US National Parks to Charge International Tourists Extra USD 100 Starting 2026 – Find Out Why This Could Impact Your Next Visit!

Published on December 9, 2025

On November 24, 2025, the Department of the Interior announced a significant policy change that will impact international tourists visiting the United States’ national parks. Starting on January 1, 2026, international guests will be required to pay an additional USD 100 (MYR 413.20) per person to enter 11 of the country’s most visited national parks. This new surcharge will be added on top of the standard entrance fees, and the implementation of this policy is framed under the notion of “America-first pricing.” In addition to this surcharge, international visitors will no longer be eligible for the fee-free days available to US residents.

Details of the New Policy

The Department of the Interior highlighted that the extra charge will apply to the 11 national parks that consistently see the highest levels of international tourism. These parks include well-known locations such as the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Zion National Park, the Grand Canyon National Park, Yellowstone National Park, Rocky Mountain National Park, and Yosemite National Park. This decision comes just months after the signing of an executive order by President Donald Trump to increase entry fees for non-resident visitors.

Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum provided a statement defending the policy, emphasizing that the new pricing structure reflects the administration’s commitment to prioritizing American taxpayers. He noted that US residents, who are already contributing to the support of the National Park System through their taxes, would continue to have affordable access to the parks. The extra fee for international visitors is meant to ensure that they contribute fairly to the maintenance and improvements of the national parks, which are often funded by the public. Burgum stressed that this approach would help preserve these cherished sites for future generations.

Impact on International Visitors

Each year, millions of international tourists visit the United States, with many of them spending time in the country’s national parks. According to a 2018 study by the U.S. Travel Association, 36.7 percent of overseas visitors include national parks or monuments in their itineraries. The new surcharge will likely have a noticeable impact on these travelers, as they will now face higher costs to visit some of the most iconic parks in the country. The exclusion of international tourists from the fee-free days is another significant change, as these days have historically provided opportunities for both US residents and international visitors to access the parks without paying an entry fee.

While this policy change has been framed as a way to ensure that international visitors contribute fairly, it also raises important questions about the potential consequences for tourism. The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has already expressed concerns about how this policy will be enforced and whether it will lead to challenges for international tourists. Kati Schmidt, a spokesperson for the NPCA, indicated that there were numerous details to clarify regarding the implementation of the new fee structure. The organization intends to raise these issues with the Department of the Interior to better understand how the policy will be carried out.

Revenue Allocation from the Surcharge

The Department of the Interior explained that the revenue generated from this additional fee would be reinvested directly into the national parks system. These funds will be used to support essential upgrades to visitor facilities, maintenance work, and improved services across the parks. The goal is to enhance the overall experience for visitors, ensuring that the parks continue to thrive and remain accessible to future generations. However, how the surcharge will be administered and what measures will be taken to ensure its fair collection are still unclear.

New Park Pass Prices

Along with the announcement of the new fees for international visitors, the Department of the Interior also revealed updated pricing for park passes. For US residents, an annual park pass will now cost USD 80 (MYR 330.56). However, non-residents will face a higher cost of USD 250 (MYR 1,033) for the same pass. These passes, which grant access to national parks throughout the country, will now be available in a digital format through Recreation.gov. Notably, the passes will also include coverage for two motorcycles, which is a new addition to the pass’s benefits.

The America the Beautiful Pass, which provides access to a range of federal recreational sites across the country, will also be available in digital form. The transition to a digital format is intended to make the pass more accessible and convenient for all users. This shift reflects an ongoing trend toward digital solutions in the recreation and tourism industries, as well as a desire to streamline access to public lands.

Fee-Free Days for US Residents

For US citizens and residents, several fee-free days will be offered throughout 2026, allowing them to visit national parks without paying the standard entry fee. These fee-free days are part of an ongoing effort to provide greater access to the parks and encourage public engagement with these natural treasures. The specific days designated for fee-free entry include Presidents Day on February 16, Memorial Day on May 25, Flag Day on June 14, the July 4 weekend from July 3 to 5, the 110th birthday of the National Park Service on August 25, Constitution Day on September 17, Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday on October 27, and Veterans Day on November 11. These days provide an excellent opportunity for US residents to explore the parks without the financial burden of entry fees.

Conclusion

The new policy introduced by the Department of the Interior marks a significant shift in how the National Park Service will manage its entry fees for international visitors. While the surcharge will help ensure that international tourists contribute fairly to the maintenance of the parks, it also raises questions about its long-term effects on tourism patterns. With millions of international tourists visiting the US each year, the increased costs may deter some visitors, while others may seek alternative destinations. For US residents, the fee-free days and the availability of digital passes provide added incentives to explore the country’s national parks in 2026. The implementation of these changes will certainly be watched closely, as they represent a major shift in the way the United States prioritizes the accessibility and preservation of its national parks.