US Slaps $100 Surcharge on Foreign Visitors to National Parks: A Tough Hit for Global Tourists in 2026!

Published on November 26, 2025

In 2026, foreign visitors to some of the US most popular national parks will face a hefty surcharge. The U.S. government announced that all non‑citizens or non‑permanent residents will have to pay an additional $100 on top of the standard entry fee to visit 11 national parks. This news has sent shockwaves through the tourism industry, as many international travelers plan their bucket-list trips to America’s stunning national treasures.

The U.S. National Parks are already some of the most-visited tourist destinations in the world. But with this new surcharge, many are questioning how this will affect international tourism to the United States. The new fees will hit hard, especially for those who have planned trips around the iconic parks like Yosemite, Everglades, and Acadia, which are included in the list of 11 parks subject to the surcharge.

Why is the U.S. Implementing This Change?

The U.S. government says the move is intended to ensure that foreign visitors pay their fair share for maintaining and preserving the National Parks, given that U.S. taxpayers already fund these initiatives. According to Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior, the policy aims to “put American families first.” The surcharge is framed as a way to reduce the financial burden on U.S. citizens while ensuring that visitors from abroad help cover the costs of park maintenance and improvements.

While this decision follows an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump in July to “preserve” national parks for American families, the policy has raised concerns about its impact on international tourism and the country’s reputation as a welcoming destination for visitors from around the globe.

How Much Will Foreign Tourists Be Affected?

Starting in 2026, the new $100 surcharge will apply to foreign tourists visiting the 11 most popular national parks in the U.S. These parks, known for their beauty and historic significance, will see higher entry fees. Along with the entry fee hike, the America the Beautiful annual pass will more than triple in cost for foreign visitors, rising to $250 from the current price of $80.

For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, the surcharge does not apply, meaning they will continue to enjoy the parks at the current entry rates. However, international travelers are faced with a tough decision: either pay the higher entry fees for each park or shell out the hefty price for the annual pass, which may not even be a cost-effective option for those planning to visit only a few parks.

What Will This Mean for Global Tourists and U.S. Tourism?

This new surcharge will likely affect the number of international visitors who come to explore the U.S. National Parks. With the additional costs, many tourists may reconsider their plans, as the U.S. has long been a top destination for travelers seeking to experience the grandeur of parks like Yosemite in California or the Everglades in Florida.

Moreover, the fee hike may deter travelers from countries where the U.S. is already an expensive destination. The increase in costs, paired with the potential negative reaction from international tourists, could harm the tourism industry in the long run. Many tourists might choose other beautiful destinations that offer similar experiences at a lower cost, hurting U.S. tourism revenues.

The Impact on American Tourism: A Double-Edged Sword

On the one hand, this change could bring in more revenue for the National Park Service, but on the other hand, it risks alienating the very tourists who contribute significantly to the tourism industry. The United States is known for its diversity of landscapes, and national parks are a big part of that appeal. By placing additional financial barriers in front of international visitors, the U.S. may find itself in a difficult position, especially with global travel becoming more competitive.

The $100 surcharge not only affects the immediate experience of visiting these parks but also impacts the long-term relationship between the U.S. and international visitors. Travelers who previously felt welcomed in the U.S. may now feel excluded or burdened by the extra costs. In a world where tourism is a major global industry, this could be a costly mistake for the country’s tourism sector.

Which Parks Will Be Affected?

The 11 national parks impacted by the surcharge include some of the most iconic locations in the U.S. Everglades National Park in Florida, Yosemite National Park in California, and Acadia National Park in Maine are just a few examples. Though the article does not list all 11 parks, it’s clear that these locations, known for their natural beauty and environmental significance, will now come with a steeper price tag.

International visitors who plan to visit more than one of these parks will face an additional cost for each park, further escalating the financial burden. Those who want the flexibility to visit all 11 parks may choose to purchase the America the Beautiful annual pass, which will now cost foreign visitors $250. However, this might not be the best option for those who only want to visit a few of the top national parks.

What Can Be Done? Will This Impact Tourism Forever?

While it’s clear that the U.S. government is trying to balance the budget and ensure that parks are maintained, the policy could backfire by deterring foreign tourists, a group that plays a crucial role in supporting the economy. International tourists are often more likely to visit multiple parks during their trips, making them valuable contributors to the national tourism sector. By imposing additional costs on foreign visitors, the U.S. risks losing this vital stream of tourism income.

Ultimately, the success of this policy will depend on how tourists respond to the increased fees. If international travelers feel the financial burden is too high, they may choose alternative destinations. In the long term, this could affect the number of visitors, the revenue generated by the parks, and the overall reputation of the U.S. as a tourist-friendly destination.

A Controversial Policy That Could Have Major Repercussions for U.S. Tourism

The new $100 surcharge on foreign visitors to U.S. National Parks marks a significant shift in the way the U.S. manages tourism to its most iconic natural sites. While it may be seen as a way to protect parks and make international visitors pay their share, the policy raises serious concerns about its impact on tourism. The increased costs could discourage international travelers from visiting, ultimately affecting U.S. tourism in ways that may take years to recover from.