New York, November 30, 2025
Starting January 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior will implement a new fee policy requiring foreign visitors to pay an additional $100 per person or $250 for an annual pass at select national parks, including Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, to help fund park maintenance while preserving affordable access for American residents.
New Fee Policy for Foreign Visitors
Effective at the beginning of 2026, the U.S. Department of the Interior will introduce an “America-first” pricing policy for certain popular national parks. Under this policy, non-U.S. residents must pay an additional fee of $100 per person or opt for an annual pass at $250 on top of existing entrance fees. This applies to major destinations such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon.
Policy Rationale and Leadership
The policy is designed to balance park accessibility and sustainability by keeping entrance fees affordable for American families while having international visitors contribute a fair share toward the upkeep. This aligns with an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in July aimed at increasing revenue for the National Park System and improving the visitor experience.
The initiative is being overseen by Secretary Doug Burgum of the Department of the Interior, who is leading efforts to implement this pricing strategy. The department emphasizes that U.S. taxpayers already underwrite the majority of national park funding, and this approach seeks to address the growing maintenance and infrastructure needs amid high visitation rates.
Reactions and Ongoing Review
The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA), a nonprofit focused on preserving the natural and cultural resources of national parks, has acknowledged the policy and is currently reviewing the details in collaboration with the Department of the Interior. The NPCA’s involvement suggests ongoing stakeholder engagement as the policy rolls out.
Funding and Visitor Demographics Context
National parks in the United States receive considerable funding from federal tax revenues, which supports conservation and operations across the system. However, the influx of foreign tourists has increased pressure on park resources. This policy explicitly distinguishes the financial responsibilities between domestic visitors, whose access remains largely unchanged, and foreign tourists who will now bear additional costs.
The “America-first” pricing model reflects a broader effort to prioritize affordability for U.S. residents while strategically leveraging international tourism dollars to sustain the parks for future generations. Such a policy marks a significant shift in national park access, signaling the government’s intent to balance economic and environmental priorities amid growing demand.
The new fees will take effect across the affected parks starting January 1, 2026, potentially altering visitation patterns and revenue streams for the National Park System going forward. As this policy is implemented, close observation of its impact on visitor demographics and park funding will be necessary.