United States Tourism Statistics

The United States, with iconic landmarks such as the New York City skyline and various national parks, drew between 75 and 80 million international tourists each year pre-pandemic, and 68.3 million in 2025¹.

Around 75 to 80 million visitors travelled to the U.S. each year before the pandemic. In 2025, 68.3 million international visitors arrived in the U.S., a 5.5% decline from 2024 that left arrivals about 14% below the 2018 and 2019 peaks¹.

• Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the number of inbound visitors to the US was on the rise, reaching approximately 77.2 million in 2017, peaking at 79.7 million in 2018 and reaching 79.4 million in 2019¹.
• In 2020, due to the global crisis, international travel declined, with the US hosting approximately 19.2 million visitors¹.
• In 2021 and 2022, with the easing of travel restrictions, tourism in the US began to recover. The country welcomed 22.3 million international visitors in 2021, which further increased to 50.8 million in 2022.¹
• The United States welcomed 72.3 million international visitors in 2024, a 9.0% increase from 2023 (66.35 million), and 68.3 million in 2025, a 5.5% decline that left arrivals 14.4% below the pre-pandemic peak of 79.75 million in 2018¹.

How many people visited the USA in 2026?

In the first half of 2026, the United States received 32.43 million international visitors, 0.4% fewer than the 32.56 million recorded in the first six months of 2025².

• May was the busiest month so far with 5.76 million arrivals, and February the quietest at 4.66 million².
• Overseas arrivals reached 3.09 million in July and a preliminary 3.08 million in August 2026².

How many people visited the USA in 2025?

The United States received 68.29 million international visitors in 2025, down 5.5% from 72.30 million in 2024. Arrivals from Canada fell 20.9% to 16.02 million, while arrivals from Mexico rose 6.4% to 17.98 million and overseas arrivals slipped 2.5% to 34.29 million. In the first half of 2026, 32.43 million international visitors arrived, 0.4% fewer than in the same months of 2025².

• In 2025, Mexico overtook Canada as the top source of visitor arrivals to the United States, with 17.98 million visitors (up 6.4%) against Canada's 16.02 million (down 20.9%)¹.
• Excluding Canada and Mexico, the United Kingdom topped the list with 4.06 million visitors, followed by India (2.06 million), Japan (1.97 million), Brazil (1.92 million), Germany (1.77 million), South Korea (1.65 million), France (1.59 million) and China (1.56 million)¹.

The best time to visit the United States depends on personal preference and the specific regions of interest:

• Spring (March to May): Spring offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer. National parks, cities, and coastal areas are particularly enjoyable during this season.
• Fall (September to November): Fall is a good time to explore the United States, especially for fall foliage in the Northeast and Midwest. The weather is cooler, and tourist sites are less crowded than in summer, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities.
• Winter (December to February): Winter is the best time to visit ski resorts in the Rockies and Sierra Nevada, as well as to enjoy the warmer climates in southern states like Florida, Texas, and Arizona.
• Summer (June to August): Summer is ideal for visiting northern regions, national parks, and coastal areas, although visitors should expect larger crowds and higher prices. This season also offers numerous outdoor festivals and events across the country.

When is the peak season in the US?

• The peak travel season in the United States is generally during the summer months, from June to August. In 2025, August was the busiest month for international arrivals with 6.85 million visitors, followed by July (6.25 million), while February was the quietest (4.65 million)². During this period, families often take vacations, leading to increased tourism, higher prices, and larger crowds at popular destinations such as national parks, theme parks, and beaches.

However, the peak season in the US also varies by region:

• Northeast: The summer months mark the peak season for cities like New York City and Boston. The fall season, from September to November, also experiences increased tourism in the Northeast due to the region’s autumn foliage.
• Southeast: Beach destinations such as Florida and the Carolinas are particularly popular during the summer. The winter months, from December to February, also attract tourists to Florida as people seek to escape colder climates.
• West Coast: California experiences peak tourism in the summer, with destinations such as Los Angeles and San Francisco remaining busy year-round.
• Mountain West: Regions like the Rocky Mountains have two peak seasons: winter, for skiing and snowboarding, and summer, for hiking and outdoor activities.
• Southwest: The spring and fall months are popular in the Southwest due to milder temperatures, especially in desert regions like Arizona and Nevada.
• Midwest: Summer is the busiest season for the Midwest, with visitors travelling to cities such as Chicago and the Great Lakes region.

• In terms of the most visited US states by overseas visitors in 2025, Florida led as the top state with 9.3 million visitors⁷, overtaking New York with 9.1 million visitors. They were followed by California with 6.6 million visitors, Nevada with 2.3 million visitors, and Texas with 1.9 million visitors.
• Among US cities and metropolitan areas in 2024, the New York-Newark-Jersey City region topped the list with 8.9 million international visitors. The Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach area had 4.4 million visitors, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim in California welcomed 3.6 million, Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford had 3.5 million, and the San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley area received 2.3 million international visitors.
• In 2024, the top five states together drew 62.0% of overseas visitors to the US, while the top five metropolitan areas accounted for 48.5%, according to NTTO's states and cities visited monitor⁸.

What is the best US Virgin Island to visit?

The US Virgin Islands consist of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. With their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich cultural heritage, choosing the best island to visit depends largely on individual interests and preferences.

• St. John: This island is ideal for those seeking outdoor adventure and relaxation due to its preserved natural landscapes.
• St. Thomas: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, St. Thomas is popular among visitors interested in shopping and entertainment.
• St. Croix: St. Croix is known for its cultural and historical significance, appealing to visitors interested in exploring the island’s heritage.

How long can a tourist stay in the US on a tourist visa?

The B1/B2 visa is a non-immigrant visa that permits individuals to enter the United States temporarily for business (B1) or tourism, medical treatment, and pleasure (B2). The length of stay for a tourist holding a B1/B2 visa is determined by a US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer at the port of entry.

• Typical Length of Stay: Tourists with a B1/B2 visa are generally permitted to stay for up to six months (180 days) upon entry into the US. This period can vary based on the discretion of the CBP officer and the purpose of the visit.
• Extension of Stay: Tourists wishing to extend their stay beyond the time initially granted must apply for an extension with the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the authorised stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and depend on the individual circumstances of the applicant.