New One Hundred Dollar Entry Fee for International Tourists at U.S. National Parks in 2026

Published on November 27, 2025

In 2026, tourists will have to pay a $100 fee to enter 11 of the popular national parks in the United States, as stated in the recent news from the Department of the Interior. This policy aims to increase revenue to help maintain the National Park System from further deterioration, all the while allowing taxpayers free access to the parks they pay for.

People living in the U.S. will still have the option of paying an entrance fee for each park or buying an annual pass to the parks for a fee of $80. International tourists, however, will pay significantly more. Each of the heavily trafficked parks will charge a $100 fee. Also, annual passes for non-U.S. residents will increase to $250.

U.S. National Parks and Tourism Impact

The 11 parks affected by the new fee include some of the most iconic national parks in the U.S., such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Yosemite, Glacier, and Zion. These parks have long been popular among international visitors, many of whom travel to the U.S. specifically to experience the natural beauty and cultural significance of the country’s protected lands.

This new policy is part of the Department of the Interior’s broader efforts to sustain the National Park System amid rising costs and an increase in visitor numbers. In particular, the U.S. government aims to address the financial burden placed on the system by increasing demand and maintenance needs. The entrance fee for international visitors will help support operations and conservation efforts at the parks, while also ensuring that domestic tourists continue to benefit from affordable access.

The $100 fee applies to non-U.S. residents who do not purchase an annual pass. For those who plan on visiting several parks over the course of the year, the $250 annual pass will be an option, but this remains a significant cost compared to the $80 annual pass offered to U.S. residents.

Tourism Concerns for International Visitors

For many international visitors, the $100 entry fee may add an additional layer of expense to their U.S. vacation plans, especially for those visiting several national parks in one trip. The Department of the Interior has emphasized that the new fees are designed to ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already contribute to the national parks system, continue to enjoy affordable access while international visitors contribute more directly to the maintenance and growth of the parks they visit.

The new fee structure could have implications for international tourism to the U.S. national parks, potentially leading some travelers to reconsider or adjust their trip plans. Industry experts predict that the new charges could lead to declines in international tourism for certain parks, particularly those already facing crowding and environmental concerns due to the increasing number of visitors.

While this new policy is expected to generate revenue for conservation and maintenance, it may also result in fewer international visitors to the U.S. if these additional costs are viewed as prohibitive. With global tourism on the rise and many countries reopening their borders, the U.S. tourism industry may face competition from other countries with more affordable entry fees for national parks.

Rising Demand and the Need for Sustainable Tourism

The U.S. National Park System has witnessed a marked rise in visitors in recent years, especially since the easing of pandemic-related restrictions. Parks like Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon have been experiencing unprecedented crowds, putting increased pressure on park infrastructure and natural resources. This surge in tourism has led to challenges in preserving the parks’ pristine environments while accommodating growing numbers of visitors.

To address these challenges, the Department of the Interior is working on several initiatives to better manage the impact of tourism, including visitor management programs, environmental protection measures, and the introduction of higher fees for international tourists. This approach seeks to balance the need for sustainable tourism while ensuring that national parks remain accessible to everyone, including U.S. residents who provide financial support through taxes.

The Future of U.S. National Parks and International Visitors

Looking ahead, the $100 entry fee for international tourists is part of the broader trend of redefining tourism fees to reflect the true cost of preserving the National Park System. As the U.S. works to maintain the integrity of its national parks, this policy may evolve in the coming years as part of ongoing discussions around tourism sustainability and park funding.