By John Q. Hosedrinker 
U.S. Customs and Border Protection data reveals a nearly 500,000-person decrease in Canadian land border crossings to the U.S. in February 2025 compared to the previous year, reaching levels last seen during post-COVID travel restrictions. This sharp decline, coinciding with President Trump’s trade war and annexationist rhetoric, is attributed by experts to a combination of factors including retaliatory tariffs, concerns about increased border enforcement, and a deliberate effort by Canadians to boycott U.S. travel. The drop is impacting businesses reliant on cross-border traffic, with reports of significant sales decreases in border towns and duty-free shops. Statistics Canada corroborates this trend, showing a substantial decrease in Canadian return trips from the U.S. by automobile.
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Cross-border trips to the U.S. plummeted to COVID-era lows in February, with nearly 500,000 fewer travelers than expected. This dramatic decrease isn’t solely attributable to lingering pandemic concerns; a confluence of political and economic factors are significantly impacting travel decisions. Many international visitors express serious reservations about current U.S. policies and the unpredictable political climate.
The perception of increased risk is a powerful deterrent. The potential for indefinite detention in overcrowded facilities serves as a major disincentive, overshadowing previous economic considerations like tariffs. The concern isn’t just about potential economic hardships; it’s a deep-seated fear for personal safety and security, especially for families. The perception of arbitrary detention, even for those with proper documentation, creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and apprehension.
Furthermore, the current political climate is actively discouraging travel to the U.S. Many international observers highlight a growing disconnect between the U.S. government’s actions and the well-being of its citizens and its allies. Concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions and the prioritization of certain agendas over others are creating a climate of distrust. This extends beyond mere political disagreements; it fuels a profound sense of unease among potential visitors who see their safety and rights potentially at risk.
Economic factors are also at play. Many individuals, citing both principle and practicality, are choosing to boycott U.S. goods and services, diverting their tourism dollars elsewhere. The perception of political instability contributes to this economic boycott; why spend money in a country where the future is uncertain and potentially hostile? This is not merely about individual preferences; it represents a collective shift in how people view the U.S. as a travel destination.
The impact on the U.S. economy is substantial and multi-faceted. The loss of tourism revenue is significant, particularly in border towns and regions heavily reliant on cross-border traffic. Moreover, this decline reflects a larger shift in global perceptions of the U.S. as a desirable travel destination. The potential long-term consequences extend beyond immediate economic losses, affecting international relations and the U.S.’s global image.
The decrease in travel isn’t confined to international visitors. A noticeable drop in Americans visiting neighboring countries, specifically Canada, is also observed. This internal shift highlights the impact of current policies on domestic travel patterns. The internal consequences, mirroring international concerns, underscore a broader dissatisfaction with the existing political and economic environment.
This downward trend isn’t expected to reverse quickly. Many express pessimism about a near-term improvement, predicting that March’s figures will likely show an even more pronounced decrease. The current climate breeds uncertainty, and individuals are prioritizing their safety and well-being, opting for destinations perceived as more stable and welcoming. This caution reflects a fundamental change in travel attitudes, not just a temporary blip.
In conclusion, the significant drop in cross-border trips to the U.S. reflects a complex interplay of factors. Concerns over personal safety, political instability, and economic uncertainties are coalescing to create a potent deterrent. This decline represents not merely a dip in tourism numbers, but a broader indicator of shifting global perceptions and the significant consequences of current U.S. policies. The future of U.S. tourism hinges on addressing these underlying issues and restoring confidence in the country’s stability and welcoming nature.