As international tourism to the U.S. reaches record levels, the Department of the Interior has decided to introduce new fees for non-resident visitors. The announcement was made as part of the government’s broader strategy to make parks more accessible to U.S. taxpayers while asking foreign tourists to contribute their fair share to the upkeep of these vast and often fragile landscapes. However, the new fees are likely to raise questions about their fairness and the broader implications for tourism.
Higher Fees for Foreign Visitors at Major Parks
Starting in January 2026, international visitors will be required to pay an additional $100 (£76) to enter 11 of the U.S.’s most popular national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon. This surcharge is in addition to the regular entrance fees charged at these sites. For instance, if a visitor were to enter Yellowstone, where the usual fee is $20 (£15), they would now need to pay $120 (£90.82) under the new policy, according to the Department of the Interior.
These changes have been implemented following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump. The aim is to ensure U.S. taxpayers, who already fund the National Park System, continue to benefit from affordable access, while international visitors help contribute to maintaining and improving these parks for future generations. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum explained that the new fee structure would allow American families to continue enjoying the parks at a reasonable cost, while international visitors are asked to share the financial responsibility.
In addition to the per-visit fee, international visitors will also be given the option to purchase an annual pass for $250 (£189.23), which will provide access to all national parks for the year. This is a significant increase from the $80 (£60.55) annual pass available to U.S. residents. However, the change is seen as a way of addressing the growing pressure on national park resources due to an increase in tourist numbers.
Patriotic Fee-Free Days for U.S. Residents
In an effort to ensure that the changes do not negatively impact American citizens, the Department of the Interior has also announced eight “patriotic fee-free” days throughout 2026, including Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day. These days will be reserved exclusively for U.S. residents, allowing them to visit the national parks without paying the entrance fee. While these days may offer some reprieve, the question remains whether they will be sufficient to alleviate concerns about the increased financial burden on foreign tourists.
The new policy has also raised broader questions about the accessibility of U.S. national parks. While U.S. residents are exempt from the extra charges, foreign tourists will now find their visits more expensive, potentially making some of the nation’s most treasured natural sites less accessible for budget-conscious travellers. The changes also come amid broader challenges facing the National Park Service, including budget cuts and staffing shortages, which have made it more difficult to manage the parks effectively.
These new measures are expected to generate significant revenue for the U.S. government, which will be used to fund conservation efforts and ensure the long-term sustainability of the national parks. According to estimates, the policy could generate upwards of $90 million annually. However, the question remains whether this increase in fees will ultimately help preserve the parks or alienate foreign visitors who may decide to skip the U.S. in favour of other destinations.
