US National Parks to Impose New $100 Fee on Foreign Visitors

Beginning January 2026, international visitors to the United States’ most popular national parks will face an additional $100 fee per person. The Department of the Interior announced the new policy at the end of November 2025, applying to eleven of the country’s most visited parks, including Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Zion, Glacier, Grand Teton, Rocky Mountain, Sequoia and Kings Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Everglades, and Acadia. The move is intended to ensure sustainable park management while keeping access affordable for American residents.

Under the new rules, foreign visitors will pay an extra $100 on top of the standard entrance fees applied to all guests. Alternatively, international travelers can purchase a “nonresident America the Beautiful annual pass” for $250, significantly higher than the $80 annual pass available to U.S. citizens. For families or groups, these added costs can quickly accumulate, making visits to national parks far more expensive than in previous years.

Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum explained that the policy prioritizes American families. “This approach ensures that U.S. taxpayers, who already fund the national park system, can continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute fairly to park maintenance and improvements for future generations,” he said, emphasizing what the government calls “America-first pricing,” which differentiates costs between domestic and foreign visitors.

Financial Pressure

The policy comes amid increasing financial pressure on the National Park Service (NPS). In recent years, budget cuts and staffing reductions have affected trail maintenance, visitor facilities, and services. Revenue from foreign visitors is expected to help improve park conditions, strengthen conservation efforts, and ensure safe, enjoyable experiences for all visitors. The additional funds will support infrastructure repairs, including bridges, sanitation facilities, and visitor services such as guides and security.

While the government highlights the benefits of the new fees, reactions among the public and international tourism industry are mixed. Hotel owners, restaurants, and tour operators near national parks worry that the hike will deter foreign tourists. They warn that if international visitors cancel trips or seek alternative destinations, local economies could feel a direct impact. Some travelers may consider the $100 per-person surcharge or the costly nonresident annual pass a barrier, especially for families or budget-conscious backpackers.

Raise Concern

Park staff and conservation volunteers have also raised concerns that the policy could undermine the “universal spirit” of national parks, which are meant to be open and accessible to visitors worldwide. The Coalition to Protect National Parks, a group opposing the fee increase for foreign tourists, warns that limiting access in this way could reduce cross-cultural experiences in the parks and decrease international visitation, which has long been an important component of tourism ecosystems.

The NPS emphasizes that the new fees do not affect U.S. citizens or permanent residents. American visitors will continue to enjoy access to all national parks with the $80 annual pass at no additional cost. The policy aims to balance the parks’ funding needs with public access, ensuring domestic visitors are not burdened while international visitors contribute to the upkeep and sustainability of the parks.

For international travelers planning visits to U.S. national parks, the new policy requires more careful planning. Visiting multiple parks with substantial additional fees can significantly impact total travel budgets. Travelers are advised to consider purchasing the nonresident annual pass if they plan to explore several parks in a year, or to adjust their itinerary to prioritize certain destinations to manage costs. Less-visited parks can offer alternative experiences for travelers seeking nature without the high fees.

Through this policy, the U.S. government aims to maintain the sustainability of its national parks and ensure that facilities are well-maintained. However, the impact on international tourism and local economies remains a concern. The decision illustrates how countries with popular natural attractions attempt to balance funding for conservation with public access, particularly for foreign visitors. (Wage Erlangga)

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