India, China, and South Korea Face U.S. Visa Crackdown, How This Could Hit United Airlines, Marriott, and the U.S. Travel Industry Hard!

Published on December 6, 2025

India, China, and South Korea are facing significant challenges due to the U.S. visa crackdown, with the travel, airline, and hospitality industries feeling the pressure. As international students from these countries grapple with heightened immigration enforcement, anxiety over visa approvals, and uncertainty about travel plans, major airlines like United Airlines and Delta, as well as renowned hotel chains such as Marriott and Hilton, are already seeing the effects. The U.S., long considered a top destination for students and tourists alike, is now experiencing a decline in international travel, as students and their families reconsider their visits due to fears of detention, deportation, or prolonged visa delays. This shift in travel dynamics is creating ripple effects across the airline and hospitality sectors, which rely heavily on international guests, particularly from countries like India, China, and South Korea. With these countries traditionally sending large numbers of students and tourists to the U.S., the tightened immigration policies are not just a concern for students but also for the broader travel industry, which is now adjusting to a new reality of reduced international bookings and changing patterns of demand.

India, China, and South Korea Face U.S. Visa Crackdown – How This Could Hit United Airlines, Marriott, and the U.S. Travel Industry Hard!

The U.S. has long been one of the top destinations for international students, tourists, and business travelers alike. However, the recent intensification of visa policies under the Trump administration has caused ripples throughout the global travel, airline, and hospitality industries. India, China, and South Korea—three of the largest sources of international visitors to the U.S.—are facing severe impacts due to the travel crackdown, creating uncertainty for airlines and hotels in the U.S.

Increased Anxiety Among International Students: What’s at Stake for Airlines and Hotels

In recent months, the U.S. has increased its scrutiny of international students and travelers, causing widespread anxiety. India, China, and South Korea are among the countries most affected by the tightening of visa requirements. These countries consistently send high numbers of students and tourists to the U.S., and as a result, any policy changes significantly impact the airline and hospitality sectors.

The changes have created a domino effect on airlines like United Airlines and Delta, which typically cater to a significant number of international travelers. With fewer students traveling, the flow of revenue that many of these companies depend on is drying up. U.S. hotels, including chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, are feeling the pressure as bookings from international students and their families are declining. The uncertainty surrounding visa approvals and potential deportations is causing students to cancel or postpone their travel plans.

India, China, and South Korea: The Key Sources of International Travelers to the U.S.

India, China, and South Korea have long been key contributors to the influx of international travelers to the U.S. India remains the top source of international students, with over 360,000 students studying in the U.S. in 2024. China follows closely with approximately 265,000 students. South Korea, although smaller in comparison, still sends a significant number of students and tourists. In 2024, over 42,000 South Korean students were enrolled in U.S. institutions.

The new immigration policies have had a direct impact on these figures. Indian students, who make up a significant portion of the international student body in the U.S., have expressed concern over the increased difficulty in obtaining visas, with some reports citing up to 6,000 student visa revocations this year alone. Similarly, Chinese students are facing heightened scrutiny, with many experiencing visa delays and rejections, especially those involved in sensitive fields. South Korean students, while not as directly impacted, are also experiencing growing apprehension about traveling to the U.S. under these policies.

This downturn in travel from these countries spells trouble for the U.S. tourism and hospitality industries. Airlines that typically service international routes, such as United Airlines and Delta, are already reporting lower-than-expected bookings. These airlines, which depend heavily on long-haul flights from countries like India, China, and South Korea, are facing a significant reduction in demand.

How U.S. Airlines Are Feeling the Impact

United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines are among the most impacted by the reduction in international students and travelers. These airlines are seeing a decline in bookings on flights from India, China, and South Korea—key markets that contribute heavily to their revenue. United Airlines, for example, has long had strong ties to India and China, offering multiple direct flights between major U.S. cities and these countries. However, with the tightened visa policies, many would-be travelers are postponing or canceling their trips to the U.S.

Delta Airlines, too, is facing a similar situation. Delta operates a significant number of flights between the U.S. and Asian destinations, including China, Japan, and South Korea. The airline, along with others, has been forced to adjust its scheduling and flight capacities in response to reduced demand from international students and tourists. In fact, reports indicate that some long-haul flights from China and India to the U.S. are operating at less than half capacity.

The reduction in demand for flights from these countries to the U.S. is having a significant financial impact on the airline industry. With fewer international travelers, airlines are not only seeing a drop in ticket sales but are also experiencing reduced demand for ancillary services like in-flight meals, baggage fees, and seat upgrades. This loss of revenue could have long-term effects on the airline industry, especially during peak travel seasons like the holidays and summer break when international students typically travel to and from the U.S.

The Struggling U.S. Hospitality Sector

As international student numbers drop, U.S. hotels are also feeling the squeeze. Major hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, rely heavily on bookings from international students and their families, particularly during the back-to-school period and holidays. With fewer students coming to the U.S., these hotels are seeing a decrease in demand for accommodations, especially in college towns where students’ families often stay during move-in weekends, graduations, and holiday visits.

Marriott International, one of the world’s largest hotel chains, has reported declines in bookings from international markets. The company typically sees a large portion of its revenue come from international travelers, especially those from Asia. However, with the increased visa difficulties, Marriott and other hospitality companies are seeing fewer international guests, leading to lower occupancy rates in key markets.

Similarly, Hilton and Hyatt are facing similar challenges. These companies, which have a strong presence in major U.S. cities and tourist destinations, have had to adjust their marketing strategies to attract more domestic travelers to offset the loss of international guests. The drop in bookings from international students and tourists is not only impacting large hotel chains but is also affecting smaller, family-owned establishments that depend on international tourism to sustain their business.

What Tourists Need to Know About U.S. Travel in 2025

For international tourists and students planning to visit the U.S. in 2025, it’s important to be aware of the current visa and travel landscape. Here are a few tips for ensuring a smoother travel experience:

1. Expect Longer Wait Times for Visa Approvals: Due to the increased scrutiny of visa applications, travelers should expect longer processing times. It’s advisable to apply for a visa well in advance of your planned travel dates. Keep in mind that the U.S. State Department has introduced additional background checks and social media screening, which could delay your application further.
2. Be Prepared for Scrutiny at U.S. Border Control: Travelers may experience more stringent questioning and document checks at U.S. border control. It’s essential to have all required documentation, including a valid passport, visa, and any supporting documents such as university enrollment letters or hotel reservations, ready and organized.
3. Flexible Travel Plans: Given the uncertainty around visa approvals, it’s wise to book flexible flights and accommodations. Many airlines, including United and Delta, are offering flexible ticket options that allow for changes without hefty penalties. Additionally, many hotels are providing more flexible cancellation policies, especially as they navigate reduced international bookings.
4. Check for Flight Changes or Cancellations: Airlines like United Airlines and Delta are adjusting flight schedules in response to the decreased number of international travelers. If you’re planning to fly to the U.S., make sure to check your flight status regularly for any changes. Airlines may offer alternative routes or rescheduled flights if demand decreases.
5. Stay Informed About Travel Advisories: With the evolving nature of immigration policies, it’s crucial to stay updated on any new travel advisories or visa policy changes. Many embassy websites, including those of the U.S. Department of State, provide real-time updates on visa application procedures, travel warnings, and other important information.

The Long-Term Effects on the U.S. Travel Industry

While the immediate effects of the visa crackdown are being felt across airlines and hotels, the long-term impact on the U.S. travel industry remains uncertain. If the trend of reduced international student numbers and tourist arrivals continues, U.S. airlines and hotels may need to pivot their strategies to accommodate a more domestic-focused tourism market.

Airlines may look to strengthen their domestic routes, increasing flights between U.S. cities to make up for the loss of international passengers. Similarly, hotels may look to target domestic travelers more aggressively, promoting U.S. vacation destinations as affordable alternatives to international travel. However, this shift will take time, and the recovery of the international travel market may take years.

For now, travelers from India, China, South Korea, and other countries affected by the U.S. visa crackdown should be prepared for an uncertain travel landscape. While the U.S. remains a popular destination, the current climate of heightened immigration enforcement is making travel to the U.S. more complicated than ever before.

Adapting to a Changing Travel Landscape

The U.S. visa crackdown is shaking the foundations of the travel, airline, and hospitality industries. India, China, and South Korea are facing significant challenges as international students and tourists reconsider their travel plans. U.S. airlines like United and Delta, as well as hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, are already feeling the effects of reduced demand from these key markets.

India, China, and South Korea are facing a harsh U.S. visa crackdown—could this spell disaster for United Airlines, Marriott, and the entire U.S. travel industry? Find out how this policy shift is shaking up the travel landscape.

For travelers, the key to navigating this uncertain landscape is preparation. Applying for visas early, staying flexible with travel plans, and keeping up to date with immigration policies are essential steps to ensuring smooth travel to the U.S. Despite the challenges, the U.S. remains a top destination for millions of international travelers. The industry’s ability to adapt to the changing landscape will determine the future of U.S. tourism in the coming years.