Have Indians Traveling to the US Declined for the First Time in Over 20 Years?
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Synopsis
In a surprising shift, the number of Indian travelers to the US has dropped for the first time since 2001, signaling a potential change in travel trends. With June 2025 showing an 8% decline, experts are examining the factors influencing this downturn. What does this mean for the future of Indian travel to America?
Key Takeaways
- First decline in Indian travelers to the US since 2001
- 2.1 lakh Indians traveled in June 2025
- 8% drop from June 2024
- Visa challenges may affect future travel
- Strong Indian diaspora in the US continues to influence travel
New Delhi, Aug 31 (NationPress) For the first time since 2001, excluding the Covid-19 years, the number of Indians traveling to the United States has decreased. In June 2025, only 2.1 lakh Indians made the trip, marking an 8 percent decline from 2.3 lakh during the same month last year, as reported by the US Commerce Department’s National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO).
The decline appears to persist into July, with preliminary figures indicating a 5.5 percent drop compared to July 2024.
This decrease is part of a wider global pattern. NTTO statistics reveal that total international arrivals to the US also diminished, with drops of 6.2 percent in June, 7 percent in May, 8 percent in March, and 1.9 percent in February.
January and April were the only months to see increases, with 4.7 percent and 1.3 percent growth, respectively.
India remains the fourth largest source of international visitors to the US. With Canada and Mexico sharing land borders with America, India ranks as the second largest overseas market, following the UK, and is ahead of Brazil in fifth place.
Collectively, these five nations accounted for nearly 60 percent of all international arrivals to the US in June.
Typically, Indian travelers to the US consist of students, business professionals, and those visiting friends and relatives.
Leisure travel to America has generally been less favored compared to regions like Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The current downturn is particularly evident among students, though experts warn that business and family visits could also be impacted if visa delays and challenges persist.
The Indian community in the US is robust, with over 50 lakh individuals, which has historically facilitated a consistent flow of travel.
Indeed, NTTO data indicates that every June since 2001 had seen higher figures than the previous year—until now.
April of this year was a positive month for Indian travelers overall, with 29 lakh individuals traveling abroad.
The top destination was the UAE, followed by Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, and the US.
Point of View
This decline in travel from India to the US reflects broader global trends and the evolving dynamics of international travel. While visa challenges and economic factors play a role, the enduring connection between the Indian diaspora and the US is likely to persist. The country must adapt to these changing patterns to foster continued engagement.
NationPress
31/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the decline in Indian travelers to the US?
The decline is attributed to various factors, including visa delays, economic conditions, and changing travel preferences.
How significant is the Indian market for US tourism?
India ranks as the fourth largest source of international visitors to the US, after Canada, Mexico, and the UK.
What types of travelers are usually from India to the US?
Typically, Indian travelers to the US are students, business professionals, and individuals visiting friends and relatives.
What are the broader trends in international travel to the US?
Overall international arrivals to the US have also seen a decline, reflecting a global pattern in travel trends.
What were the top destinations for Indian travelers in April 2025?
In April 2025, the UAE was the leading destination, followed by Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, and the US.
