The United States has been in the spotlight this week following the tragic death of Alex Pretti during a protest against federal immigration policies. The 37-year-old nurse was fatally shot while being restrained by multiple federal agents, sparking widespread unrest, particularly in Minneapolis where the incident took place.
This is not the first fatal encounter involving agents from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Renée Good was also shot by an immigration officer on January 7, with the incident captured on video and shared globally.
Recent reports have highlighted issues faced by tourists at the border. In March 2025, a Welsh traveler named Becky Burke was detained for 19 days at an ICE processing center while on a backpacking trip across North America. Becky’s detention stemmed from violating her ESTA terms due to participating in housework in exchange for accommodation during her travels.
Travelers from the UK, even those utilizing the ESTA visa-waiver program, may encounter heightened scrutiny at US borders. There are discussions about potential requirements for visitors to disclose five years of social media usernames and ten years of email addresses for security screening purposes.
Economic forecasts suggest that in 2025, the US is projected to experience a $12.5 billion decline in international visitor spending, making it the only country out of 184 analyzed to witness such a decrease in international spending.
Despite the decline in 2025, the UK remains a crucial tourism market for the US. The number of British visitors dropped by 15% in 2025, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
Looking ahead to 2026, North America will host the World Cup, with England’s initial matches set in Texas, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, promising a surge in fan attendance.
Moreover, 2026 marks significant milestones for US tourism, such as the centennial celebration of Route 66 with various commemorative events planned along the historic route. Additionally, the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary of American Independence, with extensive festivities expected to attract both domestic and international tourists.
As the US prepares for major events in 2026, the question arises: Would you consider visiting the US amidst the current circumstances? Are the upcoming significant events enticing enough, or does the political landscape deter you? Furthermore, with the possibility of stricter social media screenings, would you opt for alternate travel destinations over the US?
Share your thoughts by participating in our poll and leaving a comment. We are keen to hear your reasons for choosing to travel or not to the US at this time. Reach out to us at webtravel@reachplc.com with your feedback.