The new US restrictions are no longer limited to goods; they are now affecting people as well. The direct impact can be seen on Indian tourists.
Between April and May 2025, the number of US tourist visas issued to Indians fell by about 7% compared to the same period last year.
An analysis by Moneycontrol showed that visa approvals have been falling continuously since March.
In March, the US had issued more than 97,000 visas to Indians. But from April onwards, the numbers started dropping.
Experts believe this may be due to stricter scrutiny or limited capacity at consulates.
Interestingly, during the same period, the UK saw a rise in Indian visitors. Between April and June 2025, visa applications from India to the UK increased by 4%, while approvals rose by 9%.
How Many Indians Got US Visas?
March 2025 – More than 97,000 visas were issued.
April 2025 – Visas dropped to 91,710, which is 9.6% less compared to last year.
May 2025 – Numbers fell further to 90,859, a 5% annual decline.
Overall, Indians received 1,82,569 visas in April and May 2025, compared to 1,96,983 visas in the same period last year.
Other Countries Also Affected
The US slowdown in visa approvals was not limited to India:
Pakistani and Nepali tourists – 47% decline each
Bangladeshi and Filipino tourists – 37% decline each
Despite the slowdown across South Asia and Europe, India still remains on top in terms of the total number of US visa approvals.
Countries With Increased Visa Approvals
While many countries faced restrictions, some saw a rise in approvals:
China (Mainland) – Up 31% year-on-year, crossing 1.65 lakh visas
Costa Rica – Up 29.7%
Dominican Republic – Up 16.1%
Colombia and Guatemala – Also witnessed higher approvals
This is notable because the US has been in a trade conflict with China, yet it approved more visas for Chinese tourists during this period.
