The Trump administration is implementing its "America First" doctrine into the heart of the American wilderness, unveiling a contentious new policy that will see foreign visitors charged more than triple the price of US citizens to access the country's famed National Parks.
Substantial Fee Hikes for International Tourists
On Tuesday, the US Department of the Interior detailed plans for the updated entry fee structure, set to commence on 1 January 2026. The move is part of a broader package intended to make these natural spaces "more accessible, more affordable and more efficient for the American people."
Under the new system, an annual pass will cost $80 for US residents, while non-residents will be charged $250. The department stated this ensures that American taxpayers, who already fund the National Park System, "receive the greatest benefit."
For international visitors without an annual pass, the cost will be even steeper. They will face a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most popular national parks, a charge that comes on top of the standard entrance cost.
Which Parks Are Affected by the New Charges?
The significant price increases will apply to some of the most iconic and visited parks in the United States. The list of affected parks includes:
- Acadia in Maine
- Bryce Canyon and Zion in Utah
- The Everglades in Florida
- Glacier in Montana
- Grand Teton and Yellowstone
- Rocky Mountain in Colorado
- The Grand Canyon in Arizona
- Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks in California
- Yosemite in California
The administration argues that the revenue from these hikes is necessary to "help support the care and maintenance of America’s parks." This justification references the severe strain placed on the parks during the historic 43-day government shutdown, which led to issues like overflowing toilets, vandalism, unmaintained trails, and even a 70-acre wildfire near an unstaffed campground in Joshua Tree, California.
Patriotic Perks and Digital Modernisation
In a clear benefit for US citizens, the administration is also introducing resident-only patriotic fee-free days starting next year. The selected dates are deeply symbolic, blending national holidays with tributes to political figures.
The free entry days will occur on:President’s Day (16 February), Memorial Day (25 May), Flag Day which also coincides with President Trump’s birthday (14 June), the Independence Day weekend, the 110th Birthday of the National Park Service (25 August), Constitution Day (17 September), Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday (27 October), and Veterans’ Day (11 November).
Alongside the new fee structure, the Department of the Interior announced modernisations to park access. The popular America the Beautiful passes – including Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade and Access passes – will be available in a fully digital format via Recreation.gov.
However, the updated annual pass artwork has already sparked controversy on social media. The new design features a picture of Donald Trump next to George Washington, a move that has drawn dismay and criticism from some members of the public.
Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum defended the overall policy, stating, "President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first... 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."
