What's Happening?
Despite a general decline in international arrivals to the United States, Mexican visitors have continued to travel in significant numbers. According to data from Customs and Border Protection, land-border crossings by car have increased by 13% year-over-year,
and approximately 3 million Mexican visitors arrived by air through August 2025. This trend persists despite stricter visa rules, rising costs, and political tensions. Mexican visitors, who represent about 22% of all foreign visitors, spend an average of $1,500 per trip on shopping, theme parks, family visits, and entertainment. The upcoming FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is expected to further increase Mexican tourism, as fans book hotels and flights in large groups.
Why It's Important?
The continued influx of Mexican visitors is crucial for the U.S. economy, particularly for border states that benefit from the economic boost provided by tourism. Retailers and tourist destinations rely heavily on Mexican shoppers, especially during the holiday season, to drive sales. The U.S. Travel Association estimates that the decline in international tourism could cost the economy $5.7 billion, making the steady flow of Mexican visitors even more significant. This trend highlights the resilience of people-to-people ties and economic interdependence between the U.S. and Mexico, which appear to outweigh political rhetoric and policy changes.
What's Next?
With the FIFA World Cup approaching, the number of Mexican visitors is expected to surge, providing a substantial economic boost to border states. However, the U.S. government plans to implement stricter entry requirements, including a proposal for visitors to submit five years of social media history. This could potentially impact future travel patterns, but the strong cultural and familial ties between the two countries suggest that Mexican tourism will remain robust. Businesses and local economies are likely to continue adapting to these changes to accommodate and attract Mexican visitors.
