Big Price Hike for International Tourists Visiting U.S. National Parks

Published on November 26, 2025

Starting in 2025, foreign tourists visiting popular U.S. national parks like Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite will face a major price increase for their annual passes. This new pricing policy has sparked concerns about how it will affect international tourism in the U.S. and whether the government can maintain its national parks without discouraging global visitors.

The new “America-First” policy mandates a significant increase in fees for international tourists. The price of an annual pass for non-U.S. citizens will soar to US$125, compared to the current US$80 for American residents. While this increase applies to the annual pass, single and multi-day entry fees will remain unchanged—for now. The fee hike will primarily impact the world-famous parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite—destinations that attract millions of tourists each year.

The National Park Service (NPS), responsible for maintaining the parks, justifies the hike by pointing out the need for additional funds to cover vital park maintenance, conservation projects, and visitor services. According to government sources, the new policy is designed to support these critical services that rely on park revenue. There is also an indirect benefit to local economies, as tourism dollars are funneled into nearby businesses. But the question remains—how will this affect international visitors who already spend significant amounts to experience these natural wonders?

The Motivation Behind the Price Hike

The move follows a directive from the U.S. government to raise fees for foreign tourists visiting national parks. The policy aims to compensate for cuts in government funding. In July 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an executive order directing the U.S. Department of the Interior to increase entrance and recreational fees for foreign visitors. This new pricing scheme is part of a broader push to fund maintenance and conservation efforts across the U.S. national parks, which have been underfunded for years.

The goal of this new surcharge is to raise an additional US$90 million per year, with the money directly supporting the National Park Service’s operations. The administration’s justification for this surcharge is simple: U.S. citizens already contribute to the upkeep of these parks through taxes, so foreign tourists should pay more to help cover the cost of maintaining the parks they enjoy.

However, the National Parks Traveler highlighted that the surcharge was initially described as “to be determined,” leaving some ambiguity about how much the new fees will really cost international tourists in the long run. Some reports also suggest the increase will apply mainly to high-traffic parks like Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite—parks that see millions of visitors annually. These parks may absorb the majority of the fee hikes, while less-visited parks may see only modest increases.

What This Means for U.S. Tourism and International Visitors

For international tourists, these changes present a significant shift. The price hike may dissuade some visitors from planning trips to the U.S., especially those on a budget. With many foreign tourists already paying high costs for flights and accommodations, the added entry fees could be the tipping point that deters travel to America’s iconic national parks.

Moreover, for tourists from countries with weaker currencies, the fee increases could result in even higher costs. This change has the potential to reduce the volume of foreign tourists visiting the parks, leading to a decline in overall tourism revenue. That could impact not only park services but also local businesses that depend on the steady influx of visitors year-round.

However, tourism experts argue that the policy may have less of an effect on wealthier international tourists, who may still be willing to pay the increased fees to experience America’s world-renowned parks. On the flip side, the policy could disproportionately affect middle-class and budget-conscious visitors, reducing the diversity of nationalities and visitors who enjoy these parks.

Is the America-First Policy Sustainable for U.S. Parks?

The “America-First” pricing policy is being framed as a necessary step to support the conservation and maintenance of U.S. national parks, but it may have unintended consequences for international tourism. While the fees will generate substantial funds for the parks, it’s uncertain whether this increase in fees will significantly affect park visitation, especially by overseas tourists.

The U.S. government’s reliance on this new revenue stream could backfire if it drives tourists away. National parks are not only a treasure for American citizens but also a global cultural asset. Visitors come from all over the world to see these natural landmarks. If too many tourists are priced out of visiting, it could lead to long-term damage to the parks’ reputation as global destinations.

Moreover, tourism officials are concerned that this policy might inadvertently shift international tourists toward other global destinations with similar offerings but lower costs. Countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand also boast stunning national parks but may soon become more attractive alternatives if the U.S. fees rise significantly.

A Shift in the U.S. Tourism Landscape

The increase in park fees could have a lasting effect on U.S. tourism. While the policy is meant to fund the maintenance of national parks and improve visitor services, it could also undermine the inclusiveness that many tourists associate with U.S. travel experiences. By imposing higher fees on international visitors, the government may inadvertently harm one of the cornerstones of American tourism—its national parks.

U.S. parks are a major draw for international tourists, who contribute to the $1.1 trillion tourism industry in the United States. A decline in foreign visitation could negatively impact not only the parks but also the broader tourism economy. It’s clear that the U.S. government will need to balance revenue generation with accessibility if it hopes to maintain its national parks as a global attraction.

Final Thoughts

The “America-First” pricing policy represents a significant shift in how international visitors are charged to enter U.S. national parks. While the additional revenue may be vital for funding park maintenance and conservation efforts, it risks creating an economic barrier that could reduce tourism to America’s most iconic natural wonders. As the policy continues to unfold, both the tourism industry and visitors will closely watch its effects. For now, travellers planning to visit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, or Yosemite will need to adjust their budgets accordingly.