Australian travel to the United States is on the rise again, even as political tensions and strict border policies under former President Donald Trump had previously discouraged visits.
New data from the Australian Travel Industry Association (ATIA) shows a 4.8% year-on-year increase in Aussie travel to the US, with a notable 8% spike in May 2025 compared to May 2024. Figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) also indicate growth across all major travel categories — holidays (up 12%), visiting friends and relatives (up 15%), and business travel (up 8%).
This rebound marks a stark contrast to April, when travel to the US fell by 6.2%.
However, while Aussies are heading to the US in greater numbers, the reverse isn’t true. US inbound travel to Australia fell 3.7% in May and has seen minimal year-on-year growth (up just 0.6%).
“The USA remains popular with outbound travelers, but the muted inbound response highlights challenges in achieving a balanced two-way tourism recovery,” said Nina Hedges, ATIA’s Director of Compliance and Membership.
Asia Still Tops the List for Aussie Travelers
Despite the uptick in US-bound travel, the United States remains behind Asian destinations like Bali, Japan, and Vietnam in popularity. According to ATIA, outbound travel from Australia surged 12.5% in the year to May 2025, totaling 12.21 million trips. Much of this growth was driven by interest in Asian countries, especially:
- Indonesia (Bali) — up 16.3%
- Japan — up 32.4%
- Vietnam — up 25.8%
- China — up 26.9%
“Asia continues to shine as the preferred playground for Australian travellers, with Bali, Tokyo and Ho Chi Minh City topping itineraries for millions,” Hedges said. Japan’s popularity has been especially boosted by more flight options and favorable currency exchange rates.
Declining Sentiment Toward US Travel?
Despite the recent rise in numbers, experts suggest Australia’s long-standing travel love affair with the US may be fading. Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner revealed that leisure bookings to the US dropped by 12–15% in early 2025, and he expects further decline for April to June.
Finance expert Sarah Megginson from Finder added that some Aussies are now reconsidering US trips altogether, citing political tensions and the potential for unpleasant experiences at the border.
“There’s growing sentiment among Australians that the potential issues that could arise when visiting the US are beginning to outweigh the appeal of visiting some of our favorite cities,” she said. “My husband recently returned from Los Angeles and was questioned in detail about his trip — it felt like a really hostile welcome.”
She also warned travelers to double-check their insurance policies, as some do not cover denied entry or legal trouble at the border. There have been reports of tourists being detained, strip-searched, or imprisoned upon arrival in the US.
Older Aussies Unfazed
Despite these concerns, older Australians appear less deterred by political tensions. According to travel company Intrepid, bookings for US tours among this demographic have actually increased in 2025.
Leigh Barnes, Intrepid’s Managing Director for the Americas, said the company has adapted by boosting domestic travel options within the US and refining its marketing strategy to match traveler interests.
Canadians and Other Foreign Visitors Stay Away
Meanwhile, enthusiasm for visiting the US is waning in other countries. Canadian travel to the US — the nation’s biggest source of international visitors — has dropped over 14% in 2025, equating to nearly a million fewer travelers. The decline follows controversial remarks by Donald Trump, including calling Canada “the 51st state,” and trade tensions earlier this year.
Visitor numbers from countries such as China, South Korea, and Germany have also declined, adding to a broader concern about America’s appeal as an international destination in 2025.
