Keith Lusher 12.01.25
Foreign tourists will face significantly higher costs to visit America’s most popular national parks beginning Jan. 1, 2026, under a new fee structure announced by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
According to the department, nonresidents of the United States will be charged $100 per person to enter 11 of the country’s busiest national parks. The fee will be added to the standard entrance costs. Those who want an annual America the Beautiful Pass will pay $250, compared to $80 for U.S. residents. Visitors will be required to input a ZIP code and show a photo ID to receive the resident rate.
The new pricing applies to:
- Acadia
- Bryce Canyon
- Everglades
- Glacier
- Grand Canyon
- Grand Teton
- Rocky Mountain
- Sequoia
- Kings Canyon
- Yellowstone
- Yosemite
- Zion National Parks.
The changes follow a July 3 executive order from President Donald Trump that directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to develop a strategy to increase revenue from international visitors while improving recreational experiences at national parks. Burgum said the higher prices reflect that U.S. taxpayers already support the National Park System.
“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations,” Burgum said.
Some conservation groups expressed concern about the long-term impact of the new fee structure. The National Parks Conservation Association told ABC News it is reviewing the policy directly with the Department of the Interior and has questions about how it will be implemented.
Gerry Seavo James, deputy director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign, said the administration’s approach will not solve the National Park Service’s funding challenges. “Gouging foreign tourists at the entrance gate will not provide the financial support these crown jewels of our public lands need,” he said.
But others, including the Property and Environment Research Center (PERC), welcomed the move. PERC CEO Brian Yablonski said a $100 surcharge could generate significant revenue, estimating that Yellowstone alone could bring in $55 million annually to help repair failing infrastructure and aging facilities.
In addition to fee increases, the Department of the Interior announced the launch of digital America the Beautiful passes that visitors can store on mobile devices through Recreation.gov. Updated artwork on physical passes will feature George Washington and Donald Trump. Annual passes will now allow entry for two motorcycles instead of one.
The department also introduced eight “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” in 2026, allowing U.S. residents free admission on holidays including Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day weekend, Constitution Day, and Veterans’ Day.
For more details on upcoming changes, visit https://www.nps.gov/planyourvisit/passes.htm or Recreation.gov.
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