This photo from January 14, 2015, shows El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, California. AP Photo
Foreign travellers planning trips to major U.S. national parks will soon face steep new fees. The U.S. government announced Tuesday that starting in 2026, non-residents must pay an added US$100 surcharge when visiting 11 of the most popular parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite and the Grand Canyon. The fee comes on top of regular park entrance prices.
The U.S. Department of the Interior said the changes will help cover the rising costs of maintaining the country’s most famous natural sites. The department said the new approach aims to protect affordable access for U.S. families while asking foreign tourists to contribute more toward upkeep.
Annual pass price jumps for non-residents
The changes also include a major increase to the cost of an annual pass for international visitors. The pass will rise from US$80 to US$250 for non-residents. U.S. citizens and permanent residents will still pay the current US$80 price.
An annual pass allows unlimited entry for the passholder and extra guests. It also avoids the new US$100 surcharge for non-residents at high-traffic parks. Travellers who buy the annual pass won’t need to pay the extra fee each time they visit.
Without the pass, foreign visitors must pay both the regular entry cost and the new surcharge at parks such as Acadia, Everglades and Zion.
Government explains the decision
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the new system focuses on protecting access for Americans. “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” he said in the announcement. He added that U.S. taxpayers already support the park system and should continue to enjoy affordable entry. He said international visitors should contribute their share toward the upkeep of these historic areas.
The changes follow a July executive order from President Donald Trump, which directed officials to take steps that “preserve” parks for “American families.”
Parks remain huge draw for visitors
The U.S. national parks continue to attract travellers from around the world. The system’s 63 official national parks welcomed nearly 332 million visits in 2024. Many parks charge different entrance fees. Some charge by vehicle, while others charge per person. The annual pass allows one payment for unlimited access.
Foreign travellers who do not purchase the annual pass will now face the new US$100 surcharge at the most visited parks. Citizens and permanent residents of the U.S. will not pay the added fee.
The Interior Department also highlighted new “patriotic fee-free days” for U.S. residents. These will include President’s Day, Veteran’s Day, and June 14 — the president’s birthday, which also falls on Flag Day.
