America First Policy Sees International Visitors Face Higher National Park Fees
The United States National Park Service has announced a significant policy shift that will see millions of international tourists charged substantially more to visit the country's most famous natural landmarks. From 1st January 2026, foreign visitors will need to pay an additional $100 entry fee at eleven of the most popular national parks, including iconic sites like the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite.
Which Parks Are Affected and What Are the New Costs?
The fee increases, confirmed by the U.S. Department of the Interior, represent a major change in how the parks are funded. While American residents will continue to enjoy the current pricing structure, international tourists will face considerably higher costs. The annual parks pass for foreign visitors will jump to $250, compared to the $80 rate that will remain for U.S. citizens.
This policy extends beyond simple entry fees. The National Park Service will also exclude international visitors from fee-free days, which will now be reserved exclusively for American residents. Next year's Veterans Day, which was one of eight free days open to all visitors in 2025, will become part of what the department describes as "resident-only patriotic fee-free days."
Budget Pressures and Political Direction Behind Changes
The announcement comes as national parks grapple with multiple challenges, including major staff reductions and severe budget cuts. Parks are still recovering from damage sustained during the recent government shutdown and significant revenue lost when fees couldn't be collected during that period.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the changes in a social media post, stating they ensure U.S. taxpayers "continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations!"
The move follows a July executive order from President Donald Trump directing parks to increase entry fees for foreign tourists. However, the implementation has raised questions, with Kati Schmidt of the National Parks Conservation Association noting they will raise "many questions on its implementation" with the Department of Interior.
Impact on International Tourism and Park Funding
With the U.S. Travel Association estimating that national parks and monuments attracted more than 14 million international visitors in 2018 alone, the new fees represent a substantial potential revenue stream. The additional funds are intended to support park maintenance and upgrade visitor facilities.
This policy marks a significant shift from previous inclusive approaches. Just last year, the Department of the Interior promoted fee-free days by saying they wanted to ensure that "everyone, no matter their zip code, can access and enjoy the benefits of green spaces and our public lands." The new America-first entry fee policies suggest a fundamental change in philosophy toward international visitors to these natural treasures.
