Leisure Travel from Finland to the US Falls Sharply as Costs and Entry Hurdles Rise

Bookings for leisure trips from Finland to the United States dropped significantly last year, reflecting a wider decline in European travel to the country.

Leisure flight packages from Finland to the US fell by around 25 percent in 2025, according to the Association of Finnish Travel Industry (Smal), which represents travel agencies and tour operators nationwide.

The United States has traditionally been a popular long-haul destination for Finnish travellers, said Smal managing director Heli Mäki-Fränti. However, she noted that the downturn is not limited to Finland.

“I just heard from Denmark that travel from Denmark to the US decreased by 50 to 60 percent, and by 30 percent from Sweden and other countries. This is clearly a broader European phenomenon,” Mäki-Fränti said.

Several factors are behind the decline. One key reason is the high cost of travel and living expenses in the US, which have made trips less attractive for many Europeans.

Another contributing factor is the recent increase in the fee for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), which is required for entry into the US. The fee doubled from 21 dollars to 40 dollars in September.

Mäki-Fränti noted that travellers typically apply for ESTA well in advance to avoid complications before departure, making the higher cost a visible deterrent early in the planning process.

Long waiting times at US airport border controls have also discouraged potential visitors.

“Many people say that entering the US takes a very long time. When there’s a queue, it can take several hours,” she said.

She added that the current political climate and negative news coverage from the United States may also be making travellers feel unwelcome, further reducing interest in visiting the country.