National Parks Enforce Fee Increases for International Visitors
The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced significant changes to the fee structure for international visitors at major national parks starting January 1, 2026. This new policy aims to enhance funding for U.S. parks while prioritizing American families.
New Fee Structure for International Visitors
Under the new regulations, non-U.S. residents will see a dramatic increase in fees. The annual pass for international tourists will jump to $250, a significant leap from the current $80 charged to U.S. residents.
- Annual Pass for non-residents: $250
- Fee for non-passholders: $100 per person, in addition to the standard entrance fee
Parks Affected by the New Fees
The fee increases will apply to 11 of the most popular national parks, including:
- Grand Canyon
- Yellowstone
- Yosemite
- Rocky Mountain
Purpose and Rationale Behind Fee Increases
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that the new fee structure aligns with the goal of maintaining affordable access for American taxpayers. He stated, “These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers,… continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share.”
The fee increase comes at a time when international tourism is seeing a downturn, attributable to various factors like changes in tariff policies and tighter immigration controls. For instance, Yellowstone has experienced a significant drop in international visitors, from 30% in 2018 to just 14.8% in 2024.
Additional Context and Comparisons
This new pricing strategy also follows the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, which adversely affected park maintenance and staffing. According to the National Parks Conservation Association, the parks lost about $41 million in uncollected fees during this period.
Moreover, the Department of the Interior has introduced “resident-only patriotic fee-free days” for the upcoming year. Significant dates include:
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Flag Day (June 14)
Future Improvements in Park Access
An upgraded booking system and enhanced access for motorcyclists are also part of the announcements, marking a significant modernization effort in national park accessibility.
Many countries, such as Egypt, Thailand, and Cambodia, impose higher fees for international tourists at their national parks, highlighting a growing trend in global tourism management.
