Foreign tourists visiting several U.S. national parks, including the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, will be subject to an increased fee beginning in 2026, as announced by the Trump administration. The Department of the Interior stated that international visitors will need to pay an additional $100 to access 11 major parks, on top of the current entrance fees.
Starting in 2026, non-U.S. residents will also be required to pay over $250 for an annual park pass, while U.S. citizens and permanent residents will remain charged $80. This fee adjustment aims to address budget concerns and to support U.S. families, according to the department. Doug Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior, mentioned that these changes ensure American taxpayers can access national parks affordably, while international visitors contribute to the maintenance of these sites.
Alongside the fee increase, the Department of the Interior plans to introduce an upgraded online booking system and improve access for motorcyclists across the parks. The announcement also highlighted eight designated “patriotic fee-free” days in 2026, which will be available only to residents, including significant holidays such as Memorial Day and Independence Day.
This fee adjustment follows an executive order signed by President Trump in July to raise entrance fees for international visitors. The additional revenue is intended to support conservation and maintenance efforts, despite the administration’s plans for cuts to the National Park Service budget. U.S. national parks have experienced record attendance in recent years, with an estimated 331 million visitors in 2024, which marks an increase of at least 6 million from the previous year. Prominent parks include the Everglades in Florida, Yosemite in California, and Colorado’s Rocky Mountains.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c1kpnxvpgy2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss