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52m ago

Interior Finalizes 'America-First' National Park Fees for Foreign Visitors Starting in 2026

Interior officials say higher nonresident charges will support maintenance to preserve lower prices for U.S. residents.

FILE - Tourists flock to Mather Point at Grand Canyon National Park, Oct. 1, 2025, in Grand Canyon, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)
A Yosemite National Park sign is seen in El Portal on Oct. 31, 2025. Foreign tourists will face a $100 surcharge and a $250 annual pass under new “America-first” fees at Yosemite and 10 other major U.S. national parks.
An image of previous annual park passes for national parks.
Visitors are seen at Tunnel View viewpoint in Yosemite National Park on Oct. 30, 2025. Foreign tourists will face a $100 surcharge and a $250 annual pass under new “America-first” fees at Yosemite and 10 other major U.S. national parks.

Overview

  • Beginning January 1, 2026, non‑U.S. residents will pay a $100 per‑person surcharge on top of standard entry to 11 heavily visited parks, including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Zion and Acadia.
  • The America the Beautiful annual pass will cost $250 for nonresidents while remaining $80 for U.S. residents, with the surcharge not applied to nonresidents who hold the annual pass.
  • The department will offer 2026 fee‑free entry days only to U.S. residents, including Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day weekend, the NPS 110th birthday, Constitution Day, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday and Veterans Day.
  • Operational updates include a new digital pass through Recreation.gov, redesigned physical passes featuring Donald Trump and George Washington, and coverage for two motorcycles per pass.
  • Officials say added revenue will fund maintenance and visitor services, while conservation groups and local businesses question economic impacts from declining international visitation and seek clarity on residency verification at gates.