Additional Coverage:
- ‘America-first’ pricing: National park fees to increase for foreign visitors in 2026 (abcnews.go.com)
National Parks to Charge Foreign Visitors More, Prioritizing American Access
**WASHINGTON D.C. ** – America’s most cherished national parks are set to implement new fee structures beginning January 1, 2026, which will significantly increase costs for international visitors while aiming to maintain affordable access for U.S. residents.
The U.S. Department of the Interior announced that non-U.S. residents will face a $250 annual pass fee or a $100 per-person charge, in addition to standard entrance fees, to enter select national parks.
This policy shift, described by the Department of the Interior as part of the Administration’s “America-first entry fee policies,” is designed to boost revenue for park maintenance and improvements. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized that the increased rates for foreign tourists will ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already contribute to the National Park System, continue to enjoy economical access.
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Burgum stated. “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers… continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
The affected parks, known for their iconic landscapes and high visitor numbers, include Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia & Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks.
The White House further underscored the initiative on X, stating, “AMERICANS OFFERED AFFORDABLE PRICES WHILE FOREIGNERS PAY MUCH MORE.” This push began in July with an executive order from President Donald Trump, tasking Secretary Burgum with developing a strategy to increase revenue and enhance the recreational experience at national parks through adjusted fees for non-residents.
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a group dedicated to preserving America’s national parks, indicated it is engaging directly with the U.S. Department of the Interior regarding the announcement. An NPCA spokesman noted, “There’s a lot to unpack in this announcement, including many questions on how it will be implemented – all which NPCA will raise with the Department of Interior.”
In conjunction with the new fee structure, the U.S. Department of the Interior also announced eight “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” for 2026, allowing U.S. residents to visit parks without charge on specific dates. These include President’s Day (February 16), Memorial Day (May 25), Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday (June 14), Independence Day weekend (July 3-5), the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (August 25), Constitution Day (September 17), Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (October 27), and Veteran’s Day (November 11).