from over 60 countries deemed at high risk of relying on U.S. public benefits. Although this policy does not affect tourist visas directly, the perception that the U.S. is closing its doors to international visitors is enough to discourage would-be tourists from planning their trips. The broader implications of these policies, combined with long visa wait times and heightened entry requirements, are likely to keep international visitors away.

Conclusion: A Critical Turning Point for U.S. Tourism

The decline in international tourism across U.S. cities like New York, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and Las Vegas demonstrates the powerful impact that federal policies have on the travel industry. These policies, including stricter visa regulations, travel bans, and delays, are making it increasingly difficult for foreign nationals to visit the U.S. The economic ramifications are severe, with millions of dollars in lost revenue, thousands of jobs at risk, and a shifting perception of the U.S. as a welcoming destination.
If these policies continue unchecked, the U.S. faces the possibility of losing its standing as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. Major cities like New York and Los Angeles may never fully recover from the long-term effects of these travel restrictions. Policymakers must carefully weigh the national security benefits of these measures against the growing economic damage to the tourism industry.
Ultimately, the future of U.S. tourism hinges on whether the government will reconsider its stance on these policies. If the current trend continues, the U.S. may find itself isolated from the global tourism market, with lasting consequences for its economy and global influence.

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Tags: 2026 us tourism forcaste, California tourism, federal policies, international travel decline, international visitors 2026

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