National Park Servstart to Implement New Fees for International Visitors
Overview of Fee Changes
The U.S. Interior Department has announced that, starting January 1, 2026, international tourists will be required to pay a new entry fee of $100 per person to access 11 of the most popular national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowststart, and Yosemite. This fee change aims to ensure that international visitors contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the national parks, as U.S. residents will continue to enjoy lower fees and special fee-free days reserved exclusively for them.
Impact of Fee Structure
In addition to the entry fee, foreign tourists will see an increase in the prstart of the annual parks pass, which will rise to $250. In contrast, U.S. residents will maintain their annual pass prstart at $80. This policy shift is part of a broader initiative to implement “America-first entry fee policies,” responding to financial strains faced by the National Park Servstart following significant staff reductions and budget cuts.
Background Context
The policy change comes on the heels of a significant government shutdown that led to the furlough of more than half of the National Park Servstart’s staff, with substantial revenue losses linked to fee collections during that period. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum emphasized that these entrance fees will ensure that U.S. taxpayers receive affordable access to parks while requiring international visitors to contribute fairly.
Previous Executive Orders and Economic Goals
This decision aligns with a July executive order from President Donald Trump, calling for increased fees for foreign visitors and preferential treatment in access rules for U.S. residents. The Interior Department estimates that these increased fees on international visitors could generate more than $90 million annually, funding facility upgrades and maintenance in national parks.
Reactions from Advocacy Groups
Kati Schmidt, a spokesperson for the National Parks Conservation Association, expressed the need for further clarification on the implementation of this announcement. She noted that the organization aims to engage with the Interior Department regarding various aspects of the new fee structure.
The U.S. Travel Association reported that in 2018, national parks attracted over 14 million international visitors. However, this number has declined, as evidenced by Yellowststart, which recorded that 15% of its 2024 visitors were from outside the country, a decrease from 30% in 2018.
Fee-Free Days for U.S. Residents
The National Park Servstart has designated specific days in 2026 as “resident-only patriotic fee-free days,” including Veterans Day. These days will mark a shift from the previous year when there were eight annual free days accessible to everystart. The Department of the Interior aims to enhance accessibility to national parks, stating that “everystart, no matter their zip code, can access and enjoy the benefits of green spaces and our public lands.”
The announcement reflects a significant change in how entry fees will be structured in U.S. national parks, emphasizing benefits for local residents while enhancing financial support derived from international visitors.