Utah Joins Montana, Wyoming, Florida, Maine, California, Arizona, and Other States as US Government Hike Park Entry Fee in 2026, Raising Hundred Dollar for Foreign Visitors Under the New America First Policy

Published on November 26, 2025

Utah joins Montana, Wyoming, Florida, Maine, California, Arizona, and other states as the US government hikes park entry fees in 2026, raising them by $100 for foreign visitors under the new America First Policy, this fee increase is designed to prioritize US residents while ensuring that international tourists contribute more to the maintenance and conservation of national parks, which are experiencing higher visitation and budget challenges. The funds generated from these fee hikes will help address the maintenance backlog, improve park facilities, and support critical conservation efforts to protect these natural treasures for future generations. As national parks continue to face staffing shortages and increased operational costs, this policy is seen as a necessary step to ensure the long-term sustainability of the park system.

The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) is making significant changes that will affect international visitors to some of the most iconic and heavily visited national parks in the country. Under the new “America First Policy,” which takes effect on January 1, 2026, foreign visitors will face record fee hikes, while U.S. residents will continue to benefit from relatively lower entry costs. The changes come as the NPS grapples with growing attendance, increased operational strain, and a shrinking budget, and they aim to bolster conservation efforts and maintain the parks for future generations.

This policy, which includes increased entrance fees and new surcharge structures, is part of the U.S. government’s broader plan to give American residents priority while ensuring that foreign tourists contribute more to the upkeep of the country’s natural treasures. Notably, 11 of the most popular national parks across the country will be directly impacted by this shift, and these fee hikes will generate millions of dollars to address much-needed maintenance and conservation projects.

The New America First Policy and Its Impact

The new America First Policy is designed to balance the increased pressure on U.S. national parks with a more equitable funding model. As the number of visitors to national parks continues to grow—reaching record numbers of over 331 million visits in 2024—the NPS is facing increasing operational challenges. Diminishing staffing levels, budget cuts, and rising visitation numbers have made it difficult for the Park Service to properly maintain facilities, manage conservation programs, and provide emergency services.

To address these challenges, the U.S. government has introduced a steep rise in entry fees for foreign visitors, along with an exclusive annual pass for international tourists. This is part of a broader effort to ensure that U.S. residents maintain priority access to the parks, while also making international tourists contribute their fair share towards preserving these national treasures.

New Fee Structure: What’s Changing?

Starting in January 2026, international visitors will pay a $100 per-person surcharge at the 11 most visited U.S. national parks, while U.S. residents will continue to pay the standard fee. This change aligns with President Trump’s executive order issued in July, which emphasizes the importance of prioritizing American citizens and residents when it comes to national park access and funding.

In addition to the individual entry fee hike, the new annual pass for foreign visitors will be priced at $250, significantly more expensive than the $80 annual pass for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. The new fees are expected to generate over $90 million annually, which will be used for essential maintenance and conservation efforts across the park system.

The surcharge will be applied at the following 11 national parks, which are some of the most visited and celebrated across the U.S. These parks, spanning from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Yellowstone in Wyoming, will now require foreign tourists to pay the new fees starting January 2026.

National Parks Affected by the Fee Increase

The following 11 parks will see a major price increase for foreign tourists under the new America First Policy:

• 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)
• Yosemite National Park (California)
• Zion National Park (Utah)

These parks, which collectively draw millions of visitors each year, are at the heart of the U.S. national park system. The fee hikes reflect the government’s attempt to balance the growing demand for park visits while addressing the financial shortfalls that have led to declining infrastructure and maintenance issues in recent years.

The Fee Structure Breakdown

• Foreign Visitors:
  • Individual Entry Fee: $100 per person
  • Annual Pass: $250
• U.S. Residents:
  • Individual Entry Fee: Standard fee (varies by park)
  • Annual Pass: $80

Key States and Parks Impacted by New Entry Fee Hikes

The Impact of the Fee Changes

The rise in fees for foreign visitors is not without controversy. Critics argue that the higher fees could deter international tourists, especially from countries where the U.S. entry fees will now be a significant barrier. However, supporters of the policy emphasize that the funds raised from the new fees will directly benefit the parks, allowing for much-needed repairs, infrastructure improvements, and conservation work.

One of the major areas where the revenue will be used is addressing the backlog of maintenance projects. Currently, the NPS faces an estimated $12 billion in maintenance needs, from repairing roads and bridges to upgrading visitor centers and improving hiking trails. The surge in visitor numbers, combined with decreasing government funding, has made it impossible to keep up with the demand for park upkeep.

The additional revenue from foreign tourists will help fund these critical improvements, ensuring that U.S. national parks remain accessible, safe, and well-maintained for years to come.

Challenges Facing the National Park Service

While the increased fees will undoubtedly bring in additional revenue, they won’t solve all the challenges facing the National Park Service. Reduced staffing, aging infrastructure, and environmental concerns remain pressing issues. The U.S. government has also proposed cutting over $1 billion from the NPS budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which would further strain the system’s ability to operate efficiently.

The U.S. government’s priority to make national parks accessible primarily to residents also reflects a broader trend towards increased competition for park access. Reservation systems have been implemented at many parks in an effort to manage the high number of visitors, and this new fee structure could further prioritize U.S. residents who are more likely to be able to secure these spots.

A Growing Visitor Base

National parks have seen an unprecedented increase in visitation in recent years. In 2024 alone, the U.S. saw a record 331 million park visits, a 6% increase over the previous year. This rise in visitation can be attributed to several factors, including the rise in domestic tourism post-pandemic and the growing interest in outdoor activities, particularly during the warmer months.

While this boom in visitors has been good for the tourism economy, it has also put a strain on the resources and infrastructure that support park operations. With increasing foot traffic and limited funds to handle the upkeep, the government is now turning to tourists—especially foreign visitors—to help shoulder the cost.

Will the Fee Increases Work?

It’s difficult to predict how foreign visitors will respond to the steep fee increases. Some international travelers may choose to bypass U.S. national parks in favor of more affordable alternatives elsewhere. However, the U.S. national parks have long held a special place in global tourism, and their unique landscapes and natural beauty continue to attract millions of visitors from around the world.

The U.S. government’s decision to raise entry fees for foreign nationals is a bold move, and the success of the policy will depend on how well it balances the need for funds with the desire to keep the parks accessible and welcoming to all visitors. Only time will tell if these changes will help secure the long-term future of U.S. national parks.

Starting January 2026, foreign visitors will face steep entry fee hikes at some of the most popular U.S. national parks under the new America First Policy. While these changes will help fund much-needed conservation and maintenance projects, they also signal a shift towards prioritizing U.S. residents at the nation’s most iconic natural sites. For international tourists planning to visit these parks, the new policy will mean higher costs and limited access on fee-free days, making careful planning essential.

Starting in 2026, Utah joins Montana, Wyoming, Florida, Maine, California, Arizona, and other states as the US government raises park entry fees by $100 for foreign visitors under the new America First Policy. This fee hike is aimed at prioritizing US residents and ensuring foreign visitors contribute more to maintaining and preserving national parks.

For now, as the National Park Service continues to battle rising visitor numbers, a shrinking budget, and deferred maintenance needs, the increased fees are a necessary step in ensuring that U.S. national parks remain open and accessible for generations to come.