The foreign tourist fee hike the Trump administration just announced may be the biggest. This increase will be felt at visits to some of the nation’s most recognizable national parks. In 2026 and onward, annual passes for non-residents will require a minimum purchase of $250. At the same time, the fee for U.S. citizens and permanent residents will be left unchanged at $80. In doing so, the decision puts American families first. Simultaneously, it makes certain that our international guests contribute to the better upkeep and expansion of these valued nature resources.
Among the parks affected by this fee hike are the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, both of which attract millions of visitors each year. Other notable parks include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California, and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, all of which are among the country’s most visited destinations. In 2024, U.S. national parks experienced a record 331 million recreation visitors—almost a million per day! This record-breaking number is at least 6 million more than last year. This trend is a testament to the ever-increasing popularity of America’s national parks.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum stressed the logic behind raising the fee.
“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 to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations.”
The fee increase per project is expected to go into effect at the start of 2026. The administration said it would work to create a centralized online booking system. This alteration will help ensure the highest quality experience for all visitors and better access for motorcyclists across the entire multi-park unit.
In addition to these fee changes, U.S. citizens will be able to enjoy eight patriotic fee-free days in 2026. Celebrate these amazing national parks on their special days – in free style! These special days include Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day, allowing residents to celebrate these occasions without incurring entry costs.
The decision to raise fees for foreign tourists comes as part of a broader strategy to make national parks more accessible and affordable for American families. The administration is pushing some of this financial burden onto international visitors. In this manner, U.S. taxpayers will be able to continue to enjoy these environmental jewels without having to pay exorbitantly more.