Swiss travel to US predicted to drop by 25%

Swiss travel to the US is forecast to drop by 25 percent in 2026. Trade tariffs and political uncertainty are impacting tourism from Switzerland despite a strong Swiss franc.

Swiss tourists to the US to drop by up to 25%

The Swiss franc has recently strengthened against the US dollar, creating “optimal financial conditions” for Swiss residents and citizens to visit the US on holiday, reports Blue News. Despite the potentially cheaper deals, fewer people in Switzerland are choosing the US as a holiday destination.

In 2025, 10,6 percent fewer Swiss visitors travelled to the US and in 2026, visitor numbers are expected to drop even further by around 20 to 25 percent. This would mean travellers to the US from Switzerland would number up to 300.000 in 2026, compared to almost 500.000 in 2019.

“The rational factors for travelling to the United States—a weak dollar, attractive airfares—and the emotional factors are currently at odds,” explains president of the Visit USA committee Heinz Zimmermann.

Trump’s policies impacting US tourism

US President Donald Trump’s global and domestic policies have created increased geopolitical uncertainty. In 2025, Trump announced a 39 percent import tariff on products exported from Switzerland to the US, which eventually dropped to 15 percent. More recently, Trump attacked Venezuela and threatened to seize control of Greenland with force.

The Swiss government website advises that "travel to the United States is generally considered safe" but advises caution "at all types of demonstrations, as violence is possible". Germany recently issued new travel guidance following the ICE (United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement) shootings of two US citizens at protests in Minneapolis.

"The image of the United States has deteriorated terribly; the policies pursued by Trump have a devastating effect on international tourism," continued David O'Donnell, Vice President of Communications for the tourism office Meet Boston.

Switzerland’s flagship airline SWISS announced plans to operate more regular flights to 2026 FIFA World Cup host cities in the US later this year. However, an Edelweiss spokesperson commented that “bookings for the United States are currently proving more difficult”.