The Trump administration has announced substantial increases in entrance fees for foreign visitors to the nation’s most iconic national parks. According to BBC News, starting in 2026, international tourists visiting popular destinations like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and the Rocky Mountains will be required to pay an additional $100 per person, on top of existing entrance fees, at 11 of the most visited national parks across the country.
The Department of the Interior, which oversees the National Park Service, framed the decision as part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to make America’s natural heritage more accessible and affordable for US citizens while ensuring international visitors “contribute their fair share” to the maintenance and improvement of these protected lands.
New National Parks Fee Structure Places Higher Costs On International Visitors
The newly announced fee structure creates a disparity between what American citizens and foreign visitors will pay to access national parks. Under the new policy, non-residents will also face increased costs for annual passes, paying more than $250 to visit multiple parks throughout the year. At the same time, US citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay the current rate of $80 for the same privilege.
“These policies ensure that US 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,” explained Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum in the official announcement.
Implementation Timeline And Additional Changes
The fee increases will take effect at the beginning of 2026, coinciding with the launch of an upgraded online booking system to streamline the visitor experience. The Department of the Interior also announced enhanced access provisions for motorcyclists across the national park system, with America the Beautiful passes now covering entrance fees for up to two motorcycles.
In addition to the fee changes, the administration has designated “patriotic fee-free” days in 2026 exclusively for US residents. The interior department announced five new “fee-free days,” bringing the total to 10 for US residents only, including significant national holidays such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Notably, the fee-free days will also include June 14, which Secretary Burgum noted is Flag Day and also President Trump’s birthday.
