Here’s What It’s Like To Travel In The USA Right Now, According To Locals And Travellers

After American president Donald Trump commenced his second term in office in January 2025, the scrutiny on travellers and immigrants within the country has increased. A quick glance at the news will throw up multiple reports of green card holders, citizens and tourists being debarred from entering the US or being detained and questioned about their status and purpose for visiting the country.This atmosphere of fear and uncertainty has resulted in international travel plummeting to the US as visitors stay away. In April 2025, the country’s National Travel and Tourism Office released preliminary figures showing visits from overseas fell 11.6 per cent in March compared to the same month last year. The figures did not include arrivals from Canada or land crossings from Mexico. For the January-March 2025 period, 7.1 million visitors entered the US from overseas, 3.3 per cent fewer than during the first three months of 2024.Furthermore, several countries, including Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, have issued travel advisories for the USA, primarily due to concerns about entry requirements related to gender identification on travel documents.Outlook Traveller asked an Indian tourist and Indian-Americans about their experiences visiting or living in the USA in 2025. Here’s what we found.'The USA Is Very Open And Welcoming': No Problems For An Indian TouristSagar Agarwal, an educationist and entrepreneur working in the higher education space in India, recently travelled to the US with his spouse, an American citizen. Speaking to Outlook Traveller from California, he said that the general atmosphere in the country was “very open” and “welcoming.”“With summer in full swing, there’s a buzz in the air—especially in cities like San Francisco where tourists and locals alike are out and about. It’s a lovely time to be visiting,” he says.“I’ve felt completely safe and very comfortable throughout our travels. People have been friendly, and there’s a warmth in the interactions—perhaps helped by the sunny weather and general summer cheer.”Agarwal is a frequent traveller to the US, having studied and worked there professionally. He says on his latest trip he did not face any scrutiny about his visit, adding that the “the entry process was smooth and efficient. The officers asked a few standard questions, but the process was handled professionally and respectfully.”He does have some advice for Indian tourists planning their holidays on the continent: plan ahead for flights and accommodations; keep documents handy and organised; and slow down to take it all in.“The country has so much to offer—from stunning coastlines to diverse food scenes and a fascinating cultural mix,” he says.“Portland was a hidden gem—green, artistic and filled with local flavour. San Francisco remains a favourite for its iconic landmarks and global energy. San Jose, where we’re currently staying, has been great to explore—both for the food and the tech culture.”‘Tensions In The Air’: Reactions From Indian-AmericansWhen Outlook Traveller spoke to Shriya Boppana, a student at Duke University and a beauty pageant winner, and Malvika Sheth, a singer, actor and fashion and beauty creator, both of whom were raised in the US, the reactions were more nuanced and cautious.Boppana, who is presently based in Durham, North Carolina, has found a noticeable increase in the feeling of insecurity and division in the country.“I’ve seen firsthand the rise in discrimination and prejudice fueled by the current political climate. It feels like we’re undoing years of progress,” she says. “This year especially, people have felt emboldened, sometimes to uplift, but often to divide, and that’s shaken the foundation of what democracy and unity are supposed to mean.”She recounts a troubling incident where she was stalked and became the target of hate speech after moving to a new neighbourhood in a different state.“The most disturbing part was that it was immigrant-on-immigrant aggression. Someone told me to “go back to my country” when I am in my country. I’m a US citizen. It’s been painful to see how quickly hate can take root, especially among youth who are learning these ideas without fully understanding the damage they cause,” Boppana says.For Sheth, who is based in Los Angeles where she grew up, she describes the present situation as “more complicated.”“Being part of an immigrant family in today’s political climate can feel heavier than it did a year ago. There’s a tension you can feel in the air sometimes, and I’ve definitely become more cautious in certain settings,” she says.“That said, I also recognise how much privilege I hold. While I haven’t experienced direct harm, I stay deeply aware of how these shifts affect immigrant families—especially after watching my parents work so hard to build a life here while holding onto their roots. That balancing act isn’t easy.”Sheth acknowledges that she spends most of her creative time in her apartment and has become more of a homebody since the COVID-19 pandemic, so she feels shielded from “a lot of the chaos outside.”“But I never take that peace for granted. I’ve been in a pretty focused chapter—head down, working on music, visual content and brand campaigns,” she says.In moving anecodetes, both women describe their desire to fit in with American society as they grew up. Boppana recalls hating parts of herself and wishing she had lighter, thinner and shorter hair like her classmates, while Sheth remembers packing her own Western-style lunches in the fourth grade just to blend in.Now, Sheth and Boppana couldn’t be prouder of their Indian-American identities.“I used to think I had to choose—either assimilate completely or cling to tradition. But now? I’m just letting myself exist as I am. That in-between space is my truth. And the more authentically I show up, the more I see others doing the same. Again, the key here is not to force myself into either or identity. It’s not 'or,' it’s 'and.' And I get to choose how I want to show up based on what feels right for me in the moment,” Sheth says.“Political climates vary wildly from state to state, and what’s safe or welcoming in one area might not be in another. Do your research. Know the cultural and political landscape of the specific places you're visiting, and lead with awareness. But also—don’t miss the beauty here. There’s a lot of it if you know where to look.”Boppana wants to reassure travellers to the US that the country continues to be a land of opportunity, but that one should be careful when visiting.“Safety should be your top priority. Stay aware, build community wherever you can and find comfort in solidarity. There’s so much good here, but it’s important to move with care,” she says.The Panel’s Top Places To Visit In The USASagar AgarwalThe California coastline is an absolute must—especially the scenic stretch from Big Sur to Santa Cruz. Portland is perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors and a slightly offbeat vibe. And of course, New York City—for its energy, scale, and cultural depth; it’s an experience in itself.Shriya BoppanaWashington, D.C. – I grew up just outside the city, and it has some of the best museums in the world.Las Vegas, Nevada – It’s everything people imagine and just like the movies!Miami, Florida – The beaches are unbeatable, and the vibe is pure freedom and colour.Anaheim, California – The weather is perfect, and the open roads and palm-lined streets make for beautiful drives.Durham, North Carolina – My current home! A surprising gem full of strong academic culture and beautiful green spaces.Malvika ShethBoston is one of them. I went to college in Massachusetts, and Boston has a special place in my heart. The city’s energy is a unique mix of warmth, intellect and community. It’s where I felt the first real spark of independence and creative freedom. The Asian food scene there is lowkey amazing, and don’t get me started on how breathtaking fall is in New England.I also frequent New York for work, especially during Fashion Week, and I’m always creatively energised when I’m there.I’m dying to visit Oregon (for the nature) and Texas (for the food and music scene). There’s so much left to explore!Café Musings In Denton, Texas: A Traveller’s Reflection On Finding Home In The USA