California Joins Wyoming, Florida, Utah, Maine, Montana as One Hundred USD Surcharge on Entry for International Tourists to US National Parks Can Make to Develop More Infrastructure

Published on November 28, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

In a significant move, California joins Wyoming, Florida, Utah, Maine, and Montana in implementing a $100 surcharge on entry fees for international tourists visiting U.S. national parks. This new policy in US will apply to some of the nation’s most famous parks, such as Arizona, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Zion, and the Grand Canyon, impacting millions of foreign visitors. The goal behind this fee hike is clear: to generate more funds for park infrastructure and conservation efforts.

By introducing the $100 surcharge, these states are prioritising international tourists to contribute to the financial upkeep of America’s natural treasures. The introduction of this fee underscores a shift towards placing a greater burden on foreign visitors, who will now help ensure these parks are maintained and accessible for future generations. These changes are part of a broader strategy designed to modernise the National Park System and develop better infrastructure for both local and international visitors.

This $100 fee hike is not just a simple price increase but a strategic move to foster better national park infrastructure through foreign contributions. As California, Wyoming, Florida, Utah, Maine, and Montana push forward with this initiative, the parks will receive much-needed investments to improve accessibility and maintenance. However, the impact on international tourism remains to be seen. Will this surcharge deter foreign travellers or strengthen the national park experience? The $100 surcharge serves as a bold reminder of the rising cost of accessing America’s natural heritage, as these parks continue to face increasing pressure from both environmental challenges and growing tourist demand.

This latest move reflects a growing trend of prioritising American residents, but it also raises critical questions about the future of international tourism in U.S. national parks. Travel and Tour World urges you to read further to understand the full implications of this decision and what it means for both tourists and park infrastructure.

U.S. Residents Still Get a Break: The New ‘Patriotic’ Fee-Free Days

While foreign tourists are facing a steep price hike, U.S. residents will continue to benefit from the current pricing system. American families can still purchase an annual pass for $80, which offers unlimited access to all National Park Service sites. Additionally, several fee-free days have been designated to celebrate American patriotism, where U.S. residents can visit national parks without paying an entry fee. These fee-free days include:

• Presidents Day
• Memorial Day
• Flag Day (June 14)
• Independence Day weekend
• National Park Service Birthday (August 25)
• Constitution Day (September 17)
• Theodore Roosevelt’s Birthday (October 27)
• Veterans Day

These fee-free days are intended to provide additional opportunities for U.S. citizens to visit the parks without incurring any costs. However, they have stirred up resentment among foreign visitors who will not be able to take advantage of these benefits.

A Bold Move: $100 Fee Hike for Foreign Tourists to Visit America’s Most Iconic Parks

The Trump administration has just rolled out one of the most controversial and nationalistic policies aimed at international visitors to America’s national parks. Beginning in 2026, foreign tourists will be forced to pay a $100 surcharge on top of the regular entry fees to visit 11 of America’s most iconic national parks, including the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountain National Park and Yellowstone National Park. While U.S. residents will continue to pay a reduced rate of $80 for an annual pass, the hike for non-residents is set to skyrocket to an eye-watering $250 – more than three times the price for U.S. citizens.

This bold change is part of a broader nationalistic policy that aims to prioritise U.S. taxpayers over foreign tourists. According to the Department of the Interior, the new fees are intended to ensure that Americans – who already support the National Park System through their taxes – receive the greatest benefit from these natural treasures. The America-first entry fee policies could have a profound impact on global tourism to the U.S. and forever alter the way foreign tourists interact with America’s national parks.

In a move that has taken the travel world by storm, the Trump administration has introduced a dramatic policy change that will affect foreign tourists visiting the U.S. national parks. Beginning January 1, 2026, foreign visitors will have to pay an extra $100 surcharge to enter 11 of the country’s most iconic national parks, including the breathtaking Rocky Mountain National Park. The goal? To ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already bear the financial burden of maintaining the National Park System, are prioritized while foreign visitors contribute their fair share.

This new move, dubbed the “America-first entry fee policies,” marks a turning point in the way national parks operate. It’s not just about paying more; it’s about sending a clear message that American families, who fund the preservation of these parks, deserve the greatest benefits. Foreign tourists will feel the sting of this policy, as entry fees are set to soar.

Which Parks Are Affected by the $100 Foreign Visitor Surcharge?

The $100 surcharge for foreign visitors will apply to 11 of the U.S.’s most visited and beloved national parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yosemite, and Yellowstone. These parks are some of the world’s most renowned natural wonders, drawing millions of visitors each year. The new fees will apply starting January 1, 2026, and will also affect national parks such as:

• Acadia National Park (Maine)
• Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah)
• Everglades National Park (Florida)
• Glacier National Park (Montana)
• Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)
• Grand Teton National Park (Wyoming)
• Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado)
• Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks (California)
• Yellowstone National Park (Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho)
• Yosemite National Park (California)
• Zion National Park (Utah)

These parks are among the most iconic and popular tourist destinations in the U.S., and the new surcharge represents a bold attempt to shift the financial burden of maintaining them from American taxpayers to international visitors.

The Price Tag for Foreign Tourists – $100 More for the Most Famous Parks

Come January 1, 2026, the United States will implement a staggering new fee structure that will see the cost for foreign tourists skyrocket. While U.S. residents will pay just $80 for an annual park pass, foreign tourists will face an eye-watering $250 annual fee – more than triple the cost for Americans. This is all part of a larger plan to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are protected while international tourists pay a fair share for their access to these natural wonders.

But the changes don’t stop there. Nonresidents who opt not to purchase an annual pass will face an additional $100 fee per person to visit top national parks. These parks, including the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, will impose this surcharge in a bid to protect the resources that sustain these majestic locations. The parks that will be impacted by this surcharge are among the most visited in the United States, drawing millions of foreign visitors every year.

What Does the $100 Fee Mean for Foreign Tourists? The Truth About the Surcharge

From January 1, 2026, non-U.S. residents visiting Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Canyon, and other national gems will find themselves paying an additional $100 per person on top of the standard entrance fee. For those without an annual pass, this could mean an unexpected financial burden. Currently, entrance fees to these parks range between $15 and $35 for all visitors, regardless of nationality. But with the new surcharge, foreign visitors will pay up to $135 to enter these world-famous sites.

This dramatic price hike will undoubtedly discourage many international travellers from visiting these American landmarks. And while some argue that foreign tourists should contribute more to maintaining these parks, critics believe this is a stark example of exclusionary nationalism, which may hurt the U.S. tourism economy in the long run.

A Bold New Vision for America’s National Parks: Putting U.S. Taxpayers First

This new fee structure reflects President Trump’s broader vision of protecting and modernising the National Park System. “President Trump’s leadership always puts American families first,” says Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, reiterating the belief that U.S. citizens, who fund the system through their taxes, should benefit from it the most.

The move has sparked controversy, with critics arguing that it places an unfair burden on international tourists, but supporters insist that it is a necessary step to preserve the parks for future generations. These parks, many of which are struggling with budget and staffing cuts, can no longer afford to rely solely on the generosity of American taxpayers.

The Impact of the $100 Surcharge on Foreign Tourists: How Will This Affect Your Travel Plans?

For international visitors, the new surcharge could dramatically alter travel plans to the U.S. Those hoping to visit the iconic national parks will now have to reconsider their budgets. The $100 surcharge is expected to be added on top of the regular entrance fees, which already range from $15 to $35. The total cost for a family of four to visit these national treasures will now include hundreds of dollars in additional fees, potentially making a trip to America’s great outdoors less accessible.

Many park advocates argue that the surcharge will make visiting national parks a luxury for only the wealthiest foreign tourists, and that the policy could discourage international tourism, which has been a significant driver of revenue for local economies near the parks. Despite these concerns, the Trump administration maintains that it is a fair and necessary step to ensure that U.S. taxpayers are not subsidizing the enjoyment of foreign visitors.

Is This the End of Affordable Access to U.S. National Parks for Foreign Visitors?

For decades, America’s national parks have been a symbol of open access and shared heritage for people around the world. However, with the introduction of the $100 surcharge for foreign visitors, the once affordable entry to these national treasures is becoming more exclusive. The new policy will likely discourage international tourism, which has historically been a major source of revenue for local economies surrounding national parks. Some fear that the move could also damage America’s global reputation as a welcoming destination for tourists from all walks of life.

In response, park advocates are raising concerns that the surcharge will lead to fewer international visitors, and potentially cause a decline in overall tourism revenue. With national parks already grappling with budget cuts and staffing shortages, these new policies could prove damaging in ways that are hard to predict. Critics argue that this policy may end up hurting the very communities it aims to protect by alienating tourists and reducing the flow of visitors.

America the Beautiful Pass: A Digital Revolution in Park Access

In a further step towards modernising park access, the America the Beautiful pass will be going digital in 2026. This will allow tourists to purchase and manage their passes easily through Recreation.gov, making it more convenient for visitors to access parks across the country. The new digital passes will cover a variety of visitor types, including military families, seniors, and fourth-grade students, and will feature modern, patriotic designs.

The shift to digital passes is part of the broader trend towards streamlining the park experience and making entry more efficient. However, the move also raises concerns about accessibility for international tourists who may not be familiar with the online systems. And while these new passes will be more convenient for U.S. residents, foreign visitors may still feel the sting of the $100 surcharge when they enter these parks.

Fee-Free Days for U.S. Residents: The Silver Lining in a Controversial Policy

In an attempt to balance the fee increases for foreign visitors, the Department of the Interior has announced a series of “patriotic” fee-free days exclusively for U.S. residents in 2026. These days, including Presidents Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day weekend, will allow American families to visit the parks without having to pay the entrance fees. These fee-free days are seen as a way to show appreciation to American taxpayers who have long supported the park system.

However, this move is also likely to spark a wave of criticism from international visitors, who will not be able to benefit from the fee waivers. Many foreign tourists argue that if the parks are truly part of America’s global heritage, they should be accessible to everyone, regardless of nationality.

Digital Revolution in Park Access: The Launch of America the Beautiful Passes

As part of the overhaul to park entry fees, the administration is launching new, fully digital “America the Beautiful” passes. Starting January 1, 2026, these passes will be available through Recreation.gov, making it easier for tourists to access parks and manage their visit. The digital passes will cover all types of visitors, from military families to seniors and even fourth-grade students. This modernisation is designed to streamline the process of park entry and make it more efficient.

Additionally, a new design for the passes will be introduced, with bold, patriotic graphics that reflect America’s heritage. The new passes will also cover two motorcycles per pass, expanding access for those who prefer to explore the parks on two wheels. While these updates are seen as a step forward, the primary focus remains the financial burden placed on foreign visitors.

Patriotism and Profit: The Bigger Picture Behind the $100 Foreign Tourist Fee

Beyond the practical considerations of park funding, the policy is deeply rooted in a sense of nationalism. The Trump administration has made it clear that it views these parks as a symbol of American pride, and that foreign visitors should contribute more to their upkeep. The move is framed as part of a broader push to prioritise U.S. residents over international tourists, ensuring that American families get the most out of their tax dollars.

While the financial impact on foreign tourists is significant, the policy is also a reflection of a larger shift in U.S. tourism policy. By imposing these fees, the Trump administration is reinforcing the notion that America should benefit first and foremost from its own natural resources, with foreign visitors paying for the privilege of accessing them.

What’s Next for U.S. National Parks? A New Era of Exclusive Access

As the implementation of these new fees draws closer, the future of America’s national parks is poised for transformation. The $100 surcharge for foreign tourists is only the beginning. The broader trend is towards making the parks more exclusive, with U.S. residents receiving priority access through various reservation systems. These changes will reshape the way visitors experience the parks and could have long-lasting implications for both the parks themselves and the tourism industry that relies on them.

Is This Policy Justified? Examining the America-First National Parks Policy

The introduction of the $100 surcharge for foreign visitors to U.S. national parks is part of the Trump administration’s “America-first” agenda, which seeks to prioritise the interests of American citizens over those of foreign nationals. The policy is framed as a way to protect and preserve national parks for future generations while ensuring that U.S. taxpayers are not footing the bill for the upkeep of these public lands.

However, critics argue that the policy is unfair and discriminatory, as it disproportionately impacts international tourists who contribute significantly to the U.S. economy. Many of these visitors come to the U.S. specifically to experience its natural beauty, and the new surcharge may make these trips unaffordable for many.

Despite the concerns, the Trump administration maintains that the new fees are a fair way to ensure that foreign visitors contribute to the preservation of America’s parks, as the current system relies too heavily on the taxpayer dollars of U.S. citizens.

What’s Next for National Parks? The Future of U.S. Tourism and Access

The implementation of these new fees marks a significant shift in the way the U.S. national parks operate. For foreign tourists, the $100 surcharge is just the beginning of what could become a broader trend towards exclusivity in access to these public lands. With the new emphasis on resident-focused pricing, U.S. national parks may become increasingly difficult for international visitors to afford.

As the U.S. parks system moves into this new era, there will undoubtedly be continued debates over the balance between preserving public lands and ensuring fair access for all. The future of tourism in the U.S. national parks depends on finding the right balance between these competing interests.