A new survey south of the border says a growing number of American travellers are deliberately steering clear of certain countries – including Canada – due to fears of being unwelcome. The attitude is driven largely by concerns over the global fallout of US foreign policy, according to the Spring 2025 Traveller Sentiment and Safety Survey conducted by Global Rescue.
Travellers were asked which countries they are actively avoiding due to the perception that US citizens may be unwelcome or judged negatively:
- China topped the list, with 46% of respondents saying they are unlikely to visit.
• Mexico followed at 32%, despite its proximity and popularity among US tourists.
• Canada came in at 25%, reflecting unexpected concern even among America’s closest allies.
• France (18%) and India (17%) rounded out the top five.
US partners like the United Kingdom (12%), South Korea (11%) and Taiwan (15%) were also cited by smaller, but significant, numbers of respondents.
“This is a clear signal that travellers are attuned to the ripple effects of international policy,” said Dan Richards, CEO of The Global Rescue Companies.
The survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of respondents (72%) continue to expect Americans to be perceived more negatively abroad in 2025 – a percentage equal to survey results recorded at the beginning of 2025. “When more than 70% of respondents express concern about being viewed more negatively while abroad, that’s not just a diplomatic issue – it’s a traveller safety and experience issue.”
“Travellers aren’t just weighing destinations based on beauty, cost, or convenience anymore,” Richards said. “Perceived hostility or cultural friction is becoming a deciding factor – and that creates a new challenge for travel professionals, policymakers and tourism boards alike.”
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