Trump’s America: Is now the right time to visit?

03 Feb 2026

Tourists are allegedly shunning Trump’s America as a travel destination in their droves in 2026, naming worries over safety, social media intrusion and political concerns as the main reasons for staying away.

In a poll by The Independent newspaper, 80% said they would avoid going to the States under the current administration, with only 11% saying they would still cross the Atlantic. One in seven of those asked said they were considering cancelling trips they already had booked.

The Sun Lounger did its own Instagram poll and 93% said a “hard no” to visiting the US at present, some having visited the county previously but standing firm about not returning in the current climate, with President Trump in the White House.

The Trump administration’s policies and views on abortion, gun control, immigrants, tariffs and Greenland, to name but a few, have potentially contributed to the boycott, while US/Iran relationships and fatal shootings by ICE on the streets of Minneapolis have also stirred public opinion.

There are several countries in the world with policies and laws which many people do not agree with. For example, visiting Dubai involves weighing a modern, safe tourist experience against significant human rights concerns. While offering luxury and low crime rates, the UAE faces criticisms over suppressing free speech, discrimination against women and LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as exploitative treatment of migrant workers.

In addition, visiting Jamaica requires weighing significant safety and ethical considerations against its status as a top tourist destination. While tourist areas are generally safe, the country faces high crime, gang violence and serious human rights concerns, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ rights, police violence and harsh prison conditions.

So what is it about the US which has caused this change of opinion?

While The First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech, everyone The Sun Lounger asked for comment wanted to remain anonymous.

J from Stamford, Lincolnshire has visited the US, where she has friends, several times but recently put off another 2026 trip following the fatal shootings by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) in Minneapolis. Renee Nicole Good and Alex Pretti were fatally shot in January, which sparked protests across the US.

ICE has apparently made thousands of arrests since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House, often in public places, leading to protesters taking to the streets, resulting in a number of clashes.

She said: “I feel really sad for my USA friends as they are embarrassed about what the rest of the world thinks about them. Some are coming to the UK later in the year but many are nervous about travelling in Europe.

“I got cold feet about visiting America following the first ICE shooting and I was concerned that, if they took my phone of me, some things on there may be deemed anti-Trump.

“We normally go out there for 2.5 weeks. I am not sure when we will go again but, at the moment, I really do not want to be there.”

K from Cambridge visited Alaska in the US in 2025 but flew into Vancouver in Canada due to concerns about border security and potential invasion of privacy.

She said: “We considered not going at all and flew into Canada, rather than the US, because of this. We were very nervous crossing the border as we had been told the security there took your phones and checked your social media.

“I deleted loads of stuff off my phone in case I got turned back. We heard of this happening to others but, as it turned out, we were okay.

“While there, we met lots of Americans who were very anti-Trump. Some were quiet and some very outspoken. Many seemed just so sad and shocked.”

Border controls are changing globally. For example, the Entry/Exit System of the European Union for the automatic electronic monitoring and recording of border crossings at all border crossings of the Schengen Area will include fingerprints for ‘visa-free’ countries.

Apparently, the US entry system will go further and will also have access to more personal information, including social media posts and personal information, including political views and affiliations.

One commentator from Canada said: “If the citizens aren’t safe, why would I visit? Am I supposed to turn a blind eye to keep myself safe if I see injustices? Am I supposed to support a government by spending my money there when it’s threatened my home country? There are plenty of kind, wonderful Americans. There are so many beautiful and exciting places there. But right now, I have absolutely no interest in being there… and I can tell you, my family and friends in Canada and abroad very much feel the same.”

Another Canadian citizen added: “I avoid buying American products like the plague now, so I’m definitely not going to visit again either! If my next door neighbour were to constantly threaten me to take over my house, I’m sure as hell not going to drop by their house for a spot of tea!”

However, one contributor in the US commented: “(You are) not safe in England either. You can be arrested for your opinion, have your phone taken for a photo.”

Another said of the UK: “As an American, there are areas here that I would not go to either, to be fair.”

While another said: “(An) American here. I wouldn’t visit the US with the current political climate if I didn’t already live here.”

Here’s what other people said when asked if they would visit America:

“I love America and have several American friends. My best American friends are in Chicago, which itself is a traditionally liberally Democrat city, but they have witnessed the abhorrent ICE agents carry out raids on their street corner. They call it a living hell – and they are white with supposedly nothing to fear.” x

“Absolutely not. The current administration’s policies are so abhorrent that I would not visit. The ICE raids, extra-judicial arrests (and worse), isolationism dressed up as patriotism and the erosion of women’s reproductive rights all contribute to that decision.” D

“I’ve been three times in the past to see/experience things so I have no pressing agenda, but I certainly wouldn’t go now. It feels like a deeply troubled and divided country. I wouldn’t wish to lend any support or credence to their current regime.” J

“We have family there and it’s a no from us as well. Reports from them are not great. People scared, carrying passports etc, just in case.” C.

“One of my kids has US citizenship because she was born there and we are paying to have it removed as there’s no way she wants to go there.” S

“New York is one of my favourite places on earth – I’ve visited about six times and today I rejoice in Mamdani as its mayor. I long to go back there and there is so very much more of the US I want to revisit or see for the first time, but I will not go while that man is in office. I cannot implement a complete personal boycott of American brands but I’m doing what I can to avoid goods and services from there. That’s because I feel any boosting of the USA’s coffers somehow gives him validation, or boosts his perception of it.” P.

“Add the current regime to the climate impact of flying and there’s no way I’d be going. I’m even boycotting American goods.” R

However, one Brit said: “Yes, we did the Midwest in October and we will visit California/Nevada in July. We love the USA and life is short, so we won’ cancel our trip.”