Foreign tourists visiting major U.S. national parks such as the Grand Canyon and Yosemite will face higher entrance charges beginning in 2026, the Trump administration has announced.
The Department of the Interior said international visitors will pay an additional $100 on top of existing entrance fees at 11 of the most popular parks. The cost of an annual pass for non-residents will also rise to more than $250, while U.S. citizens and permanent residents will continue to pay the current $80 rate.
The department said the changes are intended to “put American families first,” aligning with President Donald Trump’s goal of keeping national parks more affordable for U.S. residents.
“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum.
The higher fees will take effect at the start of 2026, coinciding with the launch of an upgraded online reservation system and expanded access for motorcyclists.
The announcement also outlined eight resident-only “patriotic fee-free” days for 2026, including Memorial Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.
The move follows an executive order Trump signed in July directing higher entry fees for overseas visitors, with the additional revenue earmarked for park conservation and maintenance despite proposed cuts to the National Park Service budget.
U.S. national parks have seen record popularity in recent years, drawing more than 331 million visitors in 2024, up more than six million from the previous year. The most visited sites include Florida’s Everglades, California’s Yosemite and Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park.
