The United States has announced a significant new pricing structure for its national parks, which will see foreign visitors charged substantially more for access while American citizens enjoy protected rates.
New Fee Structure for International Tourists
Starting on 1st January 2026, the America the Beautiful digital annual pass will cost $250 for foreign visitors, a sharp increase from the current price. Meanwhile, the cost for US citizens will remain unchanged at $80 per year. The US Department of the Interior confirmed the move on Tuesday.
For international tourists not purchasing an annual pass, accessing America's 11 most-visited national parks will become notably more expensive. They will face an additional $100 per person charge on top of the standard entrance fee. This list of premium parks includes iconic destinations such as Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, and Yosemite National Park.
Benefits for Americans and Revenue Investment
In a statement, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum framed the policy as putting American families first. "President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first," Burgum said. "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 for future generations."
The announcement confirmed that all revenue generated from these new policies will be reinvested directly into the national parks. The funds are earmarked for visitor facility upgrades, essential maintenance, and improved services nationwide.
The policy change also brings an update for motorcycle enthusiasts. At parks charging vehicle admission, the annual pass will now cover the cost for up to two motorcycles, doubling the previous coverage of just one. The policy for other types of vehicles remains unchanged.
Expanded Digital Pass Options and Free Access Days
A suite of other digital passes will be introduced, offering benefits for specific groups. American residents aged 62 and older will have the option of a $20 annual pass or an $80 lifetime pass. Veterans and Gold Star military family members will be eligible for free lifetime passes.
Current US military members and their families can purchase annual passes for $20. Furthermore, all fourth graders will receive free access to national parks through August 2026.
All passes will become available for purchase on Recreation.gov starting in the new year and can be accessed via a Recreation.gov account, mobile app, or mobile wallet. The new passes will feature modernised, patriotic designs.
The Department of the Interior also highlighted eight days in 2026 when entry to all national parks will be free for every American. These are:
- President's Day (16th February)
- Memorial Day
- Flag Day/President Trump's birthday
- Independence Day weekend
- The 110th Birthday of the National Park Service
- Constitution Day
- Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday
- Veterans Day
This shift to digital access fulfils requirements set by Congress in the 2024 EXPLORE Act, though physical passes will remain available for purchase by mail or at over 1,000 sites across the country.
The price adjustment traces back to a July executive order from President Trump aimed at 'increasing revenue and improving the recreational experience at national parks'. A Congressional Research Service paper from September noted the difficulty in estimating potential revenue, as the National Park Service does not systematically track foreign visitor numbers. A Yellowstone study found foreign entrants dropped to under 15% in summer 2024 from 30% in 2018.
