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The Department of the Interior announced Tuesday that foreign visitors will face higher fees to enter many of the nation’s most popular national parks under new policies scheduled to take effect in 2026.
The agency said the changes reflect President Donald Trump’s effort to make national parks “more accessible, more affordable and more efficient for the American people.”
“President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said in a statement. “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.”
Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, the cost of an annual pass will remain $80 for U.S. residents. For nonresidents, the price will rise to $250. According to the Interior Department, the change is meant to ensure that “American taxpayers who already support the National Park System receive the greatest benefit.”
Foreign visitors without an annual pass will also pay a $100 per person entrance fee at 11 of the most visited national parks. The list includes Acadia, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion. The higher fees will not apply to foreigners who live in the United States.
Interior officials noted that the new pricing model is consistent with practices already used in other countries. Several nations charge international visitors more than residents to enter their national parks and protected areas.
Along with the fee changes, the National Park Service plans to modernize its pass system. America the Beautiful passes will soon be available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov. Visitors will be able to purchase and use passes instantly and store them on mobile devices if preferred.
Americans will continue to enjoy free entrance on several designated holidays, including Flag Day on June 14, which is also President Trump’s birthday.
The Interior Department said the additional revenue generated by the new policy will be reinvested directly into national parks. The funds will be used for facility upgrades, maintenance projects and improvements to visitor services across the country.
