Overview
- The National Park Service published 10 fee‑free dates for 2026 that apply only to U.S. citizens and permanent residents, including Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday, Independence Day weekend and the NPS’s 110th birthday.
- Beginning Jan. 1, non‑U.S. residents 16 and older will pay an additional $100 at 11 high‑traffic parks or $250 for a nonresident annual pass, with U.S. photo ID checks reported to enforce residency rules.
- Interior officials describe the move as an affordability measure for taxpayers, while civil‑rights and conservation advocates object to dropping Black history observances from the free‑day calendar.
- The America the Beautiful pass for residents remains $80 for 2026, adds a digital format and coverage for two motorcycles per pass, and physical cards will incur a $7.50 shipping charge.
- A public‑interest lawsuit challenges plans to put President Trump on 2026 annual passes, and the administration says a Glacier National Park image will appear on nonresident passes while resident passes feature Washington‑Trump artwork.