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Summary:
- Higher entrance fees for non-US residents.
- A steep increase in the annual national parks pass.
- A policy designed to favor American visitors.
- Real consequences for travel budgets and itineraries.
For many international travelers, US national parks are more than sightseeing stops. They often represent the heart of a carefully planned journey. Standing at the edge of the Grand Canyon or watching geysers erupt in Yellowstone is an experience many visitors build their entire trip around.
That experience will remain just as powerful. What will change is the price of entry. From 2026, foreign visitors will be asked to pay significantly more to access these parks, following a decision by the Trump administration. This raises practical questions about cost, park selection, and how to adjust an itinerary without losing what makes the trip special.
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A new price tag for international visitors
Until now, US national parks followed a simple principle. Entrance fees were the same for everyone, regardless of nationality or place of residence. That long-standing approach is coming to an end.
From January 1, 2026, the annual America the Beautiful pass will cost 250 dollars for non-US residents, while American residents will continue to pay 80 dollars. This pass gives access to all 63 national parks and thousands of other federally managed recreation sites across the country.
Travelers who pay per visit will also notice the difference. At several of the most visited parks, including Yosemite, Yellowstone, and the Grand Canyon, foreign visitors will face an additional 100-dollar surcharge on top of the standard entrance fee.
A quick look at the difference
| Visitor status | Annual parks pass | Extra fee at major parks |
| US resident | $80 | None |
| Non-US resident | $250 | +$100 per visit |
For anyone planning a multi-park road trip, these extra costs add up quickly and can reshape travel priorities.
Why the rules are changing
The administration has presented the new pricing as a practical decision. One objective is financial. Higher fees paid by foreign visitors are expected to help fund maintenance, conservation work, and infrastructure across the national park system.
There is also a political dimension. Officials have emphasized the goal of prioritizing American residents, including the introduction of patriotic days, during which US citizens will be able to access national parks free of charge.
This policy shift comes at a sensitive time for international tourism in the United States. Visitor numbers from abroad are already under pressure, influenced by economic uncertainty and travel perceptions. Higher park fees may not stop travelers from coming, but they can affect how long they stay and how many parks they include.
Visiting the parks without overspending
The landscapes themselves are not changing. What changes is how travelers need to plan. With a more selective approach, international visitors can still enjoy US national parks without stretching their budget too far.
Ways to adapt your travel plans
- Focus on fewer parks and choose those that matter most to you.
- Look beyond the most famous names. Lesser-known parks and monuments often offer quieter experiences.
- Combine national parks with state parks, which can be just as impressive and usually cheaper.
- Travel outside peak season to balance out higher entrance fees.
Budget insight
For a couple planning to visit three major national parks, the new surcharges alone could exceed 300 dollars. That amount could otherwise cover several nights of accommodation or a domestic flight. Being selective can make a real difference.
What this means for the future of travel in US parks
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Charging higher fees to foreign visitors is not unusual. Many countries already apply different pricing based on residency at cultural or natural sites. What stands out here is the scale of the increase and the message attached to it.
US national parks have long been seen as open, shared natural spaces, admired by visitors from around the world. From 2026, access will still be possible, but it will come at a higher cost for those traveling from abroad.For travelers planning a US trip in the coming years, the takeaway is simple. Anticipate these costs early, adjust your itinerary if needed, and explore alternatives beyond the busiest parks. The American landscape remains vast, varied, and often most rewarding away from the main gates.
