US National Parks Boost Fees for Foreigners to Enhance Sustainability Efforts, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 26, 2025

International travelers heading to the most visited U.S. national parks will have to deal with increased costs starting January 2026. In an announcement from the U.S. Department of the Interior, they said that the cost of an annual pass for non- U.S. residents will increase to $250, which is more than three times the $80 cost for U.S. residents. In addition, foreign travelers without an annual pass will also have to pay $100, on top of the standard entrance fee, for access to 11 of the most popular national parks, which include the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain, and Yosemite.

The new prices will help insulate U.S. taxpayers, who already subsidize the national parks, while international visitors at least help the U.S. with the cost of preserving and maintaining the parks. The Department of the Interior has referred to the new policy as a “resident-focused fee structure,” which is seemingly placing priorities to American families visiting the parks.

Impact on International Tourists: Higher Fees for Access to Popular U.S. Parks

The announcement of these fee hikes will have significant implications for international travelers planning to visit national parks in the U.S. Tourists from abroad, who make up a vital part of the park visitor base, will now face higher costs to experience the natural beauty and iconic landscapes the U.S. is known for. The increased fees come at a time when international tourism to the U.S. has already been in decline, a trend driven by factors like changing tariff policies, tougher immigration regulations, and other international travel restrictions.

As a result of the price hike, international visitors will need to reconsider their plans to visit certain national parks, especially those on tight travel budgets or from countries where exchange rates may make U.S. park fees prohibitively expensive. Parks like the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone, which are globally recognized landmarks, attract millions of international visitors every year. With the new fee increases, these visitors will have to pay significantly more than U.S. residents, making the U.S. less competitive in attracting global tourists.

The National Park System’s Struggles and Rationale for the Hike

According to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, these price hikes are essential for maintaining and improving the parks. The rationale is rooted in ensuring that U.S. residents continue to have affordable access to public lands while international tourists contribute their fair share to preserving these parks. The National Park Service, which manages more than 70% of federal public lands, has faced significant financial challenges in recent years. The longest government shutdown in U.S. history saw the National Park Service struggle with limited resources, affecting staffing and maintenance of the parks.

During the shutdown, the National Parks Conservation Association estimated that the parks lost around $41 million in uncollected entrance and recreation fees. This shortfall, along with increased demands on the parks’ infrastructure and conservation efforts, contributed to the decision to raise fees for international visitors. By boosting the fees for foreign tourists, the government hopes to bridge the funding gap and ensure the sustainability of the parks.

Resident-Focused Fee Structure: Benefits for U.S. Citizens

In an effort to offset the increased costs for international visitors, the Interior Department has also introduced “resident-only patriotic fee-free days.” These special days will allow U.S. residents to visit national parks without paying the usual entrance fees. Some of the key dates for these fee-free days include Memorial Day, the Fourth of July Independence Day weekend, and June 14—Flag Day/President Trump’s birthday. These days aim to give U.S. families more affordable access to the parks while managing the influx of international tourists who are now required to pay higher fees.

Additionally, the Department of the Interior announced a major overhaul of the booking system for national parks. This upgrade is designed to improve access for visitors, including making it easier for motorcyclists to access parks. The new booking system is described as the most significant modernization of national park access in decades and aims to streamline the visitor experience.

Global Trends: U.S. Fee Hike Mirrors Other Countries’ Practices

The fee increases in the U.S. follow a broader global trend where several countries charge higher entry fees for international tourists visiting national parks and cultural attractions. Countries like Egypt, Thailand, and Cambodia have long implemented higher fees for foreigners visiting key tourist sites, citing the need to balance tourism revenue with local development and conservation efforts. These global practices have raised questions about the fairness of charging international tourists higher fees, but they are also seen as a necessary step to protect cultural and natural heritage sites.

In the case of the U.S., the fee hikes are framed as a way to ensure that international visitors contribute to the preservation of national parks, which face increasing pressures due to both the number of visitors and the effects of climate change. The added funds from the fee hikes will likely go towards infrastructure improvements, park maintenance, and the continued development of educational programs and services for visitors.

Concerns About the Decline in International Tourism

While the new fee structure aims to generate additional revenue, it also raises concerns about the potential decline in international tourism to the U.S. In recent years, there has been a notable drop in the number of international visitors to U.S. national parks. For example, Yellowstone National Park saw a decrease in international visitation from 30% in 2018 to just 14.8% in 2024. The rise in fees may exacerbate this downward trend, particularly if the cost of visiting these iconic parks becomes a barrier for tourists from abroad.

This decline is compounded by the broader challenges facing the tourism industry, including changes in international travel policies and geopolitical factors. With higher entry fees and stricter entry requirements, the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge as a leading global tourist destination.

The Future of U.S. National Parks and Tourism

The increased fees for international visitors to America’s National Parks represents a tradeoff for the US residents to still be able to access the parks at an affordable rate while the government deals with the loss of income from international visitors and the financial losses from the parks. The new price expected to draw more income from the parks maintenance and facilities alterations, but it also may result in losses from foreign tourism. The Bulk of the United States tourism industry continues to suffer with the high rate of the foreign tourists incurring expenses to visit the countries top rated parks.

The final impact of the price increase will be determined by the international tourism market and the potential for new target markets to be created with international tourists looking for affordable countries to visit, but will more than likely increase the potential for United States residents to access and enjoy the National Parks, and especially the parks new fee-free access days. The global position and access to international tourism markets will be the final determining factor. The impact of the changes to the fee structures and access to the parks will be available for international tourism to feel the impact of the access to the parks and the positive impact on their global position.