U.S. National Parks to Increase Entry Fees by $100 for International Tourists Starting 2026
Washington, D.C. – The National Park Service announced a new fee structure effective January 1, 2026, that will impose an additional $100 surcharge on international visitors entering some of the United States’ most popular national parks. This policy shift aims to prioritize American residents while generating more revenue to support park maintenance and visitor services.
The fee adjustment affects 11 heavily visited national parks, including iconic sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. While U.S. residents will continue to pay the current rate of $80 for an annual park pass, foreign visitors will see the annual pass price increase to $250. The $100 daily surcharge will apply on top of existing admission fees for international tourists visiting these locations.
Reasoning Behind Fee Increase
The U.S. Department of the Interior explained that the extra fees for foreign visitors are part of an “America-first entry fee policy” aimed at easing the financial burden on American taxpayers who support the nation’s parks. The department cited major challenges facing the park system, including staff reductions, severe budget cuts, and recovery efforts following government shutdown-induced disruptions, which resulted in lost revenue and damage requiring repair.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that these changes will ensure U.S. residents maintain affordable access to national parks, while encouraging international visitors to contribute their “fair share” to infrastructure improvements and maintenance for future generations. This approach follows directives from a July 2025 executive order by then-President Donald Trump, which tasked the Interior Department with increasing entrance fees for non-U.S. residents and giving preference to Americans in recreational access rules.
Financial Impact and Park Visitation
The surcharge is projected to generate more than $90 million annually to support the National Park Service’s upkeep obligations and enhance visitor facilities. The national park system attracts hundreds of millions of visitors each year, with estimates projecting close to 332 million visitors in 2024. Roughly 15% of visitors to Yellowstone National Park came from abroad in 2024, down from nearly 30% in 2018.
Despite concerns about potentially discouraging international tourism, some research indicates that demand for visiting U.S. national parks is relatively inelastic—meaning increases in entrance fees may not substantially reduce visitor numbers. However, advocacy groups like the National Parks Conservation Association have expressed the need for further discussion regarding implementation details and effects on the overall visitor experience.
Fee-Free Days and Exclusivity
The new fees will also exclude foreign visitors from the eight annual fee-free days that remain available exclusively to U.S. residents. This move further underscores the administration’s position to place American taxpayers and visitors first in accessing national park resources.
Public Reaction and Future Outlook
The announcement has ignited debate among tourism experts, environmental groups, and policymakers about balancing financial sustainability of the parks with equitable access. Critics question how the fee hike will impact international tourism revenue in local economies and whether it may reduce global outreach and education about America’s natural heritage.
Regardless, the National Park Service will implement these changes starting January 1, 2026, marking a significant shift in the management and funding strategy of some of the nation’s most cherished outdoor destinations.