Foreign Tourists to Pay Extra Fee to Visit US National Parks
International tourists planning trips to major US national parks will soon face higher entry costs, the Trump administration announced on Tuesday.
The Department of the Interior confirmed that foreign visitors will be required to pay an additional $100 on top of existing entrance fees at 11 of the country’s busiest parks, including destinations such as Yosemite and the Grand Canyon.
Beginning in 2026, the price of an annual pass for non-residents will also rise to more than $250. Meanwhile, US citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay the current $80 rate.
Officials say the new pricing structure is intended to prioritise access for Americans, aligning with President Donald Trump’s push to make national parks more affordable for US families. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the changes ensure domestic taxpayers – who already fund the National Park System – retain low-cost entry, while international tourists “contribute their fair share” toward maintaining and upgrading the parks.
The revised fees will roll out alongside an upgraded online reservation platform and expanded access for motorcyclists across the park network.
The department also announced eight “patriotic fee-free days” in 2026 exclusively for US residents, covering holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
The move follows a July executive order directing agencies to raise entrance fees for overseas tourists, a measure the White House said would generate additional funds for conservation even as the administration moved to cut the Park Service budget.
US national parks have experienced a surge in visitors, drawing more than 331 million people in 2024 – roughly six million more than the previous year. Popular destinations include the Everglades, Yosemite and the Rocky Mountain National Park.
