The global tourism industry saw a major comeback in 2025. According to new data from UN Tourism, international travel is booming again. People are flying in large numbers, with little concern for flight-related emissions. The newest ranking reveals which countries were the top travel destinations in 2025.
France has long been the most visited country in the world. However, Spain is now very close in second place. Other countries like the USA, Turkey, and Mexico also attracted millions of tourists.
Let’s look at the full list of the most visited countries in 2025.
Places 20 to 11
India ranked 20th with 20.6 million international arrivals. The Netherlands followed with 21.3 million visitors. Hong Kong, listed separately, came in 18th place. Malaysia and Portugal ranked 17th and 16th.
Saudi Arabia, with 29.7 million arrivals, took 15th place. This is a big rise from 17.5 million in 2019. The United Arab Emirates came next at 14th place.
Austria ranked 13th with 32.2 million arrivals, a 4.2% increase from the year before. Thailand followed in 12th place with 35.5 million tourists, up 26.3%. Greece landed in 11th place with 36 million arrivals, a 9.8% rise.
Top 10 Most Visited Countries
While not all countries released full data, the following ranks are based on available figures and estimates.
10. Japan
Japan saw a huge boost in arrivals thanks to the weaker yen. With 36.9 million visitors in 2025, that’s a 47% increase from the previous year. For many, Japan became a more affordable destination than ever before.
9. Germany
Germany welcomed 37.5 million visitors, up 7.8% from the year before. Tourists love its mix of history, culture, and events. Cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are top picks, along with famous landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle and Cologne Cathedral.
8. United Kingdom
Although full data is still expected, estimates show about 39 million international visitors. London remains a top attraction, along with historic cities like Edinburgh, Oxford, and Bath.
7. China
Data is pending, but estimates place China in 7th place. Tourists visit major sites such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. China’s food culture is also a big draw.
6. Mexico
Mexico attracted 45 million visitors, up 7.4% from the previous year. From Mexico City to sunny beaches, travelers enjoy the country’s mix of culture and nature. However, there have been some protests about overtourism.
5. Italy
Italy saw 57.7 million tourists in 2025. While this is lower than its 2019 figure, it remains a favorite. Cities like Rome, Venice, Florence, and Milan attract food lovers and history fans alike.
4. Turkey
With 60.6 million visitors, Turkey had a 9.8% increase from the year before. Istanbul, known for its mix of history and modern life, remains a major attraction.
3. United States
The USA had 72.4 million international arrivals in 2025. Top destinations include New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas. However, stricter immigration policies may affect future numbers.
2. Spain
Spain welcomed 93.8 million visitors, around 10 million more than in 2019. From Barcelona and Madrid to Ibiza and Mallorca, the country offers something for everyone. Still, there have been protests against the rising number of tourists.
1. France
France remained the world’s most visited country, with 102 million international arrivals in 2025. Paris continues to attract millions with the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the 2025 Olympic Games. Other popular places include the French Riviera, Marseille, and the Loire Valley.