For the first time this millennium, excluding the COVID-19 pandemic period, the number of Indian visitors to the United States has experienced a decline in June 2025 compared to the previous year. Data from the US Department of Commerce's National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) indicates an 8% decrease, with 210,000 Indian travelers in June 2025, down from 230,000 in June of the prior year. Provisional figures for July 2025 show a further 5.5% decrease compared to July 2024.
While a comprehensive analysis is still emerging, several factors could contribute to this downturn. Overall, the U.S. has seen a decline in international visitors, not just from India, in recent months. According to the NTTO, the total number of non-U.S. resident international visitors to the U.S. decreased 6.2% in June 2025 compared to June 2024, with similar declines in May (7%), March (8%), and February (1.9%). January 2025, however, saw a 4.7% increase, and April was up by 1.3%.
India currently ranks as the fourth-largest source market for international visitors to the U.S.. When considering overseas markets specifically, India holds the position of second-largest, following the United Kingdom, as Mexico and Canada share a land border with the U.S. Together, the top five source markets, including Brazil, accounted for 59.4% of total international arrivals in June.
Some experts suggest that it may be premature to attribute the decline in Indian visitor numbers solely to stricter visa regulations implemented by the Trump administration. The U.S. typically issues visitor and business visas (B1/B2) with a 10-year validity and multiple-entry permissions, which allows people who already have those visas to continue traveling. However, any impact on new visa issuances, such as longer appointment times or stricter issuance criteria, could affect visitor numbers over time.
Recent changes to US visa policies in 2025 could be impacting Indian travelers. These include mandatory public social media profiles for student visa applicants, a new $250 visa integrity fee for most non-immigrant visa categories, and stricter eligibility for interview waivers. Starting September 2, 2025, in-person interviews will become mandatory for most applicants, even for renewals, with waivers granted only under limited conditions at the discretion of consular officers. These changes point to increased scrutiny, potentially leading to longer wait times and greater complexity in the visa application process.
Furthermore, a new $250 "visa integrity fee" effective October 1, 2025, adds a financial burden for travelers from non-visa waiver countries, including India. This additional cost raises the total visa expense to $442, which is among the highest globally. This fee, combined with existing immigration policies, may further diminish the U.S.'s appeal as a destination.
Despite the recent dip, India remains a crucial market for U.S. tourism. In 2024, over 2.2 million Indians visited the U.S., marking a 24% increase from the previous year and making India the second-largest overseas market for U.S. tourism. This growth was expected to continue in 2025. The U.S. issued over one million non-immigrant visas to Indians in 2024, reflecting the strong travel demand. The U.S. is also preparing for major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, which are expected to draw significant numbers of Indian visitors.
