How US Politics Is Shaping International Travel in 2026
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Key takeaways
- Global sentiment is shifting: WTTC projects the US could lose $12.5bn in international visitor spending in 2025, and 46% of travellers polled were less likely to visit the US.
- Advisories and policy ripple outward: Official travel warnings shape traveler decisions and insurance coverage, with Venezuela and Iran flagged for avoidance by the FCDO, while Greenland remains not currently advised against.
- Destinations may ride the wave: Increased media attention can raise awareness for places like Greenland, potentially boosting tourism when managed carefully.
- Travelers should stay informed: Regularly check the FCDO and US State Department advisories and review travel insurance terms if advised against travel.
Table of contents
Overview
In early 2026 the United States is navigating a mix of international events and domestic policy moves. While the country co-hosts the FIFA World Cup and marks Route 66’s centenary and the 250th independence anniversary, a series of policy actions — tariffs on longtime allies, talk of annexation, border detentions, and calls for social-media screening of visitors — has unsettled prospective travellers. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) and Oxford Economics warned that the US would be the only country among 184 analyzed to see a decline in international visitor spending in 2025, projecting a loss of about $12.5bn (£9.35bn). As Skift’s Sarah Kopit notes, “There’s a sense that a US trip now feels like both a political act and a financial burden.” About 46% of travellers polled last year said they were less likely to visit the US.
Global impact on travel decisions
In the first days of 2026, Trump’s rhetoric and policies have rippled beyond the US. Danish resident Heather Storgaard considered Greenland in February but is proceeding cautiously. Brazil-based hospitality marketer Jackie Arruda had Greenland plans for May but is watching closely. “If something happens in the next months, I will cancel this trip, but I’m more worried about my friend’s safety and the Greenlanders’ future,” Storgaard said. In Havana, Jesús Noguera of Cuba Careo Tours reports immediate alarms and rescheduled plans as Trump described Cuba as a country likely to falter following Maduro’s capture. Laura Rendell-Dunn of Journey Latin America said the US moves have not yet impacted bookings to Colombia or Mexico, where Trump has threatened to send troops.
Destinations in the spotlight
Arctic destinations like Greenland are drawing media attention that could raise global awareness of their culture and nature. Greenland’s safety advisories remain distinct from other regions, and the country is not currently flagged by the FCDO as a place to avoid entirely. For many travellers, a cautious approach now may pay off later as destinations lean into resilience and transparent risk communication. Cuba and Iran illustrate how negative perceptions compound with policy shifts to reduce Western tourism, independent of short-term political events.
Industry perspectives
ABTA’s Sean Tipton calls for a duty of care: “There’s a clear line in the sand. As soon as the Foreign Office gives advice against travel, they will not send anyone. When you travel against Foreign Office advice, standard travel insurance does not cover you.” The FCDO, as of 9 January, advised against all travel to Venezuela and Iran, cautioned against all but essential travel to parts of Colombia and Mexico, and did not advise against travel to Greenland. The US State Department’s warnings range from “exercise normal precautions” to “do not travel” for some areas, with “increased caution” in Cuba and Greenland and “reconsider travel” for Colombia.
Practical guidance for travelers
Readers weighing whether it is safe to visit should monitor official sources regularly: the FCDO site provides frequent updates, and travel insurance terms can determine coverage when advice changes. Staying flexible with itineraries and understanding policy nuances can mitigate risk while preserving opportunities.
Opportunities for destinations
Emerging destinations like Greenland may leverage the added media focus to showcase unique culture, nature and history. Industry voices suggest a proactive, transparent approach to communicate risk and resilience, turning uncertainty into sustainable tourism growth.
Related reads
Why some travellers are avoiding the US • How Trump’s sweeping new policies could change travel • Where are all the Canadians going?
Source: https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20260109-how-us-politics-is-affecting-international-travel
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